The Header Element

What is the header element

The header element represents the introductory content for a page or section. It typically contains identifying information such as headings, summaries, or navigation related to that specific area of the document. A header helps set context and prepares both users and search engines for the material that follows.

Where do you use the header element?

A typical misunderstanding of the header is that you can only place the top navigation into it, but that isn’t true. The header element can be used at the top of the page or even at the top of individual section elements.  A page header (similar to the ‘main’ element)  introduces the primary purpose of the document, while a section header introduces the specific topic within that section. Headers help establish orientation and provide immediate context for the content that follows.

The primary thing to take away from this is that most developers are not doing this, so by wrapping primary section headings in header tags, you’ll make things easier for search engines and AI. Websites that optimize things in this way (assuming other technical tasks are handled) will receive boosts as a result.

What does the header element convey to search engines?

Search engines use the header element to understand the beginning and framing of a topic. A well-structured header identifies what the page or section is about and signals the hierarchy of importance. This helps search systems interpret meaning more efficiently, evaluate relevance, and determine how each part of the content relates to the larger document.

What type of content should you put inside of the header element?

The header element should contain content that prepares the reader for what comes next. This can include a heading, a short introduction, metadata relevant to the topic, or navigational elements tied to that specific section. The purpose is to provide orientation and identify the theme of the content that follows, not to deliver the main information itself. 

What are the benefits of using the header element?

Semantic elements are becoming increasingly important as search evolves even more to prioritize AI and AEO. Using the header element properly improves the clarity and organization of your content. It helps both readers and search engines understand how your page is structured and where each topic begins. Headers enhance accessibility, reinforce hierarchy, and contribute to a predictable pattern that is easy for search systems and AI to interpret. A well-defined header structure supports better comprehension, stronger semantic meaning, and overall improved SEO performance.