Using Headings Properly: A Quick SEO & Accessibility Win
Good headings make your content easier to read, easier to navigate, and easier to find. In just a few minutes, you can improve your page by using headings correctly.
Why Headings Matter
Headings help visitors quickly scan a page and find the information they need.
They also:
- Improve accessibility for screen reader users
- Help search engines understand your content
- Break up large blocks of text
- Make pages easier to read on mobile devices
Think of headings as a roadmap for your page.
Your Page Title is Already the H1
In cuTheme, the page title automatically becomes the page’s main heading (H1).
That means you don’t need to add another H1 within your content.
Instead, start your page sections with Heading 2 (H2) blocks.
For example:
Page Title (H1): Undergraduate Admissions
H2: Admission Requirements
H2: Important Dates
H2: Tuition and Fees
Five Tips for Using Headings
1. Use Headings in Logical Order
Headings should follow a hierarchy.
For example:
H2: Programs
H3: Undergraduate Programs
H3: Graduate Programs
H2: Admission Requirements
H3: Domestic Students
H3: International Students
Each heading level supports the one above it.
2. Don’t Skip Levels
Try to move through heading levels in order:
H2 → H3 → H4
Instead of:
H2 → H4
A clear structure helps assistive technologies understand your content.
3. Don’t Use Headings to Make Text Bigger
A heading should indicate a section of content 0 not be used for formatting.
Instead of choosing a heading because you like how it looks, ask:
Does the text introduce a new section?
- If the answer is yes, use a heading.
- If not, use regular paragraph text or another formatting option.
4. Make Headings Descriptive
Good headings tell visitors what they’ll find next.
Instead of:
- Information
- Resources
- Learn More
Try:
- Funding Opportunities
- Accessibility Resources
- Frequently Asked Questions
Clear headings help both people and search engines understand your content.
5. Break Up Long Pages with Headings and Subheadings
If your page contains several long paragraphs without headings, visitors may struggle to scan the content. Adding headings creates natural stopping points and makes pages feel more approachable.
A good rule of thumb: if a section covers a new topic, give it a heading.
Quick Heading Checklist
Before publishing a page, check that:
- The page title clearly describes the page topic
- Major sections use H2 headings
- Subsections use H3 headings when needed
- Heading levels follow a logical order
- Headings are descriptive and meaningful
- Headings are used for structure, not appearance
Final Tip
Try reading only the headings on your page.
If someone can understand the main topics without reading the full text, you’ve probably created a strong heading structure.
It’s one of the simplest improvements you can make for readability, accessibility, and SEO all at the same time!
For more guidance on creating accessible headings, see our web accessibility article, Create Proper Subheadings.