Does Adding a Table of Contents Improve SEO in 2023?

When it comes to optimizing a website for search engines, there are countless strategies and tactics that can be employed. One such tactic that is often discussed is the use of a table of contents (TOC). This is essentially a list of the main topics or sections within a webpage, often with links to the relevant sections within the page.

But does adding a table of contents actually improve SEO? In this article, we will explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of using a TOC and examine the evidence for whether or not it can actually help to boost a website’s search engine rankings.

Benefits of Adding a Table of Contents

There are several potential benefits to adding a table of contents to a webpage. These include:

  1. Improved User Experience: A TOC can make it easier for users to navigate a webpage and find the specific information they are looking for. This can lead to a better overall user experience, which can contribute to increased engagement and a lower bounce rate.
  2. Increased On-Page Time: If a user is able to quickly and easily find the information they are looking for, they are more likely to spend more time on the page. This can lead to a higher average on-page time, which is a metric that is thought to be taken into account by search engines when ranking websites.
  3. Improved Internal Linking: A TOC can help to encourage internal linking within a website, which can be beneficial for SEO. Internal linking helps to distribute link equity within a website and can also help search engines to understand the structure and hierarchy of the content on a website.
  4. Improved Accessibility: A TOC can also be beneficial for users with accessibility needs, such as those using screen readers. A TOC can provide a clear and structured way for these users to navigate a webpage.

Drawbacks of Adding a Table of Contents

While there are certainly potential benefits to adding a TOC, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. These include:

  1. Increased Page Load Time: A TOC can increase the overall size of a webpage, which can lead to slower page load times. This can be frustrating for users and can also negatively impact search engine rankings.
  2. Decreased Visibility: If a TOC is placed at the top of a webpage, it can take up valuable real estate that could otherwise be used to display more important content. This can lead to decreased visibility for the main content of the page.
  3. Confusing Navigation: If a TOC is too long or confusing, it can actually make it harder for users to navigate the webpage. This can lead to a poor user experience and potentially lower search engine rankings.

Does Adding a Table of Contents Improve SEO?

So, does adding a table of contents actually improve SEO? The answer is not entirely clear. While there are certainly potential benefits to using a TOC, there is no conclusive evidence that it directly improves search engine rankings.

One study conducted by Moz found that there was no significant correlation between the use of a TOC and search engine rankings. However, the study did note that pages with a TOC tended to have higher on-page time and lower bounce rates, which could potentially impact search engine rankings.

Another study by Ahrefs found that pages with a TOC tended to rank slightly better in Google search results. However, the study also found that the use of a TOC did not have a strong impact on rankings.

Ultimately, the use of a TOC should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. If a TOC will improve the user experience and encourage internal linking within a website, it may be worth implementing. However, if it will negatively impact page load time or visibility of the main content, it may not be worth the effort.

In addition, it is important to keep in mind that a TOC alone is not going to significantly improve SEO. It should be used as part of a comprehensive SEO strategy that includes other elements such as keyword research, high-quality content, and a strong link building strategy.

While adding a table of contents may have some potential benefits for SEO, it is not a magic bullet. It is important to carefully consider the pros and cons of using a TOC and to evaluate its impact on a website on a case-by-case basis. It should also be used as part of a comprehensive SEO strategy rather than being relied upon as the sole means of improving search engine rankings.