29/07/2025
Best practices for semantic HTML
Best practices for semantic HTML include:
- **Use the right elements for the right purpose:** Choose semantic tags that clearly describe the content's role, such as `` for introductory content, `` for navigation, `` for the central content, `` for thematic grouping, `` for independent content blocks, `` for tangential info, and `` for closing content[1][2][3].
- **Avoid using semantic tags solely for styling:** Do not use heading tags ``-`` just to change font size or `` and `` only to bold or italicize. Instead, use CSS for styling while semantic tags should convey meaning and structure[1][5][8].
- **Nest tags correctly:** Maintain logical and proper DOM structure by nesting headings inside sections or articles and placing `` within its relevant context. Use `` only once and never nest it inside other semantic elements like ``, ``, ``, or ``[1][8].
- **Use proper heading structure:** Employ headings in correct order (`` to ``) without skipping levels and use only one `` per page to enhance accessibility and SEO[6][9].
- **Use descriptive links:** Avoid vague link text like "click here"; instead use meaningful text to indicate the link purpose[6].
- **Provide alternative text for images:** Add `alt` attributes to images to improve accessibility for screen reader users[6].
- **Use lists for grouped items:** Use ``, ``, and `` for list content instead of generic tags like `` or ``[6][9].
- **Separate structure and presentation:** Rely on semantic HTML for content meaning and use CSS for appearance and layout[8].
- **Validate your code:** Regular validation ensures adherence to standards and helps maintain clean, accessible code[3].
By following these guidelines, your web pages will be more accessible, easier to maintain, and better optimized for search engines and assistive technologies[3][5][10].
Html Css