Content: The Importance of Using Header Tags for SEO

Just like people, search engines like header tags too

Clear, descriptive headings are essential for busy readers who want to scan your text quickly or jump to the areas they’re interested in. It's no secret that effective headings are important to both humans and search engines when it comes to the usability and visibility of your content.

In this video, I demonstrate why headings are so valuable by showing an example of why you should revisit already published content, and how optimizing a header can help improve your ranking in search results. Watch the video to see how a well-written heading can make all the difference in how Google sees your content!

Before you watch the video, continue reading the blog so that you can get a better understanding of what a heading tag is. 

What are header tags?

A header tag, or HTML heading tag, is used to define the headings of a page. There are six levels of headings defined by HTML, ranging from h1 (the highest level) to h6 (the least). Header tags are usually used to title sections of content, making them easy for readers to navigate. In addition, search engines often use header tags to help determine the hierarchy of a page's content.

For example, if a page has a h1 tag that says "Dog Training," the search engine may assume that the rest of the page is about dog training. Header tags can also be used to highlight important keywords on a page. This can be helpful for both readers and search engines. When choosing which header tags to use, it's important to consider both the hierarchy of your content and the keywords you want to highlight. Using header tags effectively can help make your pages more user-friendly and better optimized for search engines.

When creating header 1 tags, keep the following tips in mind:

• Make sure your headings are clear and descriptive. Avoid vague or generic language.

• Use keyword research to inform your heading choices. This will help optimize your content for search engines.

• Keep your headings concise. Long, rambling headings are confusing and difficult to read.

• Use proper grammar and punctuation. This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people make simple errors in their headings!

• Make sure your headings are consistent in style and format. This will create a polished, professional look for your text.

Hierarchy of headings

The heading structure of a webpage should be hierarchical, meaning that there is a clear order or hierarchy to the headings. The most important heading on the page is the H1 heading, also known as the main heading. This should be used sparingly, as there should only be one H1 heading per page. The H1 heading should be followed by H2 headings, which are subheadings of the main heading. There can be multiple H2 headings on a single page. These are followed by H3 headings, which are subheadings of the H2 headings, and so on.

Why heading structure matters

The hierarchy of headings not only makes it easier for readers to find the information they are looking for on your website, but it also helps search engines index your website correctly. When designing your website, be sure to create a clear hierarchy of headings so that both people and search engines can easily understand your content.

Headings are an important part of web design for both people and search engines. Be sure to use clear, descriptive headings that are correctly structured in a hierarachy in order to improve the navigation and functionality of your website.

If you found this article informative, subscribe to our newsletter to receive more content like this regularly. Please make sure to check your Promotions or SPAM folder if you don't receive a confirmation email. Mastering P.o.P newsletter covers a wide range of SEO & Digital Marketing topics, and it's free to subscribe to.

Mastering P.o.P's live Zoom calls take place on Sunday's 7am PST and Wednesdays 5:30pm PST. All Zoom calls are recorded, timestamped and available for replays. Want to join a live Zoom call? It's FREE! Join a Digital Marketing & SEO Live Zoom Call with Mastering P.o.P's Tia Jones.