Search engines rely on headers to better understand the sections of a page. In general, header tags help to keep the content structured and easy to consume for both search engines and readers. These days, however, you should focus on adding them more wisely and naturally. The last thing you want is to overstuff your header tags to the point where Google reads your page as spammy.

In our article about how to get backlinks , you can see that we wrote relevant H2 subheads that provide value, rather than simply stuffing them with keywords. And Google decided to list them in a featured snippet.

Another important habit with headers is to keep them short and consistent, whenever possible. Beyond making it easier for your readers, these quick headers also help Google to understand the content on your pages better.

Do you know why header tags exist in the first place? The original purpose for header tags is maintaining a proper content hierarchy on an HTML page. Again, H1 is the main header, H2s are subheaders, H3s within the H2s are sub-subheaders for that section, and so on.

If you want an easy way to see how websites organize their header tags on the page, you can install the Ahrefs SEO Toolbar extension in your browser of choice Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. For reasons of simplicity, some web designers often use the tags for formatting font sizes, meaning that sometimes h tags are found everywhere on a page, but not where they should be, i.

in the structure of the text. Make it easy for search engines and users by logically using the h-tags after the h1-header in your text. The optimization of the headline structure is part of the OnPage optimization.

However, you should also be improving the content of the headlines. The following points can help you with this:. h1: Use the main keyword of the landing age in the headline.

In shops, for example, this could be the main category. In longer articles, the main keyword is usually the topic of the article. Make sure that the h1 header does not exceed one line.

The h2 headlines are well suited to secondary keywords or related keywords, or they can be used for longtail keywords or questions. H2 tags can also be used for optimizing for the Google Answer Box.

The user should be informed of the contents of the corresponding paragraph when reading the subheading. h3 and h4: These headings should be used for less important topics.

However, you can also add keywords to the main topic here. It is also recommended to use these headings as questions, as you might find in the FAQs.

Heading tags are important for users and search engines to be able to orientate themselves on your website, and for search engines, for judging the relevance of your page for a certain keyword. With Ryte, you can test and improve your headlines, and therefore strengthen the keywords of individual pages.

Published on Jan 22, by Eva Wagner. Depending on what they see, users will either keep reading and potentially convert or quit the page. Thus, your task is to create high-converting headlines by following copywriting best practices and understanding how headlines function.

User intent, or search intent, is an essential concept in SEO. You should build each page with its H1 based on such intents. In a nutshell, the user intent is the reason why searchers come to your page and what information they seek to find there.

The user intent can generally be separated into commercial and informational intent. In this case, the first one requires the content to provide a definition and additional information about the concept. In the second case, users expect a guide with a set of steps or tips on how to solve a particular issue.

The H1 tag is an HTML element for the first-level heading within the body text of a web page. The title tag is also an HTML element that is not visible on the page itself but is visible if you check the HTML code or hover over the page tab. This piece of HTML is mainly needed for search engines.

To make this task easier, you can use our Keyword Generator. Go to the Keyword Research module, enter a seed keyword the most general and short phrase that properly describes your page , and choose your country of interest.

Here, check under the Similar and Related tabs to find the two most relevant keywords with the highest search volume choose those with lower difficulty scores among keywords with a high search volume.

But do not take one-word search terms because they usually have a vague search intent. The two keywords in the screenshot below seem to be a good choice for our blog article about Featured Snippets. Meanwhile, in this module, you can also check the top organic results for these search queries to get an idea of what h1 HTML tags they have.

Tip: Take a quick look at their Titles first. Heading tags provide web pages with two huge benefits: readability and hierarchy. They carry out two primary tasks, namely ensuring a positive user experience when visiting a web page and helping search bots better understand your content. In fact, the reasons why you should be using headings can be broken down into two main categories.

Alternatively, headings can help readers keep track of where they are in case they are interrupted. This can result in people staying on your page for longer periods of time. So, just ask yourself this: Would anybody read your content if you just publish a post that looks like a solid wall of text?

Finally, the structure of HTML headings is also crucial for helping visually impaired people read digital content. Now, since H tags are written out in HTML, screen reader assistive technology can interpret the structure of any web page and read it out loud to disabled users.

Plus, screen readers provide shortcuts that allow users to easily move between headings, facilitating navigation.

When drafting a blog article or landing page, think about the main ideas you want your visitors to come away with. When an article is scannable, users might actually stick around to read it, instead of bouncing back to Google.

Your page should be readable, first and foremost. If keywords fit naturally, then you can go ahead and include them, as well. But they can make a sizable impact on your chances of scoring a coveted featured snippet.

Optimize your header tag to match a long-tail voice search keyword. Google can pull from your subheadings to create its own bulleted or numbered list for a featured snippet. Search for [how to relieve migraine fast] and Google creates a list of answers using the H2s from this WebMD article.

Google has said there is no problem with using multiple H1s. H1s are big, and they look like titles to readers. Use multiple H1s on your page, and it starts to look a little out of control.

Toggle over to the H1 tab to see at a glance whether you have any pages that are missing H1s entirely or have multiple H1s. If you choose to use title case format, stick with that across all your pages and vice versa if you choose sentence case. A good rule of thumb is to keep your headers about the same length as your title tags 70 characters or less.

