2.2 Heading structureMediumInferred
Headings used for styling
Using a heading tag just to make text big, or a div to make a real heading, breaks the semantic outline. Headings should mark structure, styling belongs in CSS.
What it is
Heading tags chosen for size, not structure.
Why it matters
Distorts the semantic outline.
How to fix it
Use CSS for styling; headings for structure.
How to find it on your site
- Check whether heading tags are used purely for visual size.
- Check whether real headings are marked up as styled divs or spans.
- Use heading tags for structure and CSS for appearance.
- Re-validate the outline.
Cross-reference to ranking and citation factors
Semantic headings give machines the document structure. Styling abuse hides or fakes that structure.
Impact
Low-medium. Inferred.
Evidence
Use headings semantically. Google Search Central, SEO Starter Guide