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Use of H1 H2 for SEO: The Real Guide

July 9, 2025
Use of H1 H2 for SEO: The Real Guide

Let’s be honest: heading tags (H1, H2, H3) are the unsung heroes of SEO. They’re like the office coffee machine — everyone knows they’re important, but most people are just winging it. Here at bloggingmachine.io, we’ve seen our fair share of heading tag mishaps (and yes, we’ve made a few ourselves before the AI took over). So, let’s break down how to use heading tags for SEO in 2024 — without the jargon, drama, or existential dread.

Why Heading Tags Matter (And Not Just for Robots)

Heading tags aren’t just for impressing Google’s algorithm. They’re for your readers, too. Think of them as the signposts on a long road trip — without them, everyone’s lost, cranky, and probably hungry. According to Search Engine Journal, a well-structured heading hierarchy can increase user engagement and time on page by up to 20%. That’s not just a stat; that’s your bounce rate doing a happy dance.

The SEO Science: How Search Engines Use Headings

Search engines use heading tags to understand your content’s structure. The H1 tag is your page’s main headline — your thesis statement, if you will. H2s break the content into logical sections, and H3s dive deeper into those sections. According to Google’s own documentation, headings help crawlers “better understand the content of your page” (Google Search Central). In other words, headings are like giving Google a map instead of a cryptic treasure hunt.

The Golden Rules: Use of H1 H2 for SEO

Let’s get practical. Here are the rules that even the most rebellious content creators (and AI agents) should follow:

1. Only One H1 Per Page

Yes, just one. Your H1 is the headline act, not a boy band. It should clearly describe the main topic of the page. According to Moz, multiple H1s can confuse search engines and dilute your SEO juice.

2. Place the H1 at the Top

Your H1 should be the first heading on the page. Don’t hide it under a pile of images or witty asides. Readers (and crawlers) want to know what they’re in for — right away.

3. Follow a Logical Hierarchy (Don’t Skip Steps)

Think of headings like nesting dolls: H1 contains H2s, H2s contain H3s, and so on. Don’t jump from H2 to H4 like you’re skipping lunch for dessert. Sequential order helps both humans and machines follow your logic.

4. Use HTML Tags, Not Just Bold Text

Styling text to look like a heading doesn’t cut it. Use proper HTML tags (<h1>, <h2>, <h3>, etc.). This isn’t just a technicality — it’s how search engines know what’s what.

5. Make Headings Descriptive (and Natural)

“More Tips” is not a heading. “How to Use H1 H2 for SEO Like a Pro” is. Use clear, descriptive language that tells readers what’s coming next. And yes, sprinkle in your target keywords — but don’t stuff them like a Thanksgiving turkey.

Keyword Optimization: The Art of Not Overdoing It

Here’s where things get spicy. Including keywords in your headings is still a solid SEO move in 2024, but Google’s smarter than ever. Keyword stuffing is out; natural language is in. According to Ahrefs, pages with naturally optimized headings rank higher and get more clicks.

  • Do: Use your main keyword in the H1, and related keywords in H2s and H3s.
  • Don’t: Repeat the same keyword in every heading. Google will notice, and not in a good way.

User Experience: Because Readers Are People Too

Let’s not forget the humans. Well-structured headings make your content scannable, accessible, and, dare we say, enjoyable. According to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), proper heading structure is essential for users with screen readers. That’s not just good manners — it’s good business.

Scannability

Most readers are skimming. Headings break up the wall of text and help readers find what they need — fast.

Accessibility

Screen readers rely on heading tags to navigate content. If you skip levels or use headings for decoration, you’re making life harder for a lot of people (and probably losing customers).

Comprehension

Logical headings help readers understand how your ideas connect. It’s like giving them a table of contents, minus the boring part.

Common Mistakes (And How to Dodge Them)

We’ve all been there. Here are the classic blunders:

  • Multiple H1s: One per page, folks.
  • Vague Headings: “Stuff You Should Know” isn’t helpful.
  • Skipping Levels: Don’t go from H2 to H4.
  • Keyword Stuffing: Google’s not fooled.
  • Styling Instead of Tagging: Use real HTML tags.

Recent Trends: What’s New in 2024?

SEO experts in 2024 are all about user-first content. According to a recent Search Engine Land roundup, Google’s algorithm now favors headings that improve user experience over those that simply cram in keywords. The focus is on clarity, relevance, and flow.

How AI (Like Us) Makes Heading Optimization Effortless

Let’s face it: manually optimizing every heading is about as fun as sorting receipts. That’s where AI-powered platforms like ours come in. At bloggingmachine.io, our AI agent:

  • Analyzes your content and suggests logical heading structures.
  • Flags issues like skipped heading levels or missing H1s.
  • Recommends keyword placements that feel natural, not forced.
  • Ensures consistency across all your posts (because who has time to check every page?).

The result? SEO-optimized articles that not only rank but actually get read. And you get to focus on the big picture — like what’s for lunch.

FAQ: Heading Tags & SEO

How many H1 tags should I use per page?

Just one. Think of it as your page’s main headline. More than one confuses search engines and readers.

Can I use keywords in every heading?

You can, but don’t overdo it. Use your main keyword in the H1 and related terms in H2s and H3s. Keep it natural.

What’s the difference between H2 and H3 tags?

H2s are for main sections; H3s are for subsections within those sections. It’s all about hierarchy.

Do heading tags affect accessibility?

Absolutely. Proper heading structure helps screen readers and improves navigation for users with disabilities.

How can AI help with heading optimization?

AI tools (like ours at bloggingmachine.io) analyze your content, suggest headings, and ensure your structure is both SEO- and user-friendly — automatically.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Overthink It (Let Us Do That)

Heading tags aren’t rocket science, but they do require a little finesse. By following best practices for the use of H1 H2 for SEO, you’ll make your content more discoverable, readable, and enjoyable. And if you’d rather not sweat the details, let us handle it. With bloggingmachine.io, you get effortless, AI-powered, SEO-optimized articles — no late-night formatting sessions required.

For more on heading tags and SEO, check out these resources:

Ready to let AI handle your headings (and everything else)? Visit bloggingmachine.io and see how effortless SEO blogging can be.