Yes, your header tags make an article scannable. Place special importance on your H1 tag in particular. Users notice H1s. Plus, optimized header tags can help you win featured snippets and make it easier for search engines to understand your page.

Amelia Willson is a freelance writer, content marketer and SEO strategist who helps businesses succeed online. A graduate of Wellesley November 29, Does your team have SMART marketing goals in place?

Do you have insight into your marketing ROI to maximize spend? Get in touch with us today for a free consultation! In the world of search engine optimization SEO , every detail counts, and that includes the proper use of heading tags.

Heading tags, from H1 to H6, are integral to your website's content structure. They help users and search engines understand, navigate, and index your content efficiently. This principle holds true across all types of websites - whether it's B2B business-to-business , B2C business-to-consumer or even personal blogs.

Each type of website, despite its unique audience or purpose, benefits from well-structured and thoughtfully implemented heading tags. They not only enhance the user experience by breaking up text and organizing information, but they also make your content more indexable, improving its visibility in search engine results.

In essence, heading tags are a small yet powerful tool in your SEO arsenal that can significantly impact your site's performance and reach. Heading tags are HTML elements that identify the headings and subheadings within your web content from other types of text — like paragraph text.

They are numbered from H1 to H6 in order of importance. Using SEO techniques correctly has two significant benefits: enhancing readability for your visitors and making it easier for Google to understand your website's content.

Headings help make your content clear and easy to go through. If your article has well-planned headings and subheadings, readers will find it easier to understand and more enjoyable to read.

Search engines like Google use heading tags to get a better idea of what your content is about. Putting keywords in your title and other heading tags is like giving hints at the subject of your content, helping your page show up higher in relevant search results.

Plus with Google's new search generative experience looming on the horizon, the significance of heading tags becomes even more pronounced. The new algorithm will rely heavily on understanding the structure and relevance of your content and heading tags provide a clear roadmap for this process.

Maintaining a logical and keyword-rich heading structure ensures that your content is primed for success in the upcoming era of SEO. For web pages, the H1 tag should be used for the main title of the page, which typically includes the primary keyword or phrase you're targeting. The headings that follow H2-H6 should be used to break up sections of your page, making it easier for users to navigate.

These can include secondary keywords or phrases related to the main topic. H1: Men's Waterproof Hiking Boots This is where you would have a brief introduction or overview of the product. H2: Key Features Under this subheading, list the main features of the hiking boots, such as waterproofing, durable construction, etc.

H3: Waterproof Design Go into more detail about the waterproof feature, explaining what materials are used, how it works and why it's beneficial. H3: Durable Construction In this section, describe how the boots are built to last, with details on the materials, craftsmanship, etc.

H2: Customer Reviews This subheading introduces a section where customers can leave reviews about the product. H2: Frequently Asked Questions Under this subheading, provide a list of FAQs about the product, providing more information for potential buyers.

Using heading tags is a big piece of writing SEO friendly blog content. As with web pages, you should use the H1 tag for the blog post's title, ideally including your targeted keyword. Subheadings H2s, H3s, etc. are particularly important in blog posts. They help break down your content into digestible sections, improving readability.

These tags can include related keywords and should reflect the content within each section. H2 tags can be used for main points or ideas in your blog post, while H3 tags and lower can be used for sub-points or detailed explanations within those main points.

Thanks to coding tools like those on W3Schools , we can easily demonstrate what the HTML version of your SEO heading structure might look like:. This is Your Title H1 This is your first paragraph. Note that paragraphs do not have an H tag.

You may also notice that choosing a heading tag automatically changes the font size or style. You can always change the size or style of a heading after assigning an H tag, so don't let that deter you from adding the appropriate tag.

This is a Heading H2 This is a paragraph under your H2 heading. It's always good practice to follow a heading with relevant content. This helps both users and search engines understand the context of your content. This is a Subheading H3 This is a paragraph under your H3 subheading. Subheadings are useful for breaking down content into smaller, more digestible sections.

These tags serve a dual purpose by enhancing user experience and search engine optimization. To users, they offer a sneak peek of the forthcoming content, much like chapter titles in a book.

It parallels the way chapters in a book organize the narrative. Google SEO header tags are essential in organizing and contextualizing your content. Each header serves as a roadmap, offering readers a glimpse of the valuable insights within the corresponding paragraph.

An effective way to conceptualize these tags is to liken them to a table of contents in a non-fiction book:. Your H1 tag is your head honcho, containing the target keywords for your post.

For this reason, it has to clearly state what the reader will learn when they finally get to read your piece. Since it tells the reader the subject matter up front, you must deliver content directly relating to this topic. Use H1 header tags for SEO as a means of showcasing everything a person will get when they click on the title.

All of your main keywords should appear sequentially to attract your target audience. When crafting a blog article or a landing page, consider the key takeaways you want your visitors to glean from the content. These key points become your header tags, aiding you in creating a well-structured outline.

