How to Add Table of Contents in Blogger & WordPress (Boost SEO + UX)
Hook: Have you ever written a long blog post only to see readers leave halfway through because they couldn’t find what they were looking for? That’s where a Table of Contents (TOC) becomes your secret weapon. TOCs not only improve user experience but also boost SEO rankings by allowing Google to show “jump-to links” directly in search results.
In this complete 2025 guide, I’ll walk you step by step on adding a Table of Contents in Blogger & WordPress websites. We’ll cover manual methods, plugin-based setups, TOC styling, SEO impact, FAQs, and pro tips most bloggers miss. By the end, you’ll be able to install a TOC that turns your blog post into a structured, user-friendly masterpiece.
Why a Table of Contents is Essential in 2025
Gone are the days when TOCs were optional. Today, a TOC is a must-have because readers skim more than they read. Let’s break down why:
- Improves User Experience (UX): Users find exactly what they need without scrolling endlessly.
- Boosts SEO with Jump Links: Google highlights TOC sections directly in search results, increasing CTR.
- Reduces Bounce Rate: Readers stay longer if they can navigate easily.
- Makes Content Look Professional: Authority blogs and news sites all use TOCs for structured readability.
Section 1: Adding Table of Contents in Blogger
Method 1: Manual HTML/CSS Code (No Plugin Needed)
If you’re on Blogger, you don’t have plugin options like WordPress. The simplest way is to manually insert TOC code:
<div id="toc-container">
<h2>Table of Contents</h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="#section1">Section 1: Introduction</a></li>
<li><a href="#section2">Section 2: Step-by-Step</a></li>
<li><a href="#section3">Conclusion</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Then, in your blog content:
Use id attributes for headings:
<h2 id="section1">Introduction</h2>
Now, when users click links in the TOC, they’ll jump directly to that section.
Method 2: Auto-Generate TOC using JavaScript
Want it automated? Add this script inside Blogger’s HTML “Theme” </head> area:
<script>
function generateTOC() {
var toc = "<h2>Table of Contents</h2><ul>";
var headers = document.querySelectorAll("h2, h3");
headers.forEach((header, i) => {
var anchor = "toc-section-" + i;
header.setAttribute("id", anchor);
toc += "<li><a href='#" + anchor + "'>" + header.innerText + "</a></li>";
});
toc += "</ul>";
document.getElementById("toc-container").innerHTML = toc;
}
window.onload = generateTOC;
</script>
This script automatically pulls your <h2> and <h3> tags and builds a TOC dynamically.
Best Practices for Blogger TOC
- Always use
<h2>,<h3>, and<h4>hierarchy correctly. - Keep TOCs collapsible for mobile readers.
- Style your TOC box with CSS for a clean UI:
#toc-container {
background: #f9f9f9;
padding: 15px;
border: 1px solid #ddd;
border-radius: 5px;
}
#toc-container ul {
list-style: none;
padding-left: 0;
}
#toc-container ul li {
margin: 8px 0;
}
Section 2: Adding Table of Contents in WordPress
Method 1: Using Plugins
In WordPress, TOCs are much easier because plugins exist:
- Easy Table of Contents: Auto-inserts TOCs into posts/pages and supports collapsibility.
- LuckyWP Table of Contents: SEO-friendly with schema markup.
- RankMath TOC Block: Available if you use RankMath SEO plugin.
Steps:
- Go to Dashboard → Plugins → Add New
- Search for “Easy Table of Contents”
- Install & Activate
- Configure settings: select post types, heading tags
- Customize TOC style (background, border, font)
Method 2: Gutenberg Blocks (No Plugin)
WordPress block editor now allows inserting TOC via blocks. Some themes and page builders (Elementor, GeneratePress, Kadence) include their own TOC blocks.
Schema (SEO Snippet Enhancement)
TOCs automatically enable Google “jump-to” links, but LuckyWP plugin even adds FAQ & Article Schema to boost visibility.
Pro Tips for TOC Optimization
- Keep TOC Above the Fold: Place it right after your intro.
- Collapsible Option: Especially important for mobile users.
- Limit to H2 and H3: Avoid clutter from H4/H5 unless necessary.
- Add “Back to Top” Links: Great for longer articles.
🔥 Curiosity Break: What Happens If You Skip TOC?
Have you noticed why big blogs like HubSpot, Backlinko, and Neil Patel always use TOCs? Imagine reading a 5000-word guide without one. Would you scroll endlessly? That’s what happens when you skip TOCs — readers leave, search engines ignore your structure, and you lose conversions. The good news: fixing it is super easy.
FAQs: People Also Ask on Google
1. Does a Table of Contents improve SEO?
Yes, it improves navigation, reduces bounce rate, and helps Google show sitelinks and jump-to sections.
2. How do I add collapsible Table of Contents in Blogger?
Use JavaScript with a toggle button or CSS (accordion style) to allow collapsing.
3. Which is the best TOC plugin for WordPress in 2025?
LuckyWP TOC (SEO schema support) & Easy TOC (simplicity) remain the best in 2025.
4. Can I add automatic TOC in Blogger without code?
Yes, but you need custom scripts since Blogger doesn’t have plugins like WordPress.
5. Where should I place the TOC in my blog post?
Right after the introduction paragraph, before the first H2.
6. Does TOC increase my Google ranking?
Indirectly yes — it improves UX, increases time spent on page, and improves CTR.
7. Can TOC affect Core Web Vitals?
A poorly coded or heavy TOC script may, but optimized TOCs won’t slow down site speed.
8. Is it necessary to style TOC with CSS?
Not necessary, but a styled TOC improves UX and authority perception.
9. Should TOCs include H4/H5 headings?
Only if they’re crucial; otherwise, stick to H2–H3 for readability.
10. Can I hide TOC on short posts?
Yes. Use TOCs only on long posts (1500+ words) where navigation is valuable.
Conclusion
Adding a Table of Contents in Blogger & WordPress is one of the easiest yet most powerful enhancements you can make to your blog in 2025. It improves SEO, CTR, readability, and user trust. Whether you choose the manual HTML method for Blogger or a plugin-based setup for WordPress, what matters most is consistency. Every long-form article should have it.
My advice: Don’t think of TOC as a boring navigation tool — treat it as your blog’s roadmap. It guides readers, keeps them engaged, and convinces Google your content deserves premium rankings.
“Clarity in structure brings clarity in reading — and clarity is the secret weapon of SEO.”