Why Heading Order Matters for Website Accessibility
Proper heading order is essential for making your website accessible to all users, including those who rely on screen readers or keyboard navigation. Headings (like <h1> through <h6>) help structure content in a logical hierarchy, allowing users to understand the layout and find the information they need quickly. Screen readers often use headings to create an outline of the page, so skipping levels or using headings out of order can make the content confusing or difficult to navigate.
To ensure an accessible experience, start with a single <h1> as the main page title, followed by nested headings (<h2>, <h3>, etc.) that reflect the content's structure. Avoid using headings purely for visual styling—use them to convey meaning and organization. A clear and consistent heading structure improves usability for everyone and helps ensure that your content is understood as intended.
Examples of Heading Order for Website Accessibility
Good Heading Order:
<h1>Our Services</h1>
<h2>Web Design</h2>
<h3>Responsive Layouts</h3>
<h3>UX/UI Principles</h3>
<h2>SEO Optimization</h2>
✅ This structure follows a clear hierarchy, starting with one <h1> for the main page topic, then using <h2> for major sections and <h3> for subsections. It helps screen reader users understand the relationship between content sections.
Bad Heading Order:
<h1>Our Services</h1>
<h4>Web Design</h4>
<h2>Responsive Layouts</h2>
<h5>UX/UI Principles</h5>
<h3>SEO Optimization</h3>
❌ This example skips heading levels and uses them out of order, which can confuse users relying on assistive technologies. It disrupts the logical flow and makes it harder to navigate the content effectively.
For accessibility, always use headings to reflect content structure, not just to style text.