How to Optimise Header Tags for SEO

1. What Are Header Tags?

Header tags are the titles and subheadings you see on a webpage. They guide both users and search engines to understand what each section is about. When your headers are well-organized and keyword-optimized, your page becomes more readable, user-friendly, and SEO-friendly — which boosts rankings.

Header Tag Levels:

  • H1 → Main title of the page

  • H2 → Main sections

  • H3 → Sub-points under H2

  • H4-H6 → Additional nested points (optional)

Example:
H1: Best Digital Marketing Courses
H2: Types of Courses
H3: Online Courses
H3: Offline Courses

2. Use Only One H1 (Your Main Title)

Your H1 tells Google what your page is mainly about.
Use only one, and include your primary keyword naturally.

Example:
H1: How to Optimise Header Tags for SEO

3. Add Keywords Naturally in H2 & H3 Tags

  • Your subheadings should include related keywords, but they must sound natural and meaningful.

    Example:
    Bad: Header Tags SEO Optimize Best Tips
    Good: How to Use H2 and H3 Tags for Better SEO

4. Maintain a Clear, Logical Structure

Users should be able to read your page like a simple outline. Don’t skip levels (e.g., jumping from H1 to H4).

Correct Structure:
H1 → H2 → H3 → H3 → H2 → H3
Incorrect:
H1 → H4 → H2 → H5

A clean structure improves readability and search engine understanding.

5. Keep Headers Short & Easy to Read

A good header is simple and direct — usually 4–8 words.

Example:
Benefits of Header Tags
Here Are the Many Different Reasons Why Header Tags Matter in SEO Today

6. Make Headers Useful, Not Just Keywords

Your header should tell the reader what they will learn in that section.

Example:
How Header Tags Improve User Experience
User Experience SEO Header Keyword

7. Use Power Words to Increase CTR

Power words make your headers more clickable and interesting.

Examples:

  • Best
  • Easy
  • Step-by-Step
  • Proven
  • Complete
  • Simple Guide

Example Header:
Step-by-Step Guide to Optimising Header Tags

8. Add Questions in Headers (Boosts Featured Snippets)

Google loves question-based headings because they match user search queries. Examples:
  • What Are Header Tags? 
  • How Many Header Tags Should You Use? 
Why Are H2 Tags Important for SEO?

9. Avoid Keyword Stuffing in Headers

Putting too many keywords in a single header looks spammy and hurts SEO. Bad Example: Best SEO Header Tag Tips SEO Header Optimization Guide Good Example: Best Tips to Optimise Header Tags

10. Match Header Tags With Search Intent

Your headers should answer what users are searching for.
If the query is “how to optimize header tags,” then your H2s should explain steps, tips, examples, etc.

Example of a Well-Optimised Header Structure

H1: How to Optimise Header Tags for SEO

 

H2: What Are Header Tags?

H3: Types of Header Tags

H3: Why They Matter for SEO

 

H2: How to Optimise Your Header Tags

H3: Use One H1 Only

H3: Add Keywords Naturally

H3: Keep Headers Clear and Simple

 

H2: Common Header Tag Mistakes to Avoid

H3: Keyword Stuffing

H3: Skipping Header Levels

 

H2: Final Tips for Better SEO Results

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