What is HTML <head> Tag?
The HTML head tag is one of the most important parts of an HTML document. It contains metadata and information about the webpage that is not directly visible to users. This information helps browsers, search engines, and other tools understand the content and structure of the page.
Inside the head tag, you can include elements such as title, meta tags, link, script, and style. The head tag is always placed before the body tag in an HTML document. It is essential for proper page structure, SEO optimization, and website performance.
Syntax of the HTML <head> Tag
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
<title>Scholar247: Learn HTML Easily</title>
<meta charset="UTF-8">
<meta name="description" content="Learn HTML Head Tag with examples from Scholar247.">
<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
</head>
<body>
<h1>Welcome to Scholar247</h1>
</body>
</html>
The head tag contains metadata and other essential elements that define how the page behaves and how search engines interpret it.
Examples of HTML <head> Tag
Example 1: Basic HTML Head Tag
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
<title>Welcome to Scholar247</title>
</head>
<body>
<h1>Hello, HTML Learners!</h1>
</body>
</html>
In this basic example, the title tag inside the head defines the text that appears on the browser tab. It helps users and search engines identify the page.
Example 2: SEO Optimized Head Tag
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
<title>HTML Head Tag Tutorial | Scholar247</title>
<meta charset="UTF-8">
<meta name="description" content="Learn how to use the HTML Head Tag with complete examples from Scholar247. Boost your web development skills.">
<meta name="keywords" content="HTML head tag, Scholar247 HTML tutorial, HTML example">
<meta name="author" content="Scholar247">
<link rel="stylesheet" href="styles.css">
</head>
<body>
<h1>Master HTML Head Tag</h1>
</body>
</html>
This SEO-optimized example includes metadata, title, author name, and keywords. These elements help search engines understand the page content and improve search ranking. It also links a CSS file to style the page.
Attributes of the HTML <head> Tag
The HTML head tag itself does not have any specific attributes. However, it acts as a container for multiple important tags that define page metadata, links, and scripts. Common elements inside the head tag include:
• title – Defines the page title shown on browser tabs.
• meta – Adds information like description, keywords, and author.
• link – Connects external resources like CSS stylesheets or favicons.
• script – Includes or links to JavaScript files.
• style – Embeds internal CSS styling.
These elements help browsers and search engines process the webpage correctly.
Best Practices for HTML <head> Tag
• Always include a title tag for each webpage.
• Add meta description and keywords for SEO.
• Use charset="UTF-8" to ensure proper character encoding.
• Include viewport meta tags for mobile responsiveness.
• Link external CSS and JS files properly.
• Avoid adding visible content or body elements inside the head tag.
FAQs About the HTML <head> Tag
What is the purpose of the HTML head tag?
The HTML head tag defines the header section of an HTML document that contains metadata, links, scripts, and SEO-related information for browsers and search engines.
Can I have more than one head tag in a page?
No, every HTML document should contain only one head tag. Having multiple head tags can cause validation and rendering issues.
Does the head tag affect SEO?
Yes, the head tag is very important for SEO. Elements like title, meta description, and keywords inside the head tag help search engines understand and rank your page.
What tags are commonly placed inside the head section?
Common elements include title, meta, link, style, and script. These define metadata, page styling, and linked resources.
What happens if the head tag is missing?
If the head tag is missing, the browser might not interpret metadata, styles, and scripts properly. It can also reduce search engine visibility and affect your page structure.