WCAG 2.4.10: Section Headings

Quick answer: Sections of content should use headings to help users scan and understand long pages or complex flows.

What This Means

On ecommerce sites, Section Headings usually shows up in repeating storefront components such as product cards, PDP media, search results, cart drawers, checkout forms, and support content. If the live experience depends on patterns like long policy pages are broken visually but have no heading structure. or pdp detail blocks use styled paragraphs instead of headings., disabled shoppers can lose context or get blocked before purchase.

This criterion matters because D2C teams often fix the homepage but miss reusable app blocks, campaign pages, and mobile-specific UI. The practical standard is simple: build the same outcome for keyboard users, screen-reader users, low-vision users, and anyone relying on captions, labels, structure, or predictable behavior.

For Shopify, WooCommerce, and custom storefronts, the fastest remediation path is usually template-level work. Fix the repeated component once, then retest every place it appears across browse, buy, and post-purchase journeys.

Common Violations on Ecommerce Sites

• Long policy pages are broken visually but have no heading structure.
• PDP detail blocks use styled paragraphs instead of headings.
• Checkout help pages lump shipping, returns, and payment info into one wall of text.
• Accessibility statements skip headings for complaint and support sections.

How to Fix It

Start with the live customer journey, not isolated components in Storybook or Figma. Audit the problem on category pages, product detail pages, quick views, cart, checkout, account, and help templates.

1. Use meaningful headings for each major section and subsection.
2. Follow a logical hierarchy so assistive tech users can skim efficiently.
3. Convert styled text blocks into real heading elements in CMS templates.
4. Audit long-form content and support pages where scanning matters most.

On Shopify, fix the theme section or app block that repeats the defect. On WooCommerce and WordPress, update the template override or plugin output. In custom React or headless storefronts, move the fix into shared components so merchandisers cannot reintroduce the issue with every campaign.

Code Example

<!-- Before -->
<p class="section-title">Shipping and returns</p>

<!-- After -->
<h2>Shipping and returns</h2>

Check if your store passes WCAG 2.4.10 → Free ADA Compliance Scan