HTML Headings

The Hx tags (h1, h2, …h6) are semantic HTML elements that act as headings (sometimes referred to as headers or headlines) and provide structure for your web pages. Think of them as one of those outlines your teachers made you do in fourth grade – h1 is the main point, h2 are the sub-points, h3 are the points under the h2, etc.

When using headings, keep the following guidelines in mind:

• Make your headings different from the title tag. Many content management systems auto-populate the title tag with the page heading – it’s best if you can customize these.
• One and only one h1 on each page – this should complement your title tag with variations of your targeted keyword phrases and should appear in your HTML code before any of the lesser headings (h2-h6).
• H1 should definitely use keywords. As the primary element on the page this will not only provide SEO value, but also help orient your visitors to quickly understand what the page is about (or confirm it after seeing your listing in the SERPs and clicking through to this page).
• With h2-h6, use keywords if it makes sense, but focus more on helping your visitors understand what the page is about.