A heading, in the context of navigation, refers to a textual element, typically formatted prominently using HTML heading tags (

to

), that acts as a signpost or label within a web page or document. It provides a structural outline, helping users quickly understand the topic and content of the section that follows. Headings are critical for accessibility, search engine optimization (SEO), and overall user experience.

Headings are not merely stylistic elements; they contribute significantly to the logical organization of the content. They form a hierarchy, with

typically representing the main title of the page and subsequent headings (

,

, etc.) indicating progressively more specific subtopics. This structure allows users and search engines to easily scan the document and identify relevant information.

Effective headings should be concise, descriptive, and accurately reflect the content they introduce. They should use keywords relevant to the topic to improve SEO and should be formatted consistently throughout the document. Furthermore, headings should be semantically meaningful, adhering to a logical hierarchical structure rather than being used purely for visual emphasis. Assistive technologies, such as screen readers, rely on headings to provide users with a navigable structure of the content.