Header Hierarchy
Last updated: March 2025
Definition
The nested structure of H1, H2, H3, and H4 headings on a page. One H1 for the main topic, H2s for major sections, H3s for subsections. It tells Google and screen readers what the page covers and how information is organized. Broken hierarchy confuses both.
Why It Matters
Google uses heading structure to understand what your page covers and how sections relate. A clear hierarchy also improves readability and accessibility. Pages with logical heading structure tend to rank better for related subtopics, not just the main keyword.
How to Improve
- Use exactly one H1 per page. It should contain your primary keyword and describe the page's main topic.
- Never skip heading levels. Don't jump from H1 to H3. Maintain a logical nesting order.
- Include related keywords in H2 and H3 headings naturally. These help you rank for subtopic queries.
- Make headings scannable. A reader should understand the page's full scope by reading only the headings.