What are Header Tags?

Header tags (H2, H3, H4, etc.) are HTML elements that create visual hierarchy in your content. They break your post into sections and subsections, making it easier to read and navigate.

After the H1 tag (your main title), header tags organize everything else. H2s mark major sections. H3s mark subsections within those H2s. H4s (rarely needed) mark sub-subsections within H3s.

Why header tags matter

Header tags serve three purposes: they help readers skim and navigate, they organize your ideas logically, and they help search engines understand your content structure.

For readers

Most people skim before committing to read. Header tags let them scan your main points and jump to relevant sections. Without headers, your content looks like a wall of text.

For SEO

Search engines use header tags to understand your content hierarchy. They give more weight to text in headers than text in paragraphs. Including your keyword in at least one H2 strengthens your SEO.

How to use header tags

Think of header tags as an outline. Your H1 is the title. H2s are your main sections. H3s are subsections within those sections.

H2: Main sections

Every blog post should have 3-6 H2 sections. Each H2 covers one main point or idea.

For a post titled "How to Write Better Headlines" (H1), your H2s might be:

• What Makes Headlines Work
• Common Headline Mistakes
• How to Test Your Headlines

Include your primary keyword in 1-2 H2s where natural. Don't force it into every H2.

H3: Subsections

Use H3s when an H2 section has multiple distinct sub-points. If you're explaining "Common Headline Mistakes" (H2), you might have H3s for:

• Being Too Vague
• Overpromising
• Keyword Stuffing

Not every H2 needs H3s. Only use them when they genuinely improve organization.

H4 and beyond

Most blog posts don't need H4s, H5s, or H6s. If you find yourself needing deep nesting, your post structure is probably too complex. Simplify instead.

Header tag hierarchy

Never skip levels. Don't go from H2 directly to H4. The structure should always nest logically: H1 → H2 → H3 → H4.

Your hierarchy might look like:

H1: How to Structure Blog Posts
  H2: Why Structure Matters
    H3: For Readers
    H3: For Search Engines
  H2: The Basic Structure
    H3: Introduction
    H3: Body Sections
    H3: Conclusion
  H2: Common Mistakes

This logical nesting helps both readers and search engines follow your organization.

Writing good headers

Headers should be descriptive, not clever. Someone reading just your headers should understand your main points.

Bad header: "The Real Problem" Good header: "Why Your Paragraphs Are Too Long"

The good header tells readers exactly what the section covers. The bad header requires reading the section to find out.

Use parallel structure when possible. If one H2 starts with "How to," consider making the others follow the same pattern. This creates rhythm and consistency.

Headers and search intent

Your headers should align with what searchers expect. If someone searches "how to write headlines," they expect headers that walk through the process: basics, formulas, testing, mistakes to avoid.

Study the SERP for your target keyword. What headers do top-ranking posts use? This reveals what searchers expect to see covered.

Headers for skimmers

Many readers will scan your headers and read only the sections relevant to them. This is fine - it's efficient. Make your headers work for skimmers by being specific and descriptive.

Good headers combined with short paragraphs and strategic use of bold text mean skimmers still get value even without reading every word.