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Heading structure problems

Headings create an outline; random levels harm navigation.

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Step-by-step fixes by platform

Programmatic guides combine the issue explanation with stack-specific notes and examples where we have them.

Why structure matters

Screen reader users jump by headings. Skipping from h1 to h3 breaks expectations; multiple h1s can be acceptable if scoped correctly.

Examples

  • Jumping from h1 to h4 because a card title reused the wrong level.
  • Multiple h1s without landmarks separating regions.

How to fix

Use levels in order for the outline; style via CSS instead of picking headings for size.

Wrap repeated sections in landmarks (header, nav, main, footer) to aid navigation.

Platform notes

WordPress
Page builders make it easy to pick heading blocks for visual hierarchy—audit outline view.

Related: 1.3.1 Info and Relationships.