Hubspot-Inspired Guide to WordPress Tables of Contents

Using a clear, structured table of contents on your WordPress site is a proven Hubspot-style tactic for improving user experience, on-page SEO, and content engagement. This guide walks you through how to plan, configure, and optimize a table of contents (TOC) using best practices modeled on the official HubSpot blog approach to long-form content.

Why a Hubspot-Style Table of Contents Matters

The original HubSpot article on WordPress table of contents plugins highlights a key principle: readers want quick access to exactly what they need. A well-designed TOC supports that goal while also helping search engines understand page structure.

Adopting a Hubspot-style approach to your TOC can help you:

• Reduce bounce rate by guiding visitors to relevant sections.
• Increase time on page through easier navigation.
• Improve on-page SEO with cleaner heading hierarchy.
• Earn more featured snippets for section-level queries.

These benefits are especially clear on long, detailed articles similar to the source HubSpot WordPress TOC plugins guide.

Core Principles Behind the Hubspot TOC Approach

The Hubspot editorial style emphasizes clarity and scannability. Your WordPress table of contents should reflect the same priorities.

1. Use a Logical Heading Structure

HubSpot content relies on a strong hierarchy of headings. Your TOC plugin will mirror whatever hierarchy you use, so structure your article carefully:

• H1 for the main page topic.
• H2 for primary sections.
• H3 for subsections within each H2.
• Optional H4 for very detailed breakdowns.

A clean structure like this allows any Hubspot-style TOC to map your content in a way that makes sense to both readers and search engines.

2. Prioritize Reader Intent

Look at how HubSpot structures their TOC entries: each line clearly states what the reader will learn. Before you activate a TOC plugin, review your headings and ask:

• Does each heading answer a specific question?
• Can a user understand the section from the heading alone?
• Would this heading look clear and helpful inside a TOC box?

If not, rewrite headings so they are descriptive, action-oriented, and aligned with real search queries.

Choosing a WordPress TOC Plugin Using Hubspot Criteria

The source HubSpot article compares several popular TOC plugins and focuses on usability. You can borrow those evaluation criteria to choose the best option for your own site.

Key Features to Look For

When selecting a plugin, look for features that support a Hubspot-inspired content strategy:

• Automatic heading detection: Generates the TOC from H2, H3, and deeper levels.
• Selective insertion: Allows you to enable or disable the TOC on specific posts.
• Customizable appearance: Lets you match your brand colors and typography.
• Collapsible sections: Helpful for long, detailed guides.
• Smooth scroll: Provides a seamless navigation experience.
• Accessibility support: ARIA labels and keyboard-friendly navigation.

These are the same types of features celebrated in the HubSpot overview of TOC solutions.

Popular Plugin Types Used in Hubspot-Like Blogs

While you should pick a plugin that fits your workflow, many Hubspot-style blogs use one of these approaches:

1. Dedicated TOC plugins that focus only on tables of contents.
2. All-in-one SEO or block plugins that include a TOC block as part of a larger toolkit.
3. Theme-integrated TOC modules built into modern block-based themes.

Evaluate how each option affects performance, design flexibility, and editing workflow.

Step-by-Step: Setting Up a Hubspot-Style TOC in WordPress

Once you select your plugin, follow these steps to set it up using Hubspot-inspired best practices.

Step 1: Install and Activate the Plugin

1. In your WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins > Add New.
2. Search for your chosen TOC plugin.
3. Click Install Now, then Activate.

After activation, locate the plugin settings in the sidebar or under Settings.

Step 2: Configure Global Settings the Hubspot Way

Use settings that mirror the streamlined presentation style on HubSpot pages:

• Position: Place the TOC near the top of the article, typically after the introduction.
• Heading levels: Include at least H2 and H3; add H4 only for very complex articles.
• Label: Use a clear title such as “Table of Contents” or “On This Page”.
• Toggle option: Allow users to expand or collapse the TOC.
• Smooth scrolling: Enable this so navigation feels natural.

These settings echo the usability focus seen throughout Hubspot content design.

Step 3: Insert the TOC into a Post or Page

Depending on your plugin, you will either:

• Add a dedicated TOC block in the WordPress block editor, or
• Use a shortcode like [toc] inside the content.

Place the TOC directly after your opening paragraphs. This matches the layout pattern commonly used on HubSpot’s long-form blog posts.

Step 4: Optimize Headings for SEO and UX

With the TOC visible, scan the generated list and refine headings to follow Hubspot-inspired clarity:

• Turn vague labels into specific promises, such as “Benefits” into “Benefits of a WordPress Table of Contents”.
• Use question-based headings where appropriate.
• Keep headings short but descriptive.

Each edit improves the usefulness of the TOC, not just the content itself.

On-Page SEO Tips from the Hubspot Playbook

A table of contents is also a powerful SEO tool when implemented strategically.

Make TOC Links Search-Friendly

Most WordPress TOC plugins create anchor links for each section. To align with Hubspot-style SEO practices:

• Use readable, hyphenated IDs for headings where customization is possible.
• Avoid duplicate headings that could create confusing anchors.
• Ensure anchors load quickly and do not conflict with other scripts.

Combine TOC with Strong Internal Linking

Hubspot emphasizes internal linking between related pieces of content. Alongside your TOC, add contextual internal links to strategic pages or services. For example, you can connect articles about optimization or content strategy to relevant service pages on platforms like Consultevo to guide readers deeper into your site.

Use Analytics to Refine Your Structure

Monitor:

• Click events on TOC links (via event tracking).
• Scroll depth and time on page.
• Exit rates at specific sections.

This data will show whether your Hubspot-style TOC is actually helping readers or if you need to regroup sections, rename headings, or adjust TOC placement.

Maintaining a Hubspot-Quality TOC Over Time

As you update posts or expand them, revisit your TOC regularly to maintain the same consistency and professionalism associated with Hubspot publishing standards.

• Update headings when content focus shifts.
• Remove outdated sections from both content and TOC.
• Test on mobile to ensure the TOC remains usable on smaller screens.
• Check accessibility after theme or plugin updates.

By following these steps, your WordPress table of contents will not only mirror the clarity and usability seen on the HubSpot blog but also support stronger SEO, higher engagement, and a more professional reading experience.