Then, you utilize H2 tags as subheadings for any text under the H1 topic. You can think of these as individual chapters that make up the whole story. Each H2 tag will include keywords relating to the main keywords but offer a particular focus.

Your H3 heading tags should also follow suit, relating to each H2 heading. That way, you can better categorize your material.

You can define specific points to give better clarity. H3 tags are also excellent additions when you have moderately long H2 sections. Breaking up text into smaller, scannable sections not only improves the readability of your article but also boosts its potential in search engine rankings.

Additionally, it encourages readers to share the content with their friends, contributing to a more engaging and shareable experience. Although social signals themselves do not directly influence search engine rankings, the frequency with which an article is shared can indirectly lead to the acquisition of valuable backlinks.

Backlinks are a recognized ranking factor in search engine algorithms. Google relies on heading tags to glean context and structure for your web page. However, the keyword integration should be done judiciously rather than in a spammy manner.

Balancing the user experience and SEO is essential. Prioritizing readability is paramount. Sadly, SEO header tags often receive insufficient attention from many marketers we hope this article alters that perspective. However, they hold the potential to significantly enhance your likelihood of securing a coveted featured snippet.

By strategically utilizing header tags, you can increase your chances of obtaining those valuable featured snippets.

When it comes to H1 header tag settings, there are some conflicting reports on the subject. In general, there is little evidence to say that your H1 tag helps you rank higher in Google. Results are inconsistent at best. Google has explicitly stated that using multiple H1 tags on a page is not a technical problem.

The rationale behind this advice is user experience. H1 tags are typically large and visually resemble titles to readers. When you have multiple H1 heading tags for SEO on a single page, it can make the page appear disorganized and confusing to users. Running your domain through this tool allows you to identify pages with missing H1 tags or those with multiple H1 tags.

You can then export this list to address and rectify the issue. H2 tags are different. Having multiple sections per post makes your content easily digestible. Each aspect of the post should have its H2 heading tags for SEO.

H3 tags can break up your text further, compartmentalizing the paragraphs. The more precise you are, and the more you break up your writing, the better people can navigate through it. There is no correct number of H3 tags, as it depends on the article.

You can also use H4, H5, and H6 tags — but this is less common and not always practical. When crafting your post, plan your topic to identify the best keywords. Your title should clearly describe what readers can expect. Being too cryptic might cause people to overlook your title, even if your content is relevant to their needs.

Summarize the whole article with one keyword-rich, confusion-free H1 tag. With each H2 tag, expand on the different elements of your H1. Then, to help with readability, use your H3 tags for additional segments.

For optimal SEO results, stay focused and concise with each heading tag. Ensure that the content under each title aligns with the main heading. Incorporate keywords naturally, avoiding any forced, awkward, or confusing usage.

Avoid the unnecessary overuse of keywords in your content. When users type in a query or keyword in the search bar, there's specific information they want to see. To get a better idea of what's likely to rank, reference the search results for the keyword.

The header will also follow a similar pattern. A great way to avoid keyword stuffing is to use long-tail keywords that have lower search traffic but high purchase intent.

It would be impossible to rank for that keyword with a new website. Keyword stuffing hurts your ranking and prevents you from showing up higher on search results.

Rather, integrate additional keywords between the H2 to H6 headers of your page. People love scannable content. In fact, Forbes calls it the most overlooked content marketing factor. When writing landing pages and blog posts, it's best to keep paragraphs short roughly three lines of text.

Keep H2 and H3 subheaders no longer than four paragraphs. Conduct keyword research to determine the primary and secondary keywords for each page.

These can be short or long e. Use the primary keyword in your H1 tag and spread out secondary keywords in H2 and H3 tags. This signals relevance to both Google and your potential visitors. However, the priority should be to write naturally, not simply forcing keywords for the sake of ticking off an SEO checklist.

Wix provides a few ways to update your headers , either through the Wix Blog or Wix Editor. Highlight the text and select Edit Text. When writing a blog post with the Wix Blog editor, you can edit headers by selecting the text.

By default, the H1 header is your post title in the editor. Highlight the portion of text you want to turn into a header tag. Next, click the text style menu and choose the appropriate header from the drop-down menu.

Chima Mmeje - Senior Content Marketing Manager, Moz. Chima Mmeje is a content marketer and strategist at Moz, where she positions the company as the authoritative source of truth in the SEO industry.

She's also the founder of The Freelance Coalition for Developing Countries , a UK nonprofit providing free resources and training for marketers of color. Twitter Linkedin. Keyword mapping: Your North Star for better SEO.

When to use s for SEO. and acknowledge that Wix will treat your data in accordance. with Wix's Privacy Policy. Thank you for subscribing. top of page. Jan 17, Header tags: What they are and how to use them for SEO. What are header tags? H1: Qualities to look for when choosing a smart watch H2: Basics H3: Smartphone compatibility.

H2: Features H3: Fitness tracking. The benefits of header tags. Use one H1 header tag per page. Stick to the traditional header hierarchy. Match search intent to headers.

Avoid keyword stuffing. Use headers to break up text. Use secondary keywords in your subheaders. How to update header tags on Wix. Text settings.