You might not know the technical term, but you use headings every time you read. Headings are the titles and subheadings that break up text and make it easy to scan. In HTML, they are called heading tags, and they are labeled from <h1> (the most important) down to <h6> (the least important).
Using headings correctly is crucial. They help search engines and visitors understand the structure of your content, making it easier to read and more likely to rank well.
Headings vs. HTML Tags: The Key Differences
The world of HTML can be confusing, so let’s clear up some common misunderstandings. The terms <head>, <header>, and <h1> may sound alike, but they have very different jobs.
Title Tag vs. H1 Tag
The title tag (<title>) is what appears as your page’s headline in search results and at the top of a browser tab. Its main purpose is to attract clicks from searchers.
The H1 tag (<h1>) is the main heading that appears on the page itself. Its purpose is to tell visitors and search engines what your page is about. They are often similar but should not be identical.
A great title tag needs to be compelling and concise. Our SEO Title Tag Generator can help you write the perfect headline for search.
Head Tag vs. Header Tag vs. H1 Tag
- <head>: This is the section of your HTML that holds important technical information about your page, like the title tag, but it isn’t visible to users. Think of it as the brain of the page.
- <header>: This is a section that holds introductory content or a navigation bar. It’s visible to users and can contain a logo, search bar, and other elements.
- <h1>: This is a specific tag that creates the most important heading on your page. The <h1> tag is often located inside the <header> section.
Why Headings Are Essential for SEO
Headings are considered a “soft” ranking factor by Google, which means they help with SEO indirectly. They do this by:
- Improving Readability: Headings create a clear flow, making your content easy for visitors to scan and digest.
- Providing Context: Headings help search engines understand the key topics and structure of your page.
Google’s John Mueller has said that
Headings is a good practice that helps both users and search engines better understand your content. Think of it like a table of contents: it gives a clear overview of the information on the page.
How to Write the Best Heading Tags
Best Practices for Headings
- Create a Hierarchy: Follow a logical order from <h2> down to <h4>.
- Use One H1: It is best practice to have only one <h1> tag per page, as this clearly defines your page’s main topic.
- Include Keywords: Add relevant keywords to your headings to help search engines understand the topic of each section. Just be sure to avoid keyword stuffing and write for people first.
Tips for Writing Great Headings
Your headings should be clear, concise, and compelling. They should accurately summarize the section below them. To make your writing flow better and avoid mistakes, you can use our Grammar Checker to ensure your headings and content are polished and professional.
Do heading tags affect SEO?
Yes, heading tags are an important part of a website's on-page SEO. While not a direct ranking factor, they improve readability and provide context that helps search engines understand and rank your content.
How many H1 tags should a page have?
It is best practice to use only one h1 tag per page. This tells search engines exactly what the main topic of your page is.
Do headings have to be in order?
No, the order of heading tags is not a strict ranking factor. Google's John Mueller has stated that minor variations in order are perfectly fine. However, using a logical hierarchy (h2 followed by h3, etc.) is a best practice that improves user experience.
What is the difference between an H1 and a title tag?
A Heading H1 is the main heading on your page that visitors see. A title tag is a meta tag that appears in search results and on browser tabs.
