How the hierarchy works#
H1: Keyword Research in 2026
H2: Step 1 – Start with seed topics
H2: Step 2 – Expand seeds into lists
H3: Free tools
H3: Paid tools
H2: Keyword research FAQThe H1 is the main title. H2s are major sections; H3s sit inside H2s. H4–H6 are rarely needed on blog content.
Why headings matter#
- Most readers scan headings before deciding to read.
- Headings help search engines understand subtopics and can support passage-level relevance.
- Clear headings make it easier for featured snippets and AI answers to extract sections.
- Screen-reader users navigate by headings — it’s an accessibility requirement too.
Best practices#
- Use one visible H1 that matches the page’s purpose.
- Write descriptive H2s — ideally ones that make sense out of context.
- Use the primary keyword or a close variant in at least one H2, naturally.
- Don’t skip levels for styling; use CSS to change appearance.
- Don’t use headings for non-heading text like taglines or button labels.
Related: title tag, creating SEO content.