What is an H4 tag?

The H4 tag is an HTML element that is used to specify subheadings under an H3 tag.
It is the fourth level in the hierarchy of headlines within a web page, after H1, H2, and H3.

In HTML, it looks like this:

<h4>Jouw subkop op vierde niveau</h4>

An H4 tag is mainly used in longer or more complex articles that cover many topics. It helps to add extra structure and depth without making the text unclear.

Why are H4 tags important?

The H4 tag may not be as familiar or important as the H1 or H2, but it does play a role in the overall structure of your content.

For visitors, the H4 provides clarity within deeper sections of a text. Think of sub-topics within a step-by-step plan, summary or manual.
For search engines, the H4 is an additional signal about the internal logic and semantic structure of a page.

It helps Google better understand which parts belong together and how deep the page's content goes.

H4 tags in practice

H4 tags are mainly used when you're creating longer content with multiple layers of information. For example:

<h1>SEO Strategy 2025</h1>
<h2>Technical SEO</h2>
<h3>Improving website speed</h3>
<h4>Image optimization</h4>
<h4>Set up lazy loading</h4>

Here, the H4s provide additional details within one specific component.
In addition to making the text easier to read, they also make it easier for visitors and search engines to scan.

H4 tags and SEO

The H4 tag has no direct influence on your ranking, but it does have a indirect influence on how search engines interpret your content.

A well-structured headline structure (H1 to H4) ensures that Google understands how the information relates to each other.
It helps to make semantic connections between topics and to rank better on long-tail search terms.

In addition, a logical structure contributes to a better user experience — something that ultimately affects your SEO performance.

How often can you use an H4 tag?

There is no limit to the number of H4 tags on a page. The important thing is that you use them where they make sense.

A guideline: only use H4s as a floor below an H3 and not as blanks between H2s or H1s.
This way, you keep the structure clean and consistent.

For long articles with many sections, it is fine to use multiple H4s, for example with comprehensive guides, manuals or knowledge articles.

H4 tags in WordPress

In WordPress, you can easily add an H4 tag via the editor.
Select the text you want and choose “Heading 4” from the header menu.
Optionally, use an SEO plugin to check that your hierarchy is correct: H4s always belong to an H3, not directly under an H2.

Rank Rocket tip

Only use H4 tags if they add value.
They are perfect for small floors within a topic, for example in roadmaps or lists.

For example:

• H2: SEO Content Strategy
• H3: Blog Optimization
• H4: Add internal links
• H4: Improving Readability

This way, you keep the text organized and give Google a clear structure of main and sub-topics.

My advice

Don't use H4 tags too often and only if they really add something.
In shorter texts, H1, H2 and H3 are usually sufficient. In longer, in-depth content, H4 tags actually help refine and deepen your explanation.

A well-structured heading hierarchy (H1—H4) is not only good for readers, but also a sign of quality for search engines.

Make sure that each headline follows logically from the previous one, which is the basis of a good content structure and strong SEO.