In today’s digital age, content consumption is evolving rapidly. With high-speed internet and affordable data plans, video content is dominating, but text content still holds a strong place in driving website traffic. To ensure visitors stay engaged, website owners must focus on improving user experience (UX) design, and this is where WordPress Table of Contents (TOC) plugins come into play.
A long wall of text can be overwhelming for users, and the ability to jump directly to relevant sections is crucial. Fortunately, WordPress offers several TOC plugins that provide this feature without the need for programming skills. Here, we’ll discuss the top 10 TOC plugins to improve website navigation and SEO.
What is a Table of Contents (TOC)?
A TOC is a structured list of headings within a blog post or webpage, containing hyperlinks that allow users to jump to specific sections. It’s akin to the contents page of a textbook, helping visitors easily navigate long-form content without unnecessary scrolling.
Best Table of Contents Plugins for WordPress
- Easy Table of Contents
This widely used plugin allows for automatic insertion of TOC into posts, offering compatibility with most page builders like Gutenberg, Elementor, and WPBakery. It supports smooth scrolling and customization options for an enhanced user experience. - Table of Contents Plus
With over 300,000 active installations, this plugin generates context-specific TOCs and is inspired by the structure of Wikipedia. It’s highly customizable and supports shortcodes for flexible placement within content. - LuckyWP Table of Contents
A simple solution for adding TOCs that supports both Classic and Gutenberg editors. This plugin offers a user-friendly interface to define hierarchy, colors, and design preferences. - SimpleTOC – Table of Contents Block
Designed for users who prefer a simple approach, SimpleTOC is compact and easy to use. It’s compatible with AMP and features customization options without needing to write CSS or JavaScript. - Rich Table of Contents
This plugin offers advanced settings such as floating buttons and animated TOC displays, making it easy to create a responsive, visually appealing TOC for your posts and pages. - Ultimate Blocks
An all-in-one plugin for Gutenberg that includes a dedicated TOC block. Ultimate Blocks provides a range of other features like progress bars, testimonials, and image sliders, making it ideal for users who want multiple functionalities. - Joli Table of Contents
Offering SEO optimization and responsive design, Joli provides an easy-to-use interface for managing TOC settings. The plugin allows for customized appearances and layout options, making it suitable for a wide range of websites. - Kadence Blocks
Kadence Blocks is another Gutenberg-based plugin that provides a range of blocks, including one for adding TOCs. It allows for sticky sidebars, custom designs, and a high degree of SEO optimization. - GutenTOC
This plugin is designed for SEO-friendly TOCs and supports automatic updates when headings are changed. Its customization options include list styles, colors, and padding adjustments for a personalized look. - Heroic Table of Contents
Heroic stands out with pre-designed TOC styles and live preview features. It also includes smooth scrolling and responsive design, making it a solid choice for websites with long-form content.
Importance of Table of Contents
- Easy In-Page Navigation
A TOC breaks down large chunks of text, helping users find relevant sections quickly. This improves engagement and makes it easier for visitors to navigate your content. - Boost Your SEO
Google’s algorithm favors content that enhances user experience, and a TOC can help reduce bounce rates and improve on-page time. It also increases the likelihood of having quick links appear in search results, further boosting your SEO.
Conclusion
Using a TOC plugin on your WordPress site can significantly improve user experience and SEO. For long-form content, a table of contents is essential to provide easy navigation, reduce bounce rates, and keep visitors engaged. Select one of these top plugins to ensure your website stands out in terms of usability and search engine visibility.