SEO Header Tags Best Practices: Dos and Don’ts

Dos:

1. Use Header Tags in Proper Hierarchy: Follow a logical hierarchy when using header tags. Start with the H1 tag for the main page title, followed by H2 for section headings and H3 for subheadings. This hierarchy helps search engines understand the structure and importance of your content.
2. Incorporate Relevant Keywords: Include relevant keywords in your header tags, especially in the H1 and H2 tags. This helps search engines identify the main focus of your content and improves the chances of ranking for those keywords. However, prioritize readability and avoid keyword stuffing.
3. Keep Header Tags Concise and Descriptive: Make your header tags concise yet descriptive. Clearly summarize the content under each heading, providing a clear indication of what the section or subsection is about. This helps both users and search engines understand the context of your content.
4. Use Header Tags for Content Organization: Leverage header tags to organize your content effectively. Break your content into logical sections and use header tags to create clear divisions. This improves readability and allows users to navigate your content more easily.

Don’ts:

1. Overuse Header Tags: Avoid overusing header tags within a single page. Stick to a clear and organized structure, using header tags only where necessary. Using excessive header tags may confuse search engines and dilute the hierarchy of your content.
2. Skip Header Tags: Do not skip header tags altogether. Each page should have at least one H1 tag representing the main heading. Skipping header tags or using inappropriate tags can make it difficult for search engines to understand the structure and content of your page.
3. Rely Solely on Styling: Header tags should not be used solely for styling purposes. While they can be styled to enhance visual appeal, their primary purpose is to structure and organize content for search engines and users. Do not misuse header tags as a substitute for font styles or CSS effects.
4. Stuff Header Tags with Keywords: Avoid stuffing header tags with excessive keywords. Overusing keywords in header tags is considered a black hat SEO practice and can lead to penalties from search engines. Maintain a natural flow and focus on delivering valuable content to users.