Headings – Example 2

Example from the Book

Example that violates the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines

We’re going to create violations of Heading structure on this page.

This is the example we offered of a Heading structure that is not proper, and is based on the structure of the podcast episode we offered on the previous page.

Heading 1: Title of Episode

Below the Heading 1 can be the introduction to the topic of the page.

Heading 2: Shownotes

This heading begins to set the structure of the page into its overall sections, one being shownotes. It is not necessary to have a Heading 3 here. Going directly to another Heading 2 is acceptable.

Heading 2: Transcript

This is another major section for the page.

Heading 3: Intro

This Heading 3 begins to divide the transcript into sections. Heading 3s are always used to further divide a Heading 2.

Heading 2: Book Reviews

This Heading 2 is an error. “Book Reviews” are part of the transcript section so it should not be elevated to the same level as the transcript itself. This should be a Heading 3.

Heading 4: Book Title

If “Book Reviews” had been the correct Heading 3, this Heading 4 would be correct. However, since it follows a Heading 2, the Heading 4 is incorrect. You should not skip over Headings when going from 1 to 6 (we’ll explain in a moment that it’s okay to skip if you’re going in the other direction).

Heading 3: Interview with Author

This Heading 3 is acceptable since it is a section of the transcript.

Heading 3: Wrap Up

This Heading 3 is also acceptable since it is a section of the transcript.

And we’ve got one more example of a correct Heading structure on the following page.