Page Headings Structure

Headings serve as the backbone of a website or document, much like an outline in an essay. Every page should have one main heading (H1) that introduces the page’s primary topic. All other headings (H2 through H6) should be organized in a hierarchy beneath the H1, with each level indicating decreasing importance. This structure helps break the content into clear sections, making it easier for visitors to navigate and understand the information.

 

Best Practices

  • Keep headings in order: Use H1 (page title), then H2 (topics), then H3 (sub-topics), and so on.

  • Ensure accuracy: Each heading should clearly describe the content that follows.

  • Write naturally: Include keywords where appropriate, but avoid overloading the heading with them.

  • Use sentence case: Capitalize only the first word and any proper nouns; avoid unnecessary punctuation.

  • Avoid numbering: Don’t include numbers in headings to indicate a sequence.

  • Spell out abbreviations: When you use an abbreviation in a heading, write it out fully in the first paragraph that follows.

  • Start task-based headings with a base verb: Use the simplest form of the verb (without endings like -s, -ing, or -ed).

  • Avoid links in headings: Do not include hyperlinks within headings.

 

Structure Rules

Because headings define structure, the following should be enforced.

  • Don’t skip heading levels: Maintain a logical order
    (e.g., don’t jump from H1 directly to H3).

  • Don’t use headings for styling: Use headings only for structuring content, not merely to change text size or appearance.

Notes

If a page covers a single topic with specific information, the main heading (H1) might be sufficient. However, if the page provides detailed information on different aspects of a topic, a well-organized heading structure is necessary to help users find the specific information they need.