One of the best things about blogging is that on most blogging platforms, you are not required to know HTML to get anything done.

Despite this, sometimes knowing HTML can make things go a little faster and make you rely less on your CMS and more on your knowledge. That way you don’t waste anytime waiting around for your CMS to do something.

So, what are some good HTML tags to know for blogging?

The H Headers

If you want to add some structure to your content that will make it easier to read and to optimize for Search Engine optimization, then the H header is your friend. As an example, the headings on this post use the H3 header.

The way HTML page structure works is that the H1 header is the main header of any page, H2 is the blog post title then H3 is used within a post to give it some structure. Search engines like hierarchy so it’s important to use H headers in order.

How to you use H headers?

[code lang="html4strict"]

Main Heading

Post Title

Body Heading

[/code]

Your Title/heading goes in between the carrots. Keep in mind that WordPress will take care of H1 and H2 for you. Really, all you need to worry about is the H3 header.

Simple List Tags

If you want to make a quick list, the list tag is a very powerful feature of HTML.

To us it:

[code lang="html4strict"]

• List Item 1
• List Item 2
• List Item 3

[/code]

The first line of code opens the list, the second is the actual item in the list and the last line of code closes the list. You can make the list go on for as many items you need. Your list will display as bullet points.

Quickly Inserting an Image

Uploading images in most CMS’s is a pain in the butt and I try to avoid it all costs.

If you want to put an image in your post and it’s hosted on another site, simply use this tag:

[code lang="html4strict"]

[/code]

When your page loads, your CMS will grab the image from wherever it’s hosted and place it on the page. A quick a simple way to display an image. This will also display images you’ve uploaded to your own server.

Using Block Quote

If you want to quote something from another website without having to rewrite it yourself. Use this tag and simply link back giving credit.

To Block Quote a selection simply use this tag:

[code lang="html4strict"]

Quoted Text Here

[/code]

When the page is published, you’ll see the test indented and put into a grayed out box (this may depend on your theme).

Making a Hyperlink

If you’re putting links in a post and want to quickly make one without using the functionality of your CMS, you can use this tag.

It’s by far one of the easiest tags to use and people are afraid to use.

[code lang="html4strict"]
Describe Link Anchor Text
[/code]

Using DIVs to align objects

If you want to center an image, text or anything else; you can use DIV to accomplish this.

Let’s say we wanted to center that image we put in earlier, we would need to do this:

[code lang="html4strict"]

[/code]

Also, if you wanted to align something differently, then just replace center with “left” or “right.”

Simple HTML Tag Conclusion

Well, there you have it. These are some simple to use tags that can help you take your niche blogging to the next level. If you have any questions on how to use them, feel free to leave a comment.

And remember, always be sure to close your Tags! If you don’t, things will not behave correctly in your theme, especially with Div tags.