Use Section Headers to Boost SEO

Organising content effectively is essential for both SEO and user experience. Well-structured content with section headers helps search engines understand the hierarchy of your page while making it easier for readers to find what they need. In this guide, we’ll cover how to use headers and sections in Google Sites to maximise SEO and improve readability.

In Google Sites, headers are labeled differently than traditional HTML tags. Instead of using HTML labels like H1, H2, and H3, Google Sites has simplified these into “Title,” “Heading,” and “Subheading.” The Title is the equivalent of an H1 tag and is typically used for the main title of the page, helping search engines identify the primary topic of the page. Heading (similar to H2) works well for breaking up sections within the page, making it easier for readers to navigate through different topics. Subheading serves a similar purpose to H3, ideal for more detailed sub-sections. These labels keep things straightforward while still supporting SEO, as each level helps structure content for both search engines and users.

For website visitors, clear section headers allow for quick scanning, helping them find the information they need without reading every word. In New Google Sites, headers break up long blocks of text, making the content more digestible. This improved user experience can reduce bounce rates, which indirectly benefits SEO by signalling that visitors find value on your page.

To add a header, click within a text box and choose the Format option from the toolbar. From there, select Title, Heading, or Subheading to create your header. Each type has a different size and weight, so use them consistently to signal the importance of each section. For example, use Title for main topics and Heading for subtopics.

Once you’ve chosen the header style, use it to organize content by importance. Start with a Title for the main page topic, then add Headings for key sections, and Subheadings for details within each section. For example, if your page is about “SEO for Google Sites,” you might use “Understanding Google Sites SEO” as a Title, “Using Keywords” as a Heading, and “Keyword Placement” as a Subheading. This hierarchy clarifies the structure and helps search engines understand the focus of each section.

Consistency is important for both aesthetics and SEO. Use the same header styles (Title, Heading, Subheading) throughout your site to create a unified look and feel. This consistency also reinforces the content hierarchy for search engines, helping them interpret the structure of your entire site more accurately.

Incorporate keywords naturally into your headers to improve SEO without compromising readability. Avoid stuffing keywords, as this can have a negative impact. Instead, place your primary keyword in the Title and related keywords in Headings or Subheadings where it makes sense. For instance, for a page titled “How to Optimize Google Sites for SEO,” you might use “Optimize SEO in Google Sites” as an H1 and “Using Keywords Effectively” as an H2.

When writing headers, keep them brief and clear to make scanning easier for readers. Short headers are also better understood by search engines. Avoid lengthy phrases and jargon in headers, sticking instead to simple, descriptive language that conveys the main point of each section. (See the main SEO Guide page for tips on how to Create High Quality, Well Written Content for SEO)

A service page might include a Title like “Our Building Services,” Headings such as “Residential Services” and “Commercial Services,” and Subheadings like “Custom Home Building” and “Office Renovations.” This structure breaks down services in a way that’s easy to follow and optimizes keywords without repetition.

For a blog post, you might use a Title such as “SEO Tips for Google Sites,” Headings like “Why SEO Matters” and “On-Page SEO Tips,” and Subheadings such as “Using Keywords” and “Optimizing Images.” This organization gives readers a clear path through the post and allows search engines to better interpret your content.

Using section headers and a clear content structure is a simple yet powerful way to improve SEO on New Google Sites. By adding headers with keywords, maintaining consistency, and organizing content in a logical flow, you create a better experience for both search engines and users. Start by structuring each page with a clear hierarchy of titles, headings, and subheadings to make your content easy to navigate and SEO-friendly.