What are the common mistakes to avoid in semantic HTML markup?

1 Misusing Tags

Semantic HTML tags are designed to provide information about the content they enclose, but a frequent mistake is using them incorrectly. For example, choosing <div> or <span> instead of more descriptive tags like <header> , <footer> , or <section> can lead to a lack of structure and meaning in the document. This misuse can confuse users and search engines about the significance and hierarchy of your content, which is detrimental to accessibility and SEO.

2 Overlooking Accessibility

Accessibility should be at the forefront of your mind when working with semantic HTML. Neglecting to use tags like <header> , <nav> , and <footer> can lead to an inaccessible page structure for screen readers and other assistive technologies. It's essential to use these tags to delineate content areas clearly, as they provide users with disabilities the context and navigation aids necessary for a seamless browsing experience.

3 Ignoring Hierarchy

An essential aspect of semantic markup is maintaining a clear hierarchy of content. This means using heading tags ( <h1> through <h6> ) in a way that represents the structure and importance of different sections. A common error is skipping heading levels or using them for styling purposes rather than for their intended function of outlining the document. This disrupts the flow and clarity of the content's organization, making it harder for users and search engines to follow.

4 Non-descriptive Elements

Another mistake is using non-descriptive elements that don't communicate the nature of the content effectively. Elements like <div> and <span> are non-semantic and don't provide any information about their enclosed content. Prefer semantic elements such as <figure> for images with captions, <mark> for highlighted text, or <time> for dates and times, to enhance the meaning and accessibility of your content.

5 Excessive Divs

Over-reliance on <div> elements is a common trap that can lead to "divitis," where a web page is cluttered with too many <div> tags, creating unnecessary complexity. This overuse can make the document harder to read and maintain, and it can also negatively impact the performance and accessibility of a website. Use semantic tags wherever possible to create a cleaner, more structured HTML document.

6 Forgetting Validation

Finally, overlooking the importance of validating your HTML can lead to errors in your markup that undermine its semantic integrity. Validation tools check your code against web standards to ensure it's correctly structured and accessible. Skipping this step can result in a website that doesn't perform as expected across different browsers and devices, potentially alienating users and diminishing search engine rankings.