Implement Table of Contents on long-form content for better UX and anchor links

Explanation & Implementation Guide

Explanation

Adding a table of contents (TOC) to Shopify pages helps enhance the user experience by making it easier to navigate lengthy articles. This feature allows users to see a clear outline of the content and jump directly to sections of interest. By incorporating anchor links and a TOC, you improve accessibility and engagement, which can contribute to better SEO rankings.

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Implementation Guide

Introduce the Purpose of a TOC:

Start with a brief explanation of why a table of contents is being implemented.
Highlight how it improves navigation and makes content more user-friendly, especially for longer posts.

Identify Suitable Content:

Pinpoint articles or pages that qualify as long-form content. These are usually pieces with multiple sections or covering detailed topics.

Create the TOC:

Use a text or HTML editor to manually draft the TOC.
List the main headings (e.g., H2 tags) with their corresponding anchor links.

Place the TOC Strategically:

Insert the TOC near the top of the article, right after the introduction.
Make sure the TOC is visually appealing and easy to interact with.

Add Anchor Links:

Assign a unique anchor link to each section of the article.
Use descriptive, SEO-friendly text for each link to make it relevant to both users and search engines.

Link TOC Entries to Sections

Connect each TOC item to its respective section by linking it to the corresponding anchor.
Ensure clicking on a TOC entry navigates users smoothly to the right part of the page.

Enable Smooth Scrolling

Implement smooth scrolling for a better user experience. This feature ensures transitions to different sections feel seamless and professional.

Test the TOC

Gather user feedback and refine the TOC based on their suggestions.
Check the functionality of the TOC and anchor links across various browsers and devices.

Fixing the Issue

Add a TOC for Better Navigation:

Begin by creating a TOC or jumplinks to help users navigate lengthy articles.
Start with a short introduction that explains what the article covers.

Generate Jumplinks for Headings:

Include a section titled “What this article covers” or “Table of Contents” at the top.
List the key headings (H2 tags) in this section and turn them into jumplinks.

Use H2 Tags for Reference:

Preview the article to identify all H2 tags.
Copy these headings into the TOC section for easy reference.

Create Anchor Links:

Use an anchor format for titles:
- Example: For a heading “How Solar Panels Work,” create an anchor like #how-solar-panels-work.
Add the anchor link in the HTML view by including an id attribute:
html
Copy code
<h2 id=”how-solar-panels-work”>How Solar Panels Work</h2>

Verify Functionality:

Test the TOC to ensure each link navigates smoothly to the intended section.
Fix any broken or incorrect links.

Optimize for SEO:

Incorporate keywords into anchor text and TOC headings.
Ensure the TOC enhances search engine visibility while maintaining usability.

Regular Updates:

Periodically review the TOC for accuracy, especially if content is updated or restructured.
Keep it aligned with new sections or modified headings.

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