Headings

Headings are HTML elements (<h1> to <h6>), used to structure content on a web page. They help both users and search engines understand the hierarchy and topics on a page.

Headings play an important role in SEO (search engine optimization) as they make content more readable, improve user experience, and help Google index and understand the page correctly.

Headings in HTML structure

In HTML, headings are used to organize content in a logical order:

• <h1>: The main heading (the main topic of the page, used only once)
• <h2>: Subtopics that support <h1>
• <h3>: Subtopics that support <h2>
• <h4>: Subtopics that support <h3>
• <h5> and <h6>: Rarely used, but can support additional subsections

Eksempel på en korrekt heading-struktur:

<h1>SEO strategi</h1>
  <h2>Teknisk SEO</h2>
    <h3>Hastighedsoptimering</h3>
    <h3>Mobilvenlighed</h3>
  <h2>On-page SEO</h2>
    <h3>Title tags og meta-beskrivelser</h3>
    <h3>Intern linkstruktur</h3>
  <h2>Linkbuilding</h2>
    <h3>Backlinks fra autoritative kilder</h3>

Why are headings important for SEO?

Headings improve a page’s readability, usability, and visibility in search results.

1. Better user experience (UX)

• Make content more readable
• Helps the user find relevant sections faster
• Increases engagement and reduces pogo sticking

2. Search engines’ understanding of content

• Google crawls headings to understand the hierarchy of the content
• A well-structured page increases the chance of ranking in the SERP
• Google can use headings for featured snippets

3. SEO optimization with keywords

• Include relevant keywords in headings, but avoid keyword stuffing
• Use varied search phrases to match multiple search intents
• Optimize <h1> to be precise and descriptive

Best Practices for Headings

To achieve maximum SEO value, headings must be implemented correctly:

Do this

• Use only one <h1> per page
• Use <h2>–<h6> to divide content into logical sections
• Include relevant keywords, but naturally
• Make the headings descriptive and informative

Avoid this

• Non-use of headings or use only of <strong>-text for headlines
• Keyword stuffing (eg: “SEO tips SEO strategy SEO guide”)
• Jump directly from <h1> to <h4> without hierarchy
• Use more <h1> on one side

Headings and Featured Snippets

Google often uses headings to generate featured snippets, which are the excerpts that appear at the top of search results.

Example:

• Search query: What is technical SEO?
• Google can show a short answer based on a <h2> or<h3> from a well-optimized article.

To increase the chance of achieving a featured snippet, use clear and structured headings as well as lists or tables in the text.

Headings are a critical factor in SEO and UX. A logical and well-structured heading hierarchy helps both users and search engines navigate and understand the content. By following best practices for headings, you can improve your website’s readability, search engine ranking, and likelihood of appearing as a featured snippet.