Mistake 1: Using Headings Only for Font Size
Incorrect approach: using an h1 because you want large text, even when the text is not a heading.
Better approach: use the correct semantic element and customize its appearance with CSS.
Mistake 2: Skipping Heading Levels Without a Reason
Example:
<h2>HTML Topics</h2>
<h5>Paragraphs</h5>This creates a confusing hierarchy if Paragraphs is intended as a direct subsection of HTML Topics. Use an h3 in that case. The goal is a meaningful outline, not a strict prohibition against every skipped level in every situation.
Mistake 3: Using BR Elements for Spacing
Incorrect:
<p>First paragraph.</p>
<br><br><br>
<p>Second paragraph.</p>Better:
<p>First paragraph.</p>
<p>Second paragraph.</p>Use CSS margins to control spacing.
Mistake 4: Choosing B Instead of Strong for Important Warnings
If a message is genuinely important, use <strong>. Do not rely only on bold appearance to convey meaning.
Mistake 5: Choosing I Instead of Em for Stress Emphasis
Use <em> when the emphasis affects how a phrase should be understood. Use <i> when the content is in an alternate voice or conventionally distinguished.
Mistake 6: Using Blockquote for Indentation
A blockquote is for quoted content, not for ordinary content that needs to move to the right. Use CSS for indentation or layout.
Mistake 7: Adding Duplicate Quotation Marks
The browser generally renders quotation marks for a q element. Avoid adding extra quotation marks unless the desired result and language-specific behavior have been considered.
Mistake 8: Using Cite for a Person's Name
The cite element identifies the title of a creative work, not simply the person who wrote or said something. Use ordinary text or an appropriate element for the person's name.