When it comes to web development, structuring content for readability and emphasis is crucial. HTML provides multiple ways to highlight important information, and two of the most commonly used tags for this purpose are <b> and <mark>. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between these tags, their proper usage, and best practices for implementing them in modern web development.
Understanding the <b> Tag (Bold)
The <b> tag is used to make text bold.
<p>This is a <b>bold</b> statement.</p>
Understanding the <mark> Tag (Highlight)
The <mark> tag is used to highlight text with yellow, just like a highlighting marker.
<p>Make sure to <mark>review</mark> the document before submission.</p>
SEO and Accessibility Considerations
Unlike <b>, the <mark> tag has some semantic meaning, which can be beneficial for accessibility and SEO. Assistive technologies, such as screen readers, may announce highlighted text differently, making it more distinguishable to users with visual impairments. Additionally, search engines might treat <mark> as a relevant indicator in search result pages, especially when used in contexts like search query highlights. However, <mark> does not inherently boost SEO rankings but can improve user experience by emphasizing relevant content.
Conclusion
Using the <b> and <mark> tags effectively can improve the readability and usability of web content. The <b> tag is great for making text stand out visually, while <mark> is ideal for highlighting relevant information with semantic meaning. For better accessibility and SEO, consider when and how to use each appropriately, and enhance their appearance using CSS.
Are you already using these tags in your projects? Let us know your experiences and best practices in the comments!
