How to Use Header Tags for SEO & Accessibility
Why Header Tags are Important for Small Business Websites
At a Glance: Best Practices for Header Tags
Important Considerations for SEO and Accessibility
Need a quick reminder? These are the basics:
- One H1 per page should be utilized to identify the chief topic.
- Structure with H2s and H3s to organize content logically.
- Don’t choose by eye appeal—choose by hierarchy and definition.
- Include your keywords in your H1 and in the text naturally.
- Add alt text to images and write an SEO-friendly meta description.
Doing this correctly makes your website more readable, more navigation-friendly, and better discoverable on the Internet.
What’s the Deal With Header Tags?
If you want your website to show up in search results and be user-friendly, you can’t skip over header tags. They do more than make text look bold—they organize your content for both search engines and people. When used correctly, header tags improve SEO, boost readability, and make your site more accessible to all users, including those relying on screen readers.
The issue? Most small business websites commit simple errors—such as including more than one H1 or including headers purely for aesthetics—that actually impede performance. The silver lining: by implementing a few best practices, you can correct these errors and prime your content for victory.
The Role of Header Tags in SEO
Recall header tags as your table of contents for the webpage. Your H1 is the general title (there will only be one), and your H2s and your H3s breakup the material into natural sections. That structure in turn tells search engines exactly what your page is about, something that can improve your rankings.
One of the most frequent errors—and easiest to bypass—is the use of several H1s. Should your site builder make it easy to do so, do not. In its place, format your text individually but maintain the header hierarchy clean.
Why Header Tags Enhance Accessibility
It’s not only about search rankings—accessibility matters, too. Screen reader users need to get around your page with a logically ordered header system. When you have multiple H1s on your page or a jumbled header system, it’s confusing and frustrating to users. For that reason, accessibility best practices so closely parallel SEO best practices that by doing it right, you’re helping users as much as search engines.
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How to Optimize Your Header Tags
Start with One Clear H1
Your H1 is the page’s top headline. Make it distinctive, descriptive, and keyword-rich with your top keyword.
Utilize H2s and H3s for Structure
Break up your content with H2s for main sections and H3s for supporting points. This not only helps Google but also makes your content easier to scan for readers.
Include Keywords Naturally
Don’t overstuff, but do include keywords in your H1, early in your content, and sprinkled naturally throughout.
Don't Forget the Extras
- Add alt text to images for accessibility and SEO.
- Write a meta description that includes your keyword to boost click-throughs.
- Use SEO plugins to verify your optimization twice.
H1: Example Layout
H2: Subtitle to Support H1
H3: More Specific Point to H2
If you look at our blog posts, we have a very particular design we use to make the hierarchical structure of the text clear. But that’s not as important as making sure that your header tags are correct!
H3: Additional Specific Point to H2
Every website builder handles headers differently. Here’s where to look if you’re not sure how to adjust:
- WordPress: In general, header choices can be found in the text editor in most themes. You can also modify the tag with Elementor.
- Squarespace: Headers are included in the text block editor.
- Shopify: Employ the content editor or theme customization.
- Wix and Weebly: Both allow easy switching between paragraph and header styles.
When in doubt, refer to your theme or builder’s documentation—taking the time to make this correct is worth it.
H2: Additional Subtitle to Support H1
This is where you’d start another topic that still relates to your page content but isn’t specific to what you listed in your first H2.
Recommended Best Practices to Keep in Mind
- One H1 per page only.
- Use headers to create a logical hierarchy, but never for stylistic reasons.
- Write with humans, as well as search engines, in consideration.
- Check your site’s accessibility with tools like Wave Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool. A clear, well-structured page isn’t just easier for Google—it’s easier for your audience, too. And that combination is what helps your business stand out online.
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