What is header tags?

When you create content for a website, like a blog post or a product description, you want it to be easy to read and understand. That's where header tags come in. Think of header tags as the chapters and sub-chapters in a book. They create an outline for your content, helping people quickly grasp what each section is about.

These tags range from H1 (the most important) down to H6 (the least important). The H1 tag usually represents the main title of your page, like the title of a book. H2 tags introduce main sections, similar to chapter titles. H3 tags break down those sections even further, like sub-chapters. Using them correctly helps both your readers and search engines make sense of your page's structure and main topics.

Why header tags matter for marketing

Header tags are more than just a way to make your text bigger or bolder. They play a crucial role in how effective your content is for your audience and for search engines. Here's why they are so important:

Improved user experience

• Easier to read: People often scan web pages rather than reading every word. Clear headings help them quickly find the information they are looking for.
• Better understanding: Headings break up large blocks of text, making the content less overwhelming and easier to digest. This keeps visitors on your page longer.
• Accessibility: For users who rely on screen readers (software that reads web content aloud), header tags provide a navigable outline of the page. This makes your content accessible to more people.

SEO benefits

Search engines like Google use header tags to understand the structure and main topics of your web page. When you use header tags effectively, you help search engines:

• Identify key topics: Your H1 tag tells search engines the primary topic of your page. H2s and H3s signal important sub-topics.
• Understand content hierarchy: A well-structured page with logical header tags shows search engines how different pieces of information relate to each other.
• Improve keyword relevance: Including relevant keywords naturally in your header tags can help your page rank higher for those terms. This is not about stuffing keywords, but about using them where they make sense.

Best practices for using header tags

To get the most out of header tags, it's important to use them correctly. Follow these simple guidelines:

Use H1 only once

Every page should have one, and only one, H1 tag. This tag should contain the main title or topic of your page. Think of it as the headline that summarizes everything on that page.

Maintain a logical hierarchy

Always follow a natural order. Start with H1, then use H2s for main sections, and H3s for subsections under an H2. Don't skip levels, like going directly from an H1 to an H3, as this confuses both users and search engines.

Include keywords naturally

When it makes sense, include your target keywords in your header tags. This helps search engines understand what your content is about. However, avoid forcing keywords where they don't fit, as this can make your content sound unnatural.

Keep them concise and descriptive

Your header tags should be short, clear, and accurately describe the content that follows. They should give readers a quick idea of what to expect in that section.

How to implement header tags effectively

Using header tags might sound technical, but it's quite straightforward, especially with modern website platforms:

• Plan your content: Before you even start writing, outline your content using a hierarchical structure. Decide what your main topic (H1) is, what your main sections (H2s) will be, and any sub-sections (H3s).
• Use your content management system (CMS): Most CMS platforms like WordPress, Squarespace, or Shopify have easy-to-use editors where you can select text and assign it a header tag (e.g., Heading 1, Heading 2). You don't need to write HTML code manually.
• Review and refine: Once your content is written, read through it specifically checking your header tags. Do they flow logically? Are they clear? Do they accurately represent the content below them?

By making header tags a regular part of your content creation process, you'll improve your website's readability, user experience, and search engine performance. It's a simple step that yields significant benefits for your marketing efforts.