What are Header Tags?
Header tags are HTML elements used to define headings and subheadings on a webpage. They range from <h1> (the most important) to <h6> (the least important) and help structure content in a clear and hierarchical way.
Header tags serve two main purposes:
- They improve readability for users by breaking content into sections.
- They help search engines understand the page’s content and hierarchy.
A typical structure uses one <h1> tag for the main title, followed by <h2> for major sections, <h3> for subsections, and so on.
Why Header Tags Matter
Header tags are essential for both SEO and user experience. They make content easier to scan, which improves engagement, and they also signal topic relevance to search engines.
Well-structured header tags can:
- Improve keyword targeting when used naturally
- Help search engines understand the topic and structure of content
- Enhance accessibility for screen readers and assistive technology
- Boost readability, keeping users on the page longer
Header tags should reflect a logical outline of your content, and should never be used purely for styling.
Example in Use
On a blog post titled “Beginner’s Guide to SEO”:
- <h1>: Beginner’s Guide to SEO
- <h2>: What is SEO?
- <h2>: Why SEO Matters
- <h3>: Organic vs Paid Search
- <h2>: How to Start with SEO
This use of headers clearly outlines the content and helps both users and search engines follow the flow of the article.