H1 Tag: What Is It and Its Best Practices

Key Takeaway

• An H1 tag is an HTML element used to define a webpage’s main heading, indicating its primary topic to search engines and users.
• Check H1 Tag with browser tools.  Right-click on the page and select “Inspect” or “View Page Source” to view the HTML code and locate the H1 tag.
• Best practices of H1 Tag: Keep it concise and relevant, and use a clear H1 tag that accurately reflects the page’s content and includes relevant keywords.

On-Page SEO” is the value assigned to the H1 tag.

Understanding on-page SEO is one thing, implementing it correctly is another. At ROI Digitally, we take care of every detail, from optimized H1 structures to complete site-wide SEO strategies that improve rankings and drive conversions.

What Is H1 Tag? 

H1 tags are HTML code that forms the main title of a webpage, signaling its main topic to visitors and search engines. It comprises an opening <h1> tag, the title text, and a closing </h1> tag. HTML, or hypertext markup language, is the code that dictates how web browsers display website content. 

Then, what is an H1 header? The “h” stands for “header,” and the number (1 to 6) signifies the header’s importance in the page’s hierarchy. The h1 tag is typically the first header, displaying the article or blog post title.

Your content management system (CMS) then converts the HTML into a format that Google uses to understand your page’s content.

H1 Tag is the main title of a webpage.

Some benefits of H1 Tag include:

• Enhance visibility: H1 tags improve a webpage’s visibility by clearly signaling its main topic to search engines.
• Boost SEO: Properly optimized H1 tags are one element of the SEO Onpage checklist, which helps boost search engine rankings and increase organic traffic.
• Capture attention: The prominent display of H1 tags grabs visitors’ attention, guiding them to the page’s core message.
• Improve readability: Using descriptive H1 tags makes content easier to scan and understand, enhancing overall readability.
• Establish hierarchy: H1 tags establish a hierarchical structure within the page, aiding in organizing content and guiding users through the information flow.

Here’s an example of an H1 tag in HTML:

<h1>Welcome to My Website</h1>

In this example, the text “Welcome to My Website” is enclosed within the <h1> and </h1> tags, indicating that it is the main title of the webpage.

Learn more: What Is Technical SEO? A Deep Dive Into SEO Factors

How To Check H1 Tags on a Webpage 

Here’s how to check H1 tags on a webpage:

Step 1: Open the webpage

Navigate to the webpage you want to inspect. To do this, enter the URL into your web browser’s address bar and press Enter.

Search URL and press enter.

Step 2: Access browser tools

Right-click anywhere on the webpage (not on an image) to open a contextual menu. From the menu, select “Inspect” or “Inspect Element.” This action will open the browser’s developer tools panel.

Right-click and select “Inspect”.

Step 3: Navigate to the Elements tab

In the developer tools panel, you’ll see several tabs. Click on the “Elements” tab, which displays the webpage’s HTML structure.

Click on the “Elements” tab.

Step 4: Search for H1 tags

Use the search function (usually denoted by a magnifying glass icon) within the Elements tab to search for “<h1>”. This will highlight all instances of H1 tags within the HTML code of the webpage.

Type “<h1>” on search bar.

Step 5: Verify H1 usage

Review the highlighted sections to confirm that they contain the main titles or headings of the webpage’s sections. Each <h1> tag should represent a primary topic or section heading.

Step 6: Repeat if necessary

If the webpage is lengthy or contains multiple sections, scroll through the Elements tab. Repeat the search to ensure all H1 tags are identified and properly used.

H1 Tag Best Practices 

1. Use a Single H1 Per Page

Utilizing only one H1 tag establishes a clear hierarchy and enhances the structural coherence of your page.

This approach facilitates effortless navigation for readers and ensures accessibility for those reliant on screen readers, enabling them to swiftly comprehend the page’s main theme.

The H1 tag should encapsulate the primary headline, conveying the page’s central topic. Subsequent headings, such as H2s and H3s, delineate important subtopics and supporting details.

Important subtopics and supporting information are outlined in the headings that follow.

To answer: “How many H1 tags per page is good?

