Total SEO Tips Part 8: Header Tags

A Simple & Complete Guide to Header Tags (H1, H2 & H3)

Continuing with our series: Total SEO Tips, in part 8 we’re going to discuss the role and importance of header tags for your website, landing pages and blogs. In its simplest terms, heading tags are HTML elements used to define the headings on the pages of your website. They are numbered 1 to 6, determining the most important header down the page to the “least” important. Each header should be a keyword-rich variation of the Page Title, starting with the H1 and working your way down to the H6 tag. Tags are essential to on-site SEO, as well as user experience while reading your content. Read the Total Web SEO blog to learn more about heading tags, their importance and how to use them on your website landing pages.

How to Use Header Tags for Effective SEO

Once you establish the Focus Keyword for your landing page or blog, header tags are used to clearly state what your reader will be learning and the appropriate keywords for Google to rank this page. Every subsequent header should use a relevant keyword variation, as well as keep the content flowing for proper UX.

Let’s show you an example. The focus keyword is Opioid Addiction Treatment

<h1>Opioid Addiction Treatment Center</h1>

<h2>Opioid Addiction Treatment Facility</h2>

<h2>Detox & Opioid Addiction Treatment Options</h2>

<h3>MAT for Opioid Addiction & Treatment</h3>

What Role do Header Tags Play?

H1: The H1 indicates your primary heading and is usually the first visible header on a large. The text is displayed larger and more prominently than the rest of the text. The H1 tag not only tells your reader what the page will be about but tells the search engines this is what you want to rank for.

H2: A second-level heading that using a variation of the keyword or keyword-phrase you’re trying to rank in the search engines.

H3: This will usually be the last heading on a page (unless your content is very long). It should contain a synonym of the main keyword or keyword phrase. At this point, you’re wrapping up the article, but moving the reader along in a cohesive manner.

How Many H1, H2 & H3 Tags do I use?

While heading tags can be used all the way up to H6, it is very rare to need that many headings on a single page or blog. Each page should contain only 1 H1 tag, otherwise Google might flag your content as spammy. H2 & H3 tags allow you to break up the page and makes it easier to read. As a rule of thumb, maximum three H2 tags and four H3 tags is ok, depending on the length of the content. Keep in mind, heading tags should be used to display your most important points and be keyword driven relevant to your content.

We hope to have given you a better understanding of how to properly use heading tags next time you’re writing a blog or landing page for your website. Check our Total Web SEO tips for more helpful information and SEO resources.