This lesson covers HTML’s heading tags — <h1> through <h6>. Headings drive both visual hierarchy and SEO.
2026 note: Originally published in 2014. How heading tags work hasn’t changed. The only update: Google in 2026 is more lenient with hierarchy (multiple h1s are tolerated), but proper structure is still the best practice.
Six Heading Levels
<h1>Page main title (largest)</h1>
<h2>Section headings</h2>
<h3>Sub-sections</h3>
<h4>Smaller</h4>
<h5>Rare</h5>
<h6>Tiny (rarely used)</h6>Hierarchy for SEO
- One <h1> per page (the page title).
- Section headings use <h2>.
- Sub-headings under <h2> use <h3> — don’t skip levels.
- Pack target keywords into headings but keep them natural.
- Don’t use headings just for big font — that’s what CSS is for.
Practical Example
<h1>How to Buy a Domain in 2026</h1>
<h2>1. Picking the Right Registrar</h2>
<h3>Local vs International</h3>
<h3>Price Comparison</h3>
<h2>2. Searching a Name</h2>
<h2>3. Purchase Flow</h2>2026 Note — Accessibility (a11y)
Screen-reader users navigate between headings with the H key. Proper hierarchy isn’t just SEO — it’s required for visually-impaired usability.
