How the use of semantic tags can improve visibility and usability

Did you know that semantic HTML is essential for creating and developing a quality website? Today, writing good content is no longer enough: it is essential to know and use HTML to help both developers and search engines understand the key points of your site and make it more easily accessible to users.

Semantic HTML is a way of writing website code using specific tags that clearly define the function of each element. These tags not only structure the content, but also communicate its meaning to search engines and support tools.

Here are some examples of semantic tags:

• header: defines the header of the page or section.
• nav: contains navigation links.
• article: identifies independent content, such as blog posts or articles.
• section: organises the thematic sections of the page.
• aside: includes complementary content, such as sidebars or additional information.
• footer: represents the footer of the page with additional information.

The correct use of semantic tags has a significant impact on both SEO and site accessibility.

#1 SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) and visibility
Search engines, such as Google, favour well-structured content. Semantic tags help to better interpret the content of a page, improving relevance and ranking in search results.

The main advantages include:

• Better indexing: search engines better understand page structure, identifying the most relevant content
• Clearer search results: semantic tags help generate more detailed and appealing previews
• Reduced bounce rate: a clear structure improves the user experience, reducing page abandonment-a factor considered by Google in its ranking

#2 Accessibility and usability

Accessibility is essential to ensure that a site is usable by all, including users with disabilities. Assistive tools, such as screen readers, rely on semantic tags to provide a clear and structured browsing experience.
Here is how semantic HTML improves accessibility:

• More efficient screen readers: they better identify content through appropriate tags
• Easier navigation: the use of buttons such as ‘Tab’ is more effective with a defined semantic structure
• Improved comprehension for cognitively impaired users: a logical arrangement of content aids the fruition of information

Using semantic HTML is not only good development practice but also a strategic advantage for improving SEO and site accessibility. Creating more understandable and optimised web pages means reaching a wider audience and offering a better user experience..

If you want to increase your site’s visibility on search engines and make your content more accessible, now is the right time to embrace semantic HTML!