How does using headings (h1, h2, h3) in HTML improve SEO?

Using headings (h1, h2, h3) in HTML significantly improves SEO by structuring content hierarchically. This structural organization helps search engines understand the relationship between different sections of the content on a webpage. The primary heading (h1) typically represents the main topic of the page, while subsequent headings (h2, h3, etc.) delineate subtopics and related content. This hierarchy allows both users and crawlers to navigate the content more easily.

When search engines crawl a website, they prioritize the information based on these headings, which can influence ranking factors. Proper use of headings also enhances user experience by making the content more readable and scannable. Users can quickly identify the key points of interest and find relevant information, which can lead to longer site visits and lower bounce rates—factors that are beneficial for SEO.

The other options, while potentially related to web performance and security, do not directly impact how search engines interpret and rank page content in relation to heading structure.