As a website owner or content creator, you may have heard about the importance of header tags for on page SEO. But what exactly are header tags and how do they work? In this article, we will explain header tags, their purpose, and how to optimize them for better SEO.
What are Header Tags and What is Their Purpose?
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Header tags are HTML tags that are used to structure content on a webpage. They are also known as heading tags or simply headings. Header tags range from h1 to h6, with h1 being the most important and h6 being the least important. The purpose of header tags is to provide a hierarchy of information on a webpage, making it easier for both users and search engines to understand the content.
Search engines use header tags to understand the main topic of a webpage and its subtopics. For example, if a webpage has an h1 tag that says “The Benefits of Yoga,” the search engine will understand that the webpage is about yoga and its benefits. The h2 and h3 tags, which are used for subtopics, provide more context and detail about the main topic.
How Many Header Tags are Supported by HTML?
HTML supports six header tags, ranging from h1 to h6. The h1 tag is the most important and should only be used once per page, while the h6 tag is the least important.
It is important to use header tags in the correct order, starting with h1 for the main heading and h2 for subheadings. Using header tags in the correct order creates a hierarchy of information and makes it easier for both users and search engines to understand the content.
Hierarchy of Header Tags
Header tags follow a hierarchy from H1 to H6, with H1 being the most important and H6 being the least.
H1 Tags
The H1 tag is the main heading of a page and should provide a clear overview of the content. There should only be one H1 tag per page, and it should include your primary keyword.
H2 Tags
H2 tags are subheadings that divide your content into sections. They help users and search engines navigate your page and should contain relevant secondary keywords.
H3 Tags
H3 tags are used for subheadings within H2 sections. They break down content further, making it easier to understand and navigate. Like H2 tags, they should also contain relevant keywords.
H4 Tags
H4 tags are used for subheadings within H3 sections. Although not as critical for SEO, they still contribute to content structure and should be used appropriately.
H5 and H6 Tags
H5 and H6 tags are rarely used but can be helpful for breaking down content further. They have minimal impact on SEO.
How to Use Header Tags Effectively
To optimise your header tags for SEO, follow these guidelines:
Choosing the Right Keywords
Conduct thorough keyword research to identify relevant primary and secondary keywords for your content. Incorporate these keywords naturally into your header tags to signal their importance to search engines.
Creating Compelling Headings
Craft compelling and informative headings that accurately represent the content of each section. This will engage users and encourage them to read further.
Maintaining a Logical Structure
Ensure that your content follows a logical structure with a clear hierarchy of headings and subheadings. This makes it easier for both users and search engines to navigate and understand your content.
Avoiding Over-Optimisation
Do not overuse keywords in your header tags, as this may be seen as keyword stuffing and could negatively impact your SEO efforts. Maintain a balance between keyword optimisation and readability.
Understanding Header Code Meta Tags
Header code meta tags are HTML tags that provide additional information about a webpage to search engines and web browsers. There are several types of header code meta tags, including meta description tags and meta keywords tags.
The meta description tag provides a brief summary of the content of a webpage and is often displayed in search engine results. The meta keywords tag provides a list of keywords related to the content of the webpage. However, search engines no longer use the meta keywords tag as a ranking factor.
While header code meta tags are not directly related to header tags, they can help improve the SEO of your webpage by providing additional information to search engines.
How Many Header Tags Can You Have on a Page?
There is no strict limit to the number of header tags you can have on a page. However, it is important to use header tags strategically and avoid overusing them. Using too many header tags can make your content look spammy and harm your SEO.
Generally, use header tags to structure your content and highlight important information, but avoid using header tags for every sentence or paragraph.
What are h1 and h2 Header Tags and How Do They Differ?
The h1 and h2 header tags are the two most commonly used header tags. The h1 tag is used for the page’s main heading, while the h2 tag is used for subheadings.
The main difference between the h1 and h2 tags is their importance. The h1 tag is more important than the h2 tag and should only be used once per page. The h2 tag is less important than the h1 tag but can be used multiple times on a page for subheadings.
Best Practices for Header Tag Implementation
Here are some best practices to follow when implementing header tags:
- Use only one H1 tag per page, containing your primary keyword.
- Use H2 and H3 tags to create a clear structure, incorporating secondary keywords.
- Keep headings concise and informative, accurately reflecting the content of each section.
- Use header tags consistently throughout your content to maintain a uniform structure.
- Avoid over-optimising header tags with excessive keyword usage.
Conclusion
Header tags are an important part of on-page SEO and can help improve the ranking of your website. By using header tags to structure your content, highlight important information, and optimize them for relevant keywords, you can improve your webpage’s user experience and SEO.
Remember to use header tags strategically and avoid overusing them. Use header tags in the correct order, starting with h1 for the main heading and h2 for subheadings, and keep your header tags concise and relevant.
With these tips, you can use header tags to improve your website’s ranking and provide a better user experience for your visitors.
