3 Ways to Add a Table of Contents to Your Blog Post
Tags: toc, jquery, webdev, tutorial
Published: 2024-04-25 09:23:10

Ever feel like your readers are getting lost in your long blog posts?

A table of contents (TOC) can be your saving grace! In this post, we'll explore various ways to add a TOC to your blog post or article, making it easier for readers to navigate and find the information they need quickly.  A well-placed TOC can be the difference between a frustrated reader who bounces away and an engaged reader who dives deep into your content.

## What is a Table of Contents and Why it is Important to Add a Table of Contents to Your Blog Post?

A Table of Contents (TOC) is a navigational aid that makes it simple for readers to locate and navigate to particular parts of the article by giving a brief synopsis of the information in a document or blog post. It matters for many reasons:

1. **Improves User Experience:** By facilitating readers' comprehension of a blog post's structure and content, a TOC helps them locate the information they need more quickly. It saves time and work, especially on lengthy articles or papers with several themes covered.

2. **Enhances Article Structure and Flow:** A neat TOC can enhance a blog post's structure and flow, making it easier to read and seem more professional.

3. **Promotes Accessibility and Navigation:** A TOC helps readers navigate a blog post more easily, particularly for those using mobile devices or those who are blind or visually impaired. Enhancing accessibility and inclusivity has the potential to expand the target audience.

4. **SEO Benefits:** A well-structured TOC may also assist search engines in comprehending the organization and content of a blog post, which may increase the post's exposure in search results.

Depending on the blog post's length and complexity, a Table of Contents element may or may not be included. A Table of Contents element is typically advised for items that are longer or more complicated. A Table of Contents, however, can still be helpful for shorter content if it enhances navigation and user experience.

So, there are three ways you can add the Table of Contents to your blog posts. Let's dive in.


## Method 1: Using the WordPress Plugins
If you are on the WordPress platform, then you have the option of using various plugins. 

Many plugins can help you show a Table of Contents on your blog post. The most popular one is the [Lucky WP Table of Contents](https://wordpress.org/plugins/luckywp-table-of-contents/) plugin.

Lucky WP Table of Contents allows you to customize post types and placements in addition to automatically inserting TOCs based on headers. 

It is compatible with both Classical and Gutenberg editors. Additionally, you would find a lot of tutorials online showing how to use the plugin to show a Table of Contents in the blog posts.


## Method 2: Using the Table of Contents Generator
If you don't want to use a plugin or if you are not using WordPress then you can use the Table of Contents Generator to show the TOC on your blog post. This method works on all blogging platforms.

The [Table of Contents Generator](https://www.success-trending.club/2022/05/the-complete-guide-to-table-of-contents.html) is a tool that can help you quickly and easily create a table of contents for your blog post. The Table of Contents that you get is made with lightweight HTML and CSS which easily loads without affecting your blog's core web vitals.

You just have to paste the HTML of your article into the tool, set color options and border width, and it will automatically generate code for a table of contents with the corresponding links which you can paste back into the HTML of your blog post to display the Table of Contents. 

The [TOC Generator](https://bloggingtools.success-trending.club/?p=sec1) is easy to use and it can be a great way to make your blog post more organized and easier to navigate.


## Method 3: Using JavaScript or jQuery
Lastly, you can take the help of JavaScript and jQuery to create and show a Table of Contents in the blog posts. The script takes all the headers and tosses them up into a Table of Contents. 

You just have to include a few lines of jQuery code in your blog post and you are done. Here is an example to get started.

{% codepen https://codepen.io/havutcuoglu/pen/GREzXZN %}

All right, you've learned the tricks of the trade! With a few clicks or a touch of code, you can craft a user-friendly TOC that enhances your blog posts and keeps your readers engaged.

A well-structured Table of Contents isn't just about showing off - it's about providing a roadmap for your readers and making your content truly valuable.

Adding a Table of Contents to a blog post can boost SEO, improve user experience, and increase the value and accessibility of the information. Additionally, it can enhance blog entries' structure, readability, and general professionalism.

Now, it's your turn! Head over to your favorite blogging platform and put your newfound TOC skills to the test.

Let us know in the comments below which method worked best for you, and if you have any other creative TOC ideas to share!