What Is a Heading?
A heading is a short line of text that shows what a page or a section is about. It is usually bigger or bolder than normal text so it stands out. On websites, headings are often made with HTML tags like H1, H2, H3 and so on.
Definition
A heading is a label or title at the top of a page or content block that groups related information under it. In HTML, headings are written with tags H1 to H6. H1 is the main page title, and H2 to H6 are subheadings for smaller sections.
Why Heading Matters
Headings are important for both people and search engines.
- Helps readers Headings break long text into clear parts, so readers can quickly find what they need.
- Helps search engines Search engines use headings to understand the topic and structure of a page.
- Improves accessibility Screen readers use headings so people who cannot see the page can jump between sections easily.
- Makes content easier to scan Good headings let users skim a page before deciding what to read in detail.
How Heading Works
On a web page, headings follow a simple order.
- H1 The main heading for the whole page. There is usually only one H1.
- H2 Major section titles under the H1.
- H3 and lower Subsections under an H2, used for more detailed parts.
When headings use this clear order, search engines can see which topics are most important and how ideas connect. This can help the page rank better for the right keywords.
Heading vs Related Terms
- Heading vs title A title is the main name of a page or article. A heading can be that main title, but can also be any subheading inside the content.
- Heading vs paragraph A heading is a short label that introduces a topic. A paragraph explains the topic in full sentences.
- Heading vs header A heading is text in the content. A header is a part of the page layout, like the top bar that may hold a logo and menu.
Example of Heading
Imagine a blog post about healthy breakfasts.
- H1 Healthy Breakfast Ideas
- H2 Quick Breakfasts You Can Make in 5 Minutes
- H3 Fruit and Yogurt Bowl
- H3 Peanut Butter Banana Toast
- H2 Healthy Weekend Breakfasts
Each heading tells you what the next part talks about, and the structure is clear for both readers and search engines.
FAQs
Question. How many H1 headings should a page have.
Answer. It is best to have only one H1 per page. This keeps the main topic clear.
Question. Do keywords in headings help SEO.
Answer. Yes. Using important keywords in headings can help search engines understand what your page is about. Always keep headings natural and easy to read.
Question. Can I use headings just for styling.
Answer. You should not use headings only to make text look big. Use them to show real structure. For styling, use CSS instead.
