How to fix broken heading outline (GEO)

A broken heading outline occurs when H-tags are used out of order (e.g., an H3 before an H2) or when multiple H1 tags are used. This confuses the machine-readable structure of the page.

What is wrong

Many sites use headings for visual styling rather than structural hierarchy. If you select an H4 because you like the font size, but it sits directly under an H1, the logical outline is broken. Machines see this as a fragmented or poorly organised document.

Why it matters

AI engines use headings to segment a page into discrete topics. A logical hierarchy (H1 > H2 > H3) allows these engines to accurately attribute specific paragraphs to the correct sub-topic. A broken outline makes it harder for agents to parse your content for complex queries.

How to fix it

1. Standardise the H1

Ensure each page has exactly one H1 tag that acts as the primary title. This should be the first heading on the page, appearing before any H2s.

2. Nest headings sequentially

Check that you never skip a level. An H2 should be followed by another H2 or an H3, never an H4. Think of it as a traditional document outline or table of contents.

3. Separate style from structure

If you want a heading to look smaller, use CSS classes rather than changing the HTML tag to a lower level. The tag should only represent the content's depth in the hierarchy.

Platform notes

In WordPress, use the 'List View' in the Gutenberg editor to quickly visualise and drag-and-drop your headings into the correct logical order.