In this post, we’ll cover the basics of semantic tags and show you step-by-step how to apply them in Divi 5, along with practical tips and best practices.
Let’s dive in.
Semantic elements in Divi 5
Before we dive into how Divi 5 implements semantic elements, let’s explore what semantic HTML is and why it matters in web development.
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Semantic HTML tags are elements that describe their meaning and purpose for web browsers and supporting technologies. Unlike generic tags, such as various And spanproviding no inherent context about the content they contain, semantic tags convey important structural information.
Here are a few examples:
- header defines introductory content or a page header
- navigation highlights a navigation section
- mainly wraps the primary content of the page
- section groups thematically related content
- article represents a self-contained composition, such as a blog post
- footer indicates footer information
- knob specifies a clickable element
A div class=”header” can function visually as a header, but it lacks built-in meaning. Semantic tags such as header make the structure explicit without relying solely on classes or IDs.
Why semantic elements matter
The use of semantic elements goes beyond just images; it delivers tangible benefits in multiple areas.
Clearer site structure and organization
Using semantic tags transforms your layout from a collection of generic containers to a logically organized map. Even within the Visual Builder, choosing one can be done section, navigationor footer tag helps you (and any future employees) understand the intent of each part of the layout at a glance. By adopting a standard structure, you reduce the mental burden of managing complex pages, making it much easier to maintain or update your site months or years later.
Better search engine parsing (SEO)
Search engines such as Google prioritize the structure of the content when indexing pages. Semantic elements help crawlers understand the page hierarchy, potentially improving rankings. In an AI-powered search era, clear semantics provide stronger contextual signals, supporting features like rich snippets and recommended results.
Improved user experience and accessibility
Semantic markup improves the way assistive technology, such as screen readers, interprets pages. Tags like navigation And mainly allow users to navigate efficiently, while elements such as knob announce interactive elements correctly.
Screen readers often have difficulty displaying elements correctly due to missing or incorrect landmarks, headings, and scrolls. By using the right semantics, you can reduce barriers for users with disabilities, contributing to a more inclusive experience.
In Divi 5, it’s easier than ever to apply these principles visually, allowing you to change an element’s elements Element type in the HTML option group. This puts professional markup in the hands of users, allowing them to create sites that are more accessible and SEO optimized.
Implementing semantics in Divi 5
DiDivi 5 makes semantic HTML easy by adding a new one HTML option group to the Advanced tab of each element’s settings. From the Element type dropdown you can choose a semantic tag and modify the HTML output without writing any code.
Step-by-step guide to using semantic elements
Implementing semantic tags is simple and intuitive. I’ll demonstrate it using a landing page layout from one of Divi’s Layout Packs. I created an offset column Row that contains an image module and six text modules with anchor links. This will serve as navigation for a one-page website.
Add a header tag
Start clicking the first Section on the page you want to open its institutions. Navigate to the Advanced tab of the section and expand it HTML dropdown menu.
Click on the arrow pointing to the right in it Element type field.
Select from the drop-down lists header as the Element type.
Using the header tag tells search engines and screen readers exactly what that row is. It improves your SEO by clarifying the structure, allowing visually impaired users to quickly access your menu.
Add a navigation tag
The next step is to set one up navigation tag for your menu links. While the header tag defines the general area at the top of your page, the nav tag explicitly tells browsers and search engines that this is the navigation.
In the Rowwe added a nested row that contains our navigation links. Open the settings, click on the Advanced tab and select navigation as the Element type.
Add navigation links
In every Text module, go to the Contents tab and expand it Link institutions. Add your URL (in this case an anchor link).
This automatically wraps your text in a proper tag so that the link is fully functional, keyboard accessible, and properly announced by screen readers. You do not need to change the Element Type to A here — this can cause nested links or other problems. Instead, rely on Divi’s link processing for the individual items and use the navigation tag on the parent row (as shown previously) for the global navigation landmark.
For even more advanced control, you can use the separate Divi 5 Custom features function in the Advanced tab to assign one aria label or riot attribute.
This keeps your custom menu fully semantic, accessible, and SEO optimized.
Tips and best practices
Mastering semantic elements in Divi 5 is easy, but following a few guidelines will ensure your sites are accessible, SEO-optimized, and maintainable. Here are some tips and best practices you can follow:
Always select tags based on the purpose of the content, not its appearance. This is the core principle of Semantic Elements as outlined in modern web standards. Usage navigation for primary navigation menus or groups of links that help users move around the site.
Usage section for thematic groupings of content, usually with a heading.
To book header for introductory content or page headers, and footer for closing information such as copyright or contact details.
Optimize for SEO and accessibility
Semantic elements directly contribute to a better understanding of search engines and assistive technology such as screen readers. With the right use of landmarks, headings and scrolls you have a better chance of standing out in search results. For best results, try these compliance tips:
- Maintain a logical header hierarchy: Use one H1 per page, followed by H2-H6 in order.
- Hit the semantic sweet spot: Combine native tags for automatic logic, custom wrappers for style control, and ARIA labels to fill gaps for screen readers.
- Regular testing: Use accessibility assessment tools, such as Google Lighthouse, to flag incorrect structures and get suggested fixes.
- Strive for WCAG Standards: Follow web content accessibility guidelines to ensure universal inclusivity and meet legal requirements.
Common mistakes to avoid
Even experienced users can fall into common pitfalls when using semantic elements. Overuse or misuse of semantics undermines their purpose and creates confusion for browsers, search engines, and assistive technologies.
Failure to adhere to proper nesting rules or leaving custom wrappers unbalanced can disrupt page structure and compromise accessibility. Similarly, injecting malformed code into wrappers, such as mismatched tags or invalid attributes, often causes rendering errors, slows down performance, or can cause rendering problems.
Finally, treating headings as visual style aids rather than a logical hierarchy misleads screen readers and crawlers.
Avoiding these mistakes will keep your sites clean, accessible, and effective.
Try Semantics in Divi 5 today!
Semantic elements represent a leap forward in Divi 5, allowing you to add real meaning to your designs. By swapping out generic wrappers with the right tags and accurate markup, you create sites that are more accessible, SEO-friendly, and customizable right in Visual Builder. These tools allow Divi users to bridge the gap between visual design and professional code standards, making it easy to build inclusive websites that perform better for users, screen readers, and search engines.
I encourage you to download the latest Divi 5 Public Beta and experiment with semantic elements. Whether you’re refining an existing site or starting over, this feature helps you build faster, cleaner, and more meaningful experiences.
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