Question
Answer and Explanation
The question of whether footer column headers should be H2s is an interesting one, involving both semantic HTML and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) considerations. Let's explore:
1. Semantic HTML:
- HTML provides heading elements (H1 to H6) to structure content hierarchically. H1 is typically used for the main title of a page, followed by H2 for major sections, H3 for subsections, and so on. The semantic structure helps users, especially those using assistive technologies, navigate the page effectively.
2. The Problem with H2 in the Footer:
- Using H2s in the footer can potentially disrupt the logical hierarchy. The footer typically contains auxiliary information (e.g., contact info, copyright, links to important pages), not major content sections. If your page already uses H1 for the main page title and H2 for significant content divisions, an H2 in the footer might suggest that it's another major section, which it is not.
3. Recommended Practices:
- Use H3 or Lower: If you need a heading for your footer columns, consider using H3 or a lower heading level, especially if the content within the columns is less significant than content in other page sections. For example: if your main content is already using H1 for the title and H2 for main sections, consider using H3 for your footer column headings.
- Alternatives: You can also use appropriate HTML elements such as ``, ``, or simply style your column headers appropriately using CSS rather than using HTML tags for styling purposes.
4. SEO Implications:
- While search engines do use heading tags to understand content structure, they also focus on many other factors. Using H2 in the footer might not significantly impact SEO, but using the correct HTML and semantic structure will provide the best outcome. It's recommended not to overuse H2 if it does not reflect content hierarchy to improve crawlability and user experience.
5. Accessibility:
- Proper use of headings is good for accessibility. Maintain a good structure for screen readers and other assistive technologies. Make sure your structure makes sense with no jumps in heading levels.
In Summary:
- While it's not strictly wrong to use H2s in a footer, it is generally better to use H3s or lower for semantic consistency and a more logical document structure. The key is to maintain the structure of your content with no jumps in heading levels. You can also achieve the desired styling by using CSS classes with semantically correct elements. Always focus on using proper HTML for structure, and CSS for styling.