Using Heading Tags
Header tags, also known as heading tags, are used to separate headings and subheadings on a webpage.
- Tags rank in order of importance, from H1 to H6.
- H1 is the title of the page and most important heading.
- Header tags improve SEO.
- Headings help readers find content as they scan the page.
You will find these under the Format menu in the CMS.
- Choose Formats
> Formats
> Headings
> Then the appropriate number
Header tags and what they're used for
H1
The title of a page/post. They're usually keyword-centric, focused around the "big idea" of a page or post, and crafted to grab a reader's attention.
H2
Subheaders that classify the main points of your paragraphs and separate sections. Consider using keywords related to the "big idea" in your H1 while also helping the reader easily find the sections they want to read.
H3
Subsections that further clarify the points made in the H2. Alternatively, they can be used in formatting lists or bullet points.
H4
Subsections that further clarify the points made in the H3. Alternatively, they can be used in formatting lists or bullet points.
- The "H" officially stands for "heading element," though the SEO community also commonly calls these tags "header tags."
- The number indicates the hierarchal relationship between each one with H1 being the most important, H2 being less important, and so on.
Hierarchal Structure Examples
Below is an example extracted directly from the LU Admissions website.
We see the use of H2, H3 and H4.
Application Deadlines (H2)
Fall 2024 (H3)
International (H4)
Priority Deadline: April 15, 2024
Final Deadline: July 1, 2024
Domestic (H4)
Application: August 1, 2024
Documents: August 8, 2024
Spring 2025 (H3)
International (H4)
Priority Deadline: September 1, 2024
Final Deadline: December 1, 2024
Domestic (H4)
Application: December 26, 2024
Documents: January 2, 2025
How Search Engines Use Headings
When you put text into a header tag, you're signaling that this text is important. Search engines like Google will use these tags to determine the context of the page, which helps serve up results that are relevant to user search queries.
Heading tags can help provide structure to a piece of content and call attention to the most important ideas, themes, and (in effect) keywords in that content.