Header tags play an important role in Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) as well as website design.
If you’re new to SEO, you might have never paid much attention to the headings on a website.
However, header tags offer an important hierarchical structure to content, helping user navigation and readability whilst allowing search engines to gain an understanding of the content on a website
In this guide, we’ll cover some key information about header tags, including some of the best practices to follow when using header tags.
Let’s get started.
What Is A Header Tag?
In short, header tags, also known as heading tags, are HTML elements used to differentiate different levels of headings and subheadings on a webpage.
For example, if we were to take the heading above, it would look like
<h2> What Is A Header Tag? <h2>
Header tags follow a hierarchical structure, from <h1> to <h6>, and are ranked in order of importance.
While H1 tags offer the most important text, such as the title of the page, H2 and H3 tags are often used as subheadings.
In the same breath, H4 to H6 tags should be used to offer additional structure to your content
Header tags are beneficial for both users and search engines like Google. Not only do they enhance user experience and accessibility for users, but they also provide vital contextual information to search engines so they can better understand your webpages.
How To Use Header Tags: SEO Best Practices
There are many best practices to follow when it comes to using header tags.
They include, but are not limited to:
1. Only Use One H1 Per Page
The first best practice to follow when using header tags is to only use one H1 per page.
Header tags should follow a hierarchy, with a single H1 at the top of the page.
Using more than one H1 on the same page is generally perceived as bad practice not only for accessibility but also for your website’s SEO.
2. Use Header Tags To Provide Logical Structure
You should use header tags to provide structure to the content on your website.
If your header tags were chapter titles within a book, for instance, your H1 would be the main title, H2s would be chapters, and H3s and down would be subsections.
3. Include Keywords
An important best practice to follow is to include keywords in your header tags.
That said, you shouldn’t force or ‘stuff’ them into your headings if it means you’re compromising the readability of the header tag, as keyword stuffing can have a wealth of negative impacts on your SEO.
Remember that Google and search engines use your header tags to understand the content of your page, so it’s key to not overload your header tags with keywords.
To learn more about how to choose the right keywords for SEO, be sure to check out this blog.
4. Break Up Blocks Of Text With Subheadings
Breaking up blocks of text on your website with subheadings can work to make the page more readable and easier to digest.
An article that you can skim read is already in a better position to rank well on search engines, as Google rewards pages that are user friendly.
If a user can get their answer quicker by scanning an article that includes clear, easy to read subheadings, then this is better for user experience, which is great for your SEO.
5. Optimise Your Header Tags For Featured Snippets
Lastly, a best practice to follow is to optimise your header tags for featured snippets.
There are many ways to do this, including:
List Featured Snippets
To optimise your header tag for a list featured snippet, you can use subheadings to detail different steps.
Search engines can then use these subheadings to create a numbered or bulleted list to create a featured snippet.
Paragraph Featured Snippets
For a paragraph featured snippet, you should carry out keyword research to find a relevant long-tail keyword and implement it within your H2.
From here, you’ll need to provide a clear and concise answer to the query that Google can deliver as a paragraph featured snippet.
How We Can Help
If you’re looking to invest in your SEO, look no further than Lumen SEO.
Our SEO specialists will take care of every aspect of your campaign, from keyword research to content to technical and links.
Contact our experienced team today to find out how we can help, or receive your free SEO audit here.
Written by Jemima for Lumen SEO.
