Understanding Title Tags, H1s, H2s, and Other HTML Elements for SEO Success

Any page you want to rank on Google must have the keywords you are targeting in very prominent places to tell Google what the page is about. This information should be used as part of a comprehensive SEO plan. See our DIY SEO Guide for Tree Services and Landscapers.

Include Your Keyword in the Title Tag and H1

This is HTML-speak that is unfortunately unavoidable. The H1 is the title of your page or post in most cases. You want it to include your keyword (e.g. “Teeth Whitening”) and if you’re a local company, better get your location keyword in there too (e.g. “Atlanta”). For example, the H1 could be “Minimally Invasive Teeth Whitening Services in Atlanta Georgia.”

In most cases, your title tag can be the same as your H1, or it can be something very similar. A title tag is an HTML element that defines the title of a webpage and appears as the clickable headline in search engine results and on browser tabs. It’s crucial for SEO because it helps search engines understand the page’s content and encourages users to click through to your site.

Editing your title tag

How you access the title tag varies by what website editing platform you are using. Here are instructions for two of the most common platforms:

• Wix: Go to your editor.
  • Click Pages & Menu  on the left side of the editor.
  • Click the More Actions icon  next to the relevant page.
  • Click SEO basics.
  • Enter the page title under Title tag.
  • Publish your site.
• WordPress uses your page title, so no change is needed by default unless you have an SEO plugin that overrides it, in which case you can change the settings within that plugin. For example, if you have Yoast SEO installed, you can find your a clickable “y” symbol representing your Yoast settings in the upper right corner of your post settings.

What Are H2, H3, H4, etc.?

H2, H3, H4, and other header tags are HTML elements used to structure and organize webpage content. These are your subtitles. They create a hierarchy, making it easier for search engines and readers to understand the main topics and subtopics of a page. Here’s how they are typically used:

• H1: The main title of the page (used once per page).
• H2: Subheadings that break down the main sections under the H1.
• H3: Subsections under an H2, providing more detail.
• H4 and Beyond: Further breakdowns under H3 (less commonly used).

Header tags are essential for readability, accessibility, and SEO. Search engines like Google use these tags to interpret the page’s structure and relevance to a query.

Why Should At Least One H2 Include the Target Keyword?

Including the target keyword in at least one H2 helps search engines identify the relevance of your content to a specific search query. It reinforces your keyword focus and aligns with best practices for on-page SEO.

For example, if your target keyword is “tree trimming Phoenix,” a strong H2 might be:
“How Much Does It Cost to Hire Professional Tree Trimming Services in Phoenix?”

This practice improves your chances of ranking for that keyword while making your content more user-friendly.

Pro Tip: Ensure the keyword placement feels natural and reflects the topic of the section. Avoid stuffing keywords into headers just for SEO purposes—it can hurt readability and rankings.

Keywords in the Body

It’s also important to include the keyword at least one time and probably quite a few more in the body of the text, meaning the paragraphs, bullets, tables, etc. This is not as important as having it in the H1, title tag and H2 but it can make a difference in your ranking.

Wrapup

To wrap up, optimizing your title tag, H1, H2, and body content with the target keyword is essential for making your pages rank well on Google. These elements act as signals to search engines, helping them understand what your page is about and making it easier for potential customers to find you. By following these straightforward tips and ensuring your keywords are strategically placed, you’ll be well on your way to improving your site’s visibility and driving meaningful traffic that converts into leads or sales. A little attention to detail here can make a big difference in your online success!