Fix “Headings Are Not Structured” Accessibility Issues

Summary

You can troubleshoot this issue by opening the HTML view in the Siteimprove page report and checking whether heading tags are nested correctly, ensuring heading levels are not skipped.

Overview

This issue occurs when headings on a page do not follow a logical hierarchical order, which can make it harder to interpret the structure of the content. By reviewing the HTML structure and identifying where heading levels are skipped, you can restore a clear and consistent heading sequence.

Environment / Applicability

• Product/Feature: Siteimprove Accessibility
• Version / Platform: Siteimprove
• Audience: Website content editors / content authors / Web developers
• Geographic/Language considerations: N/A

Goal

Fix heading structure issues where heading levels are skipped and not properly nested

Question

How do I troubleshoot the issue?

Answer

How to fix the issue

Step 1: Open the HTML view

You can open the HTML view in the Siteimprove page report to inspect that the heading tags are nested correctly.

Step 2: Identify skipped heading levels

In the example page report below:

• An H3 heading, <h3>Chapter one</h3>, skips one heading level when nested under an H1 heading called <h1>Part one</h1>.
• And the H6 heading, <h6>Chapter one</h6>, skips 3 heading levels when nested under the H2 heading <h2>Part two</h2>.

Step 3: Correct the heading structure

Ensure headings follow a proper hierarchical order without skipping levels.

Verification checklist

• Heading levels increase sequentially (H1 → H2 → H3…)
• No heading levels are skipped
• Headings are properly nested in the HTML structure
• Page hierarchy is logical and consistent

Expected result

Heading tags are nested correctly, and no heading levels are skipped within the page.