The importance of header tags in search engine optimisation (SEO)

HTML Header tags for example SEO are more commonly known as basic html elements, and to this day are still heavily weighted in Googles natural search algorithm in my personal opinion, and they are regularly misused, probably due to the lack of understanding.

Some thoughts to consider when implementing header tags:

• Header tags should be highly viable on the page and not hidden in any way shape or form
• Avoid using styling were possible, especially inline CSS styling.
• Ensure header tags validate to W3C standards, as something header tags can be placed in a parent container where it is not allowed such as placing a block-level element inside an inline element.
• Reserve h1 header tags exclusively for your primary keyword, this should also be an exact phrase match were appropriate and possible.
• Reserve h2 header tags for your secondary and tertiary keywords, this should be written using meaningful text, but still be a broad phrase match.
• Multiple or excessive use of H1 header tags can trigger a penalty. There are 6 header tags available all 6 should be used on the homepage, where possible.

The above measures ensure a sustainable and stable long term rankings strategy across all the major search engines. This is a highly and very effective method of getting your website to initially start ranking for your websites, however to maintain and improve the keyword ranking position.

Vipul
SEO Advisor