2.2 Heading structureMediumInferred

Incoherent heading outline

If the heading outline does not tell a coherent story on its own, the page probably is not well structured. The headings read top to bottom should summarise the page.

What it is

Headings don’t form a logical outline.

Why it matters

Harder for AI to understand and lift passages.

How to fix it

Ensure headings read as a coherent outline.

How to find it on your site

  1. Extract just the headings and read them as an outline.
  2. Check whether they form a logical, coherent summary.
  3. Reorganise sections and headings so the outline makes sense alone.
  4. Re-read to confirm it flows.

Cross-reference to ranking and citation factors

A coherent outline helps machines and users grasp the page structure quickly. An incoherent one signals disorganised content.

Impact

Medium. Inferred.

Evidence

Clear structure aids comprehension/extraction. Google Search Central, Optimizing your website for generative AI features on Google Search