Why Your Website Headings Matter More Than You Think
When it comes to designing the perfect website for your business, it’s easy to think of headings as just a way to style your text. If that H2 (or Heading 2) feels too big above that particular paragraph, you can just switch it for a H4 or H5, right? Unfortunately, that’s not quite true.
Headings do so much more than just make the text on your site look good, they play a huge role in SEO (search engine optimisation), accessibility, and the overall readability (by both humans and Google bots - for SEO purposes) of your content.
Let’s break down the importance of website headings - don’t worry, I’ll be leaving out the technical jargon-speak - so you can ensure your website is working as hard for you as possible.
What Are website Headings and Why Do They Matter?
A simple way of thinking of headings is as the general outline of your website content. They help structure the content on your pages so that both search engines and human readers can get a feel for what’s most important on each page.
Headings aren’t just about making certain snippets of text bigger or bolder - they have an actual design and technical hierarchy that needs to be followed in order to make your website effective.
The most important heading on any page is the H1 (sometimes referred to as the Heading 1). This should be the clearest, most concise summary of what that particular page is about while still using keywords that your audience are likely to use during search. Think of your H1 like the title of an essay - it needs to tell the reader (and Google) exactly what they’re about to read more about.
From there, you have H2 (Heading 2) subheadings that break the content into key sections. If H1 is the title of an essay, then H2s are the section titles like ‘Introduction’ and ‘Conclusion’. Below H2s, you can use H3s, H4s, and so on, to further organise details and topics.
The Correct Way to Use Headings on Your Website
To get the most out of your website’s headings, here are some key details that you need to know:
Each of your website pages should have only ONE H1. It’s the most important heading and should describe the main focus of the page. Having multiple H1s can confuse search engines and make it harder for your site to rank properly.
H2s should be used for major sections of your pages. These are the key topics within a page, helping break down content into digestible parts. Unlike H1, there is no strict limit on how many you can use, but between 2 and 4 is often plenty for a well-structured page.
H3s, H4s, and beyond refine further details. Use these subheadings to support the H2s and provide additional information in a logical order.
Headings should follow a descending order. This means that a H1 should always be the first piece of information on any page, an H2 should always come before an H3, and an H3 before an H4. Skipping levels (e.g., jumping from H1 straight to H4) can make content harder to follow for both humans and search engine bots.
Why Headings Are Crucial for SEO
Google and other search engines use headings to understand the structure and flow of your content. Your H1 should contain important keywords that describe what your page is about. For example, if you’re a branding and website expert like me, your homepage H1 might be something like:
“Unforgettable Branding & Website Design for the Boldest Small Businesses”
This immediately tells Google (and visitors) what you offer. It’s clear, concise, and keyword-rich. Importantly, it uses simple language that my potential clients will be using to search on Google.
Each H2, H3, and so on should also be written thoughtfully, incorporating relevant keywords naturally. The more structured and easy-to-read your content is, the better it will perform in search rankings.
Headings Also Help with Accessibility
Beyond SEO, proper heading use is essential for website accessibility. Screen readers rely on headings to help visually impaired users navigate content efficiently. If your headings are used correctly, they create a logical, easy-to-follow experience for all visitors. Great website design is about so much more than appeasing bots.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with your website headings
Using multiple H1s on a single page
This weakens the impact of your primary heading and confuses search engines.
Skipping heading levels
Always follow the correct order to keep content structured and easy to follow.
Using headings just for styling
Headings should serve a functional purpose, not just be a way to make text bigger or bold.
How to Fix Your website Headings Right Now
Take a look at your website and check the following:
Does each page have just one H1?
Are H2s used for major sections?
Are H3s and beyond used logically?
Is your H1 keyword-rich and relevant?
If not, a few quick adjustments can make your website far more effective for both search engines and visitors.
Your website headings do so much more than just break up text. They guide visitors, boost SEO, and improve accessibility.
By structuring your headings correctly, you create a website that is not only easier to read but also more powerful in attracting the right audience.
Need help making sure your website is structured for success? Pop me an email to chat about making your brand’s online home work harder for you!
