Effective heading structure is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to make digital content accessible and easy to navigate. Properly structured headings support people who use assistive technologies, improve the experience for every reader, and strengthen the visibility, consistency, and quality of the University of Georgia’s digital content.
Why heading structure matters
Headings (<h1> through <h6>) are more than just large, bold text. They provide a logical outline of the page and allow both humans and software to understand how content is organized.
How headings support people with disabilities
Many screen reader users navigate by headings instead of reading every word on a page. Headings act as navigational landmarks that make long or complex pages manageable.
- Efficient navigation: Users can jump between headings, move up and down the hierarchy, or pull up a list of all headings to quickly find the section they need.
- Clear relationships: A logical heading outline helps users understand how topics and subtopics relate to one another.
When headings are missing, out of order, or used only for visual styling, content can become confusing, time-consuming, or inaccessible.
How headings benefit all users
Clear headings improve usability for everyone, not just users of assistive technology. Most people skim web pages rather than reading every sentence, especially on mobile devices.
- Improved readability: Headings break long content into manageable sections.
- Faster scanning: Users can quickly locate the section that applies to them.
- Better mobile experience: Structured headings help organize content on smaller screens.
How headings benefit UGA
Consistent heading structure supports UGA’s broader goals for discoverability, branding, and compliance. Search engines use headings to understand page topics, importance, and relevance.
- Improved SEO: Headings help search engines index and rank content more effectively.
- Higher discoverability: Well-structured pages are more likely to appear in relevant search results.
- Content consistency: Shared heading practices support a cohesive, professional digital presence.
- Compliance: WCAG 2.1 AA success criteria expect headings to describe their topic or purpose.
Accessible headings improve usability for everyone, strengthen search visibility, reduce risk, and reinforce UGA’s commitment to inclusive, high-quality communication.
Core rules of heading hierarchy
Accessible headings rely on semantic integrity. This means using real heading elements to convey structure and following a logical, sequential hierarchy.
Start with a single H1
The <h1> identifies the main topic of the page and should appear once. It functions like the title of a book, describing what the entire page is about.
Follow a logical order for H2–H6
After the <h1>, use <h2> for major sections, <h3> for subsections, and continue downward only as needed. Avoid skipping levels.
Visual example: Heading structure in practice
Example of a logical heading structure with one main page heading and
properly nested section and subsection headings.
Code sample: Proper heading structure
<h1>Digital Accessibility Services Hub</h1>
<h2>Making the Web Inclusive for Everyone</h2>
<p>
The Digital Accessibility initiative provides comprehensive resources and services
to ensure equal access to information for all users. Our experts and trained staff
offer guidance and tools to help create accessible digital content.
</p>
<h3>Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)</h3>
<p>
Our WCAG specialists help implement international accessibility standards that focus
on content being perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust.
</p>
<h3>Ally for Web by Anthology</h3>
<p>
Ally for Web automatically checks web content for accessibility issues and provides
guidance for remediation.
</p>
<h3>Universal Design Principles</h3>
<p>
Universal design promotes creating digital experiences usable by the widest range
of people possible.
</p>
Practical best practices
What to do
- Use semantic headings: Apply real heading elements to represent structure, not just visual emphasis.
- Write descriptive headings: Each heading should clearly describe the topic of its section.
- Preserve structure when exporting: Use built-in heading styles in Word or PowerPoint so structure carries into accessible PDFs.
- Check the outline: Use navigation or outline tools to confirm the structure makes sense.
What to avoid
- Do not skip heading levels. Skipping levels breaks structure for assistive technologies and search engines.
- Do not use headings for visual styling only. Headings must represent structure, not appearance.
- Do not fake headings. Enlarged or bold paragraph text does not provide structural meaning.
Why this matters for accessibility and SEO
- For people with disabilities: Predictable navigation and reduced effort.
- For all users: Clearer, more usable content.
- For UGA: Better WCAG alignment, improved search performance, and a more professional digital presence.
By treating headings as meaningful structure rather than decoration, UGA’s web content becomes more usable, discoverable, and inclusive for everyone.