When you open a webpage, what’s the first thing your eyes do? You skim, jumping from heading to heading, looking for the part you came for. That’s not a quirk, that’s human behaviour. And it’s why heading tags (H tags) aren’t just an SEO detail buried in technical documentation. They’re a powerful tool for improving user experience, clearer content, and stronger search performance.
What Are H Tags (And Why They Matter)?
At the simplest level, H tags are HTML elements used to define the headings and subheadings on a web page from H1 (your main title) down to H6 (the deepest subheading). Think of them as the signposts in your content: They reveal the structure of your content
- They give search engines context about what your page is about
- They help screen readers interpret your content, supporting accessibility
- The important bit: H tags aren’t just for search engines, they’re for people first.
The important bit: H tags aren’t just for search engines, they’re for people first.
Why H Tags Are Important for UX (Not Just SEO)
People don’t read web pages the way they read books. They scan. They jump. They look for meaning through structure.
Good headings improve:
- Scannability – Users can quickly find the section they care about
- Clarity – Clear headings tell the reader what comes next
- Accessibility – Screen readers rely on headings to navigate
- Mobile experience – On smaller screens, a strong structure keeps content manageable
Use headings well, and you make life easier for every visitor. It also keeps people on your page longer, reducing frustration and bounce rates.
How to Use H Tags the Smart Way
Let’s walk through the heading hierarchy and how to use it effectively.
H1 – Your Main Headline (Use Only One)
Your H1 is the most important heading on the page. It sets the overall topic and purpose.
Best practices:
- Use only one H1 per page
- Make it descriptive and focused
- Keep it clear and human-friendly
Think of your H1 as the title of your story. It shouldn’t be vague or stuffed with awkward keywords. Clarity always wins.
H2 – Your Section Breakers
H2s divide your content into major sections like chapters in a book.
Good H2s:
- Break long content into readable chunks
- Reflect what your readers are looking for
- Use clear, descriptive language
For example, “Why Heading Tags Matter” is a more helpful H2 than something generic like “Section 2”.
H3 and Beyond Subheadings That Add Clarity
Under each H2, you can use H3 to break things down further, especially when explaining multiple points within a section.
Go deeper with H4–H6 only when your content truly needs more detailed structure (think FAQs, complex guides, or technical documentation).
Key rule: Never skip heading levels. Don’t jump from H2 to H4 it confuses both people and machines.
Accessibility is part of good UX
Screen reader users often navigate pages by headings alone. A logical hierarchy allows them to move efficiently between sections and understand page structure without reading every line.
Using H tags correctly is one of the simplest ways to improve accessibility without adding technical complexity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Problems usually arise when headings are used for visual styling rather than structure. Multiple H1s, skipped levels, or decorative headings break the logical flow of content and make pages harder to navigate.
Design should adapt to content structure, not the other way around.
A simple rule of thumb
If someone can scan your headings and understand the page without reading the paragraphs, your heading structure is doing its job. When headings guide users clearly, everything else on the page becomes easier to consume.
Used this way, H tags support better UX, stronger accessibility, and clearer communication — all of which naturally contribute to better performance online.
About the Author
With 16 years in hospitality behind him, George now works in web development, helping people make sense of tech and bring their ideas to life online.