How to Use HTML Headings (H1-H6).

Adrian Ioppolo

a laptop open and a person working on the code of a website changing the heading structure

What Are HTML Headings?

HTML headings are essential for communicating the structure and content of a webpage to both search engines and users. They are critical for SEO and user experience. HTML headings, ranging from H1 to H6, help organise content hierarchically on a webpage.

HTML Headings for User Experience.

For users, section headings provide a clear way to navigate content. Without headings, text can appear overwhelming and difficult to skim. Headings act as signposts, guiding readers to the main points and allowing them to understand the structure of the content at a glance.

HTML Headings for SEO.

In terms of SEO, proper use of headings helps search engines understand your page’s structure and the topics covered in each section. A well-organised heading structure can improve your visibility on search engines like Google.

a laptop open to the code section showing the HTML heading structure

Using an SEO tool like Semrush can help identify the right keywords to include in your headings for better optimisation.

How Many HTML Headings Are There.

There are six types of HTML headings: H1, H2, H3, H4, H5, and H6. These headings create a hierarchy:

  • H1: Main title (used only once per page)
  • H2: Subheading of H1
  • H3: Subheading of H2
  • H4: Subheading of H3
  • H5: Subheading of H4
  • H6: Subheading of H5

Writing Effective Headings.

  • Keep them short and direct.
  • Break long sentences into multiple headings if necessary.
  • Include relevant keywords, especially in H1, as search engines prioritise these.

Using HTML Headings.

  • H1: Use for the main title of a page/post. Only use once per page.
  • H2-H6: Use for subheadings in descending order of importance. Avoid skipping heading levels (e.g., don’t jump from H1 to H3 without an H2 in between).
html headings in coded example

Does My Template Have the Heading Structure Done Correctly?

Unfortunately it is quite common for this to be lacking. Please follow the link to the article are web builder templates bad for SEO in 2024?

Accessability.

When creating an HTML document, ensure:

  • Only one <h1> tag for the most important heading.
  • A logical hierarchy of headings from <h1> to <h6>.
  • Proper font sizes and organised headings for screen reader compatibility.

Conclusion.

Understanding HTML headings (H1-H6) is crucial for effective website structuring. Proper use of these tags improves user experience and SEO by giving structure to your content and helping search engines understand your topics. Implement these practices to maximize your website’s potential.

If you need help with your website, feel free to contact us. We offer website recovery & repair services as well as various website design, optimisation and maintenance packages to get your site back to where it should be.

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Adrian Ioppolo