Search engines and Headings
Search engines make the logical assumption that the text inside a site’s header tags has special importance. Because web designers use headings to sum up previous ideas or introduce new ones, text within these tags often contains the most significant information on the page. All three major search engines – Google, Yahoo and MSN – give extra weight to key terms placed in header tags.
What are header tags?
Header tags are HTML design elements that emphasize text by making it bigger and bolder. These tags can signify a new topic or an important point. They come in six sizes, numbered 1-6, with 1 being the largest:
<h1>Heading 1</h1> <h4>Heading 4</h4> Heading 1 Heading 4
<h2>Heading 2</h2> <h5>Heading 5</h5> Heading 2 Heading5
<h3>Heading 3</h3> <h6>Heading 6</h6>Heading 3 Heading 6
How do I use the header tags to rank higher?
To make your header tags more effective, follow these guidelines:
1. Use the most important keywords
2. Make room at the top
If your design permits, place the text inside the header tags as close to the top of the page as possible. This text doesn’t have to be huge; you can use smaller headings such as <h5>. There’s no proof that heading size effects ranking.
3. Keywords first
Place your keywords at the beginning of the sentence enclosed in the header tags.
4. Be logical
The text you put inside your heading tags should be arranged in a sentence. Remember, users will see this text when they look at your page. Also, search engines may use header text to describe your site in their results.
5. Use headers when possible
Whenever possible, use header tags to emphasize your text instead of using a larger font or the bold tag.
Avoid spam
Don’t repeat the same keyword many times in a row in your heading tags. Search engines consider this practice spam and can ban your site from appearing on their search results for this behavior. Remember to always write your pages – and