Heading Structure Checklist
For writers, developers and SEOs who review page templates and long-form content. Use it when pages feel hard to scan, when a redesign changed markup, or when you build a content outline from scratch.
0% 0 of 10 done
- critical
Why and how
- Why it matters
- The H1 names the page for users and reinforces the title tag for crawlers.
- How to check or fix it
- Filter the H1 tab in Screaming Frog for Missing and Multiple. In DevTools, confirm the H1 is in the rendered DOM.
- critical
Why and how
- Why it matters
- A mismatch between title and H1 can lead to title rewriting and confused intent.
- How to check or fix it
- Compare both side by side. They need not match word for word but should describe the same subject.
- critical
Why and how
- Why it matters
- Headings chosen for font size create a broken outline for assistive tools and crawlers.
- How to check or fix it
- Move styling into CSS. Check that bold or large paragraphs are not marked up as headings.
- important
Why and how
- Why it matters
- Jumping from H2 to H5 breaks navigation for screen reader users and makes the outline unclear.
- How to check or fix it
- Use a browser extension or the Accessibility panel in DevTools to view the heading outline and fix gaps.
- important
Why and how
- Why it matters
- Descriptive subheadings let readers and passage-based ranking find the right section.
- How to check or fix it
- Read only the H2 list and check it tells the story of the page. Rewrite vague labels like 'More info'.
- important
Why and how
- Why it matters
- Question headings with a direct answer below match how people and answer engines look for information.
- How to check or fix it
- Pull questions from People Also Ask and Search Console queries. Answer each in the first sentence under its heading.
- important
Why and how
- Why it matters
- Long or stuffed headings are harder to read and look manipulative.
- How to check or fix it
- Aim for a short phrase per heading. Use the main term where it fits and vary related wording.
- important
Why and how
- Why it matters
- Template headings can drown out the page's real outline and add noise.
- How to check or fix it
- Inspect the template in DevTools. Change decorative headings in menus and sidebars to non-heading elements.
- nice
Why and how
- Why it matters
- Anchors help readers jump to a section and can produce jump links in results.
- How to check or fix it
- Give each H2 a stable id and link to it. Check that links work after the page loads.
- nice
Why and how
- Why it matters
- Headings injected late may be missed by crawlers that do not run scripts.
- How to check or fix it
- Compare view-source with the rendered DOM. Move headings into server-rendered HTML if they are missing from the source.
Checklist complete. Re-run it after your next release or major change, and use the related lists below to keep going.
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Common questions
Can a page have more than one H1?
HTML allows it and Google says it can handle it, but one clear H1 is simpler and keeps the page focused. Most SEO and accessibility guidance still recommends a single H1.
Do headings help rankings?
Headings help search engines and users understand the structure and topic of a page. They are not a magic ranking lever, so write them for clarity first.