axe-core rule: empty-heading

Headings are empty

Fix reference | BarrierScan

What it is

One or more heading elements (h1-h6) contain no readable text, often left behind by a CMS or used for spacing.

Who it blocks

Screen reader users navigating by headings land on silent, empty stops, which is disorienting and suggests broken content.

How to fix it

Add text to the heading, or remove the heading element entirely if it is decorative. Use CSS margins for spacing instead of empty headings.

Example fix

<!-- Before -->
<h2></h2>
<h2><img src="/divider.png"></h2>

<!-- After: remove it, or give it text -->
<h2>Customer reviews</h2>

This is one of the barrier types BarrierScan checks for on every scan. Request a free accessibility scan to see whether it appears on your site, alongside the rest of the automated findings.