They are not merely a matter of design; they have a profound impact on the user experience.
Headings on a webpage play a vital role in organizing content and making it easier for all users, including those with disabilities, to navigate and understand the information presented.
Headings must be used in descending order meaning Heading number 3 then 4 then 5 must be used in order, not merely for stylistic reasons but for the fundamental principles of clarity and structure.
Here are a few key reasons why headings are not just a stylistic choice:
- Accessibility: Headings provide a structural hierarchy to the content, allowing screen readers and assistive technologies to interpret and convey the page's structure to visually impaired users. This ensures that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can access our website's content effectively.
- Usability: Clear and well-structured headings help all users quickly identify and navigate to the sections of a page that interest them the most. This improves the overall user experience and helps users find the information they need efficiently.
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Properly structured headings also play a role in improving our website's visibility in search engine results. Search engines use headings to understand the content's hierarchy and relevance, which can affect your website's ranking.
For more information on how to format your site's text including headings please view the Text editing - styles, formatting and more page.