How to structure headings for SEO and readability
Use a single descriptive H1, nest H2s and H3s logically, and write headings that describe their sections. Clear hierarchy aids scanning and SEO.
Headings are the skeleton of a page. Get the hierarchy right and both readers and search engines follow your content effortlessly; get it wrong and even great writing feels like a wall of text. The rules are simple and worth making automatic.
Three habits cover almost everything.
One H1, then a logical order
Each page should have a single H1 that states the topic, followed by H2s for main sections and H3s for sub-points beneath them. A predictable hierarchy helps people scanning the page and helps search engines map how your content is organized.
One H1, then nest downward in order — never skip a level for looks.
Describe, do not decorate
Heading text should summarize what follows, not just look striking. Descriptive headings let readers jump straight to what they need and give search engines clear signals about each section's subject. A vague or purely clever heading wastes both opportunities.
Do not skip levels for style
Choose heading levels by structure, not by how big you want the text to look. If you want a smaller heading, style it with CSS — do not jump from an H2 to an H4. Consistent levels keep the page accessible to screen readers and understandable to search engines.
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| One H1 per page | Multiple competing H1s |
| Nest H2 then H3 | Skip from H2 to H4 |
| Describe the section | Use vague or clever labels |
| Style size with CSS | Pick a level for its size |
- ✓Use one descriptive H1 that states the page topic.
- ✓Nest H2s and H3s in logical order.
- ✓Write headings that describe their sections.
- ✓Choose levels by structure, not by text size.
- ✓Clear hierarchy aids both scanning and SEO.