What Are Header Tags?

Header tags (H1 to H6) are HTML elements used to define headings and subheadings on a webpage. They help organize content for users and tell search engines what each section is about.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• What header tags are
• How to use H1 to H6 properly
• Why header tags matter for SEO
• Best practices and common mistakes

✅ What Are Header Tags?

Header tags are HTML elements used to define titles and subtitles in your web content. They range from H1 (most important) to H6 (least important).

Example:

htmlCopyEdit<h1>This is the main heading (H1)</h1>
<h2>This is a subheading (H2)</h2>
<h3>This is a sub-subheading (H3)</h3>

📊 Why Header Tags Matter in SEO

🔢 Header Tag Hierarchy: H1 to H6 Explained

🔹 H1 Tag

• The main title of your page.
• There should only be one H1 per page.
• It should include your main keyword.

✅ Example:

htmlCopyEdit<h1>Complete Guide to On-Page SEO</h1>

🔹 H2 Tags

• Used for main sections under H1.
• You can have multiple H2s on a page.

✅ Example:

htmlCopyEdit<h2>Why On-Page SEO Matters</h2>
<h2>Best Practices for Optimization</h2>

🔹 H3 to H6 Tags

• Used for subsections within H2 and below.
• Follow a logical hierarchy.

✅ Example:

htmlCopyEdit<h3>Title Tag Optimization</h3>
<h4>Including Keywords</h4>

📐 Visual Hierarchy Example

Here’s how a properly structured blog post might look:

htmlCopyEdit<h1>Ultimate Guide to SEO in 2025</h1>

<h2>1. What is SEO?</h2>

<h2>2. On-Page SEO</h2>
  <h3>2.1 Title Tags</h3>
  <h3>2.2 Meta Descriptions</h3>

<h2>3. Off-Page SEO</h2>
  <h3>3.1 Backlink Building</h3>
    <h4>3.1.1 Guest Posting</h4>
    <h4>3.1.2 HARO Outreach</h4>

✍️ Best Practices for Header Tags

1. Use Only One H1 Per Page
   • It should be the main focus of the page.
2. Use Headers in Order
   • Don’t skip levels (e.g., don’t go from H2 to H4).
3. Include Keywords Naturally
   • Place relevant keywords in H2s and H3s where it makes sense.
4. Keep It Clear & Concise
   • Headers should summarize the section below.
5. Improve Readability
   • Use headers to break long content into digestible parts.
6. Make It Skimmable
   • Readers should understand your page structure just by scanning headers.

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

🔧 Tools to Analyze Header Tags

🧠 Final Thoughts

Header tags are more than just formatting tools — they guide readers through your content and help search engines understand your page structure.

Using H1–H6 tags correctly will:

• Improve SEO rankings
• Increase readability
• Help your content stand out in search

Make sure your page is logically structured, keyword-optimized, and easy to skim — and both users and search engines will love it.