Why headings are important for any live website

Generally, you only have about 10 seconds to convince a reader to stay on your webpage and a concise, prominent H1 header tag can help you achieve that. For subheadings any heading other than the H1 header tag , you should use a hierarchical structure of header tags, beginning with H2 and followed by H3, H4, H5, and H6.

The H2 header tag will visually make the text more visible and will help direct readers to the section of the webpage that interests them the most. The H2 header tag tells search engines that this text is an important section that supports the overall theme of the webpage.

H3 header tags will be utilized on far fewer webpages, but can help separate ideas if needed. Reusing H2 and H3 header tags as you work down a webpage is a much better route to go. Using 2 or more H1 tags on a single webpage would be the equivalent of giving an article multiple titles. Doing so would confuse both the reader and search engines. From a readability standpoint, headings are extremely important. They help guide the reader through an article or a webpage by providing them insight into what the following paragraph s will be about.

Without headings, all of the content on the page merges together and it is difficult for the reader to grasp the numerous ideas that the writer is trying to convey.

Think of headings as directions for the reader; headings help guide the reader where the writer wants them to go. Additionally, they allow the reader to find exactly what they are looking for. Screen reader users may read header tags before engaging with other on-page content. Heading tags also play an important role in search engine optimization SEO. By using subheadings properly, you can make your content more scannable for all users — and much more accessible for people with disabilities.

Blog Blog - Digital Accessibility. September 30, Subscribe to Blog. Most recent. Recent posts. Here, you have the opportunity to visually enhance dead space with meaningful graphics. Consider these filler options:. Can you find a grid or graph to supplement information you referenced in the previous section? Insert it! The best way to share your content to all audiences is to help them easily navigate your webpage content through intentionally designed headings and subheadings.

By starting with a strong organization, dividing your content, visually differentiating it, and adding images and graphics, you can help your viewers aptly utilize your work. Confusion frequently arises about how to structure and design microsites versus parent websites We've been nominated!

Special Menu 1. By Lauren Uhl. SEO for Nonprofits. There go three seconds! How do we make the last twelve count? The answer lies in the headings and subheadings. Whether you or a team member is writing the webpage content, brainstorm ways to integrate these techniques before you start organizing your content: 1. Keep the audience in mind If you maintain a strong sense of audience awareness, it will help guide all following nuts and bolts of the content. Use keyword-rich phrases Rather than douse your content with keywords in hopes of improving your SEO rank, thoughtfully choose your keywords and sparingly use them throughout the content.

Promote natural link building If the opportunity naturally presents itself, build links from your website in the content. Like most writing, you should create it in a linear and logical fashion: Logical Does your content flow? Does it make sense that x and y are in the same paragraphs?

Make sure you organize your content in a way that logically adds up. Linear Does your content build as readers read through it?