It is true that header tags are not as important for search engine optimisation now, as they used to be. But they are important for a good user experience and can indirectly influence your rankings. This is because header tags make the content of a webpage easier to read and also provide context about the content for search engine crawlers. It is important for header tags to be used and in this post we’ll talk about how to use them correctly.
It is quite hard for website visitors to read a webpage if it is not broken up into relevant headings and subheadings. Website visitors read headings to understand what an article is about and so it is important to optimise header tags. They help visitors figure out if they want to read a blog or not.
Headings and SEO
Headings act like signposts for the readers as they give an idea of what the paragraph is all about. Headings help people to not get distracted and grasp the message being told. It is crucial to write headings which are informative or use them as teasers to interest the readers. When using keywords in your headings, it is important to make sure that they do not sound unnatural. The key is to not over-optimise but to make it easier for the website visitors. You may also like to read our blog on READABILITY TESTS: KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED TO DO A READABILITY TEST ONLINE that are conducted to enhance user’s experience in the long run.
Accessibility due to header tags
The header tags are used to allow the readers to understand the hierarchy of the content and make it more accessible. Apart from that, it also makes screen readers understand and read out the headings loud. They also make the content more enjoyable for visitors to read. You may also like to know the 10 TIPS FROM A PERFECTIONIST TO ENHANCE YOUR SKILL IN WEBSITE CONTENT WRITING in order to improve the number of visitors.
Best practices
- Structure and break text: The headings are the best way to use for breaking up the content into readable sections. It improves scannability and so is likely to perform better. They provide structure to a blog. H1 tags introduce the topic of the web page, H2 tags describe topics which sections cover and all the other header tags split up each section into multiple subtopics.
- Add keywords: To optimise headings, add keywords. Also, it’s important to know HOW SHOULD KEYWORDS BE INCORPORATED IN GOOD BLOGS. Generally, only some of the headings contain keywords as it is more important to make the content naturally include the keywords. At the end of the day, we design content for the users.
- Make header tags consistent and interesting: When header tags are used, the main goal is to provide a good user experience for users. Consistent and interesting headings allow you to provide a consistent experience for users and compel them to keep on reading. Choose one single format for the header tags and keep your headings short and concise. Headings make an article scannable, but interesting header tags encourage visitors to read the whole content.
- Featured snippets: Header tags impact featured snippets. This is because by using long tail keywords and using a query as the heading, makes it easier for the content to rank in featured snippets. Check out this blog to understand the importance of CHOOSING THE RIGHT KEYWORDS IN CONTENT WRITING- AN INTEGRAL PART OF SEO STRATEGY. It also has a positive impact as Google uses header tags to create bulleted and numbered lists in featured snippets.
Headings are used strategically to emphasize what the content is about. Using header tags does not only help crawlers to know the context of your back-page but is also helpful for the website visitors. Also read the other ways on HOW TO IMPROVE CRAWLABILITY AND INDEXABILITY OF A WEBSITE. It improves accessibility, increases chances of the website visitor reading the post, and it contributes towards better Search Engine Optimisation. Check out our next blog on TECHNICAL SEO TACTICS TO IMPROVE WEBSITE TRAFFIC.