HTML5 initially introduced support for multiple H1 headings per page, each enclosed within its section element. However, mainstream browsers did not universally adopt this recommendation, leading to its abandonment upon the release of the HTML5.1 standard.

Does having more than one H1 heading mean your page’s SEO checklist is doomed? Not necessarily. However, from an editorial standpoint, multiple H1 headings often signal inadvertent mislabeling of headings. Fortunately, this is easily identified and rectified.

Multiple H1 headings usually indicate mislabeling, easily identified and fixed.

2. Make Sure Every Important Page Has an H1

When prioritizing H1 tags, focus on web pages that serve a critical purpose for your website.  Here are some examples:

• Homepage: This is the viewers’ first impression of your brand. Your H1 tag should communicate your brand and value proposition.
• Blog Posts: Each post should have a unique H1 that reflects its specific topic or theme.
• Landing Pages: These pages are designed to convert visitors into leads or customers. A compelling H1 tag can grab their attention and encourage them to take action.
• Product Pages: H1 tags on product pages should indicate the product name and potentially its key benefit.
• Service Pages: If you offer specific services, use H1 tags highlighting the service and target audience.

Remember: Don’t neglect H1 tags on important internal pages within your website.  Adding them to your website’s content management system (CMS) is easy.  Look for the option to edit the page’s title or heading and ensure it’s designated as an H1 tag.

You can use Ahrefs to check if your page has H1 or not.

Learn more: 15 Proven Strategies: How to Drive Traffic to Your Website

3. Include Your Target Keyword

Your H1 tag should prominently feature the primary keyword that your page aims to target. For instance, if your blog post’s main keyword is “SEO Trends”, ensure that the phrase “SEO Trends” is included in your H1 and URL slug.

You must add enough main key in H1 Tag.

If you’re uncertain about which keyword to prioritize, conduct keyword research to identify the most frequently searched term relevant to your content. This most searched keyword becomes your primary focus.

You might encounter discussions about long-tail keywords, which are more specific keyword variations. These can be categorized into two types: supporting and topical.

Learn more: How To Rank for A Keyword

4. Keep H1 Tags Under 60 Characters

Keeping your H1 tags brief is essential for clarity and user engagement. Aim to maintain them under 60 characters, similar to your title tags. For example, instead of “The Ultimate Guide to Effective Content Marketing Strategies for Beginners,” opt for “Beginner’s Guide to Content Marketing.”

Prioritize long-tail keywords and keep the length from 20-70 characters.

Many Content Management Systems (CMSs) automatically use the same text for both your H1 tags and title tags. Consistency between these elements is essential for coherence and search engine indexing. Ensure your H1 tag mirrors or aligns closely with your title tag to avoid confusion.

In search results, Google may occasionally substitute title tags with H1 tags. Therefore, optimizing both tags within the recommended character limit prevents truncation and maintains the clarity and relevance of your content.

Google sometimes uses H1 tags in place of title tags in search results pages.

5. Match Your H1s to Your Title Tags for Article Pages

One aspect of H1 tag optimization is ensuring it aligns with your title tag, especially for article pages. This can sometimes be confused with the separate title tag added in the website’s code (<head> section).

Here’s a breakdown to clarify the difference:

• Title Tag: This appears at the top of your browser tab and might be displayed in Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs). It’s not visible on the actual webpage itself.
• H1 Tag: This is the main heading users see on the webpage, typically in a larger font. It usually doesn’t appear in SERPs unless it matches the title tag.

Ensure your H1 tag aligns with your title tag for optimal SEO.

Google recommends having your H1 tag match or closely resemble your title tag. This helps prevent misleading information from appearing in search results.

Imagine a scenario where your title tag is “The Ultimate Guide to Hiking in Yosemite” but your H1 tag on the page reads “Hiking Essentials for Beginners.” This inconsistency can confuse users who land on your page expecting a comprehensive Yosemite guide but find content geared toward general hiking tips.

For example:

• Title Tag: 5 SEO Mistakes You’re Probably Making (and How to Fix Them)
• H1 Tag: Avoid These Common SEO Mistakes to Boost Your Website’s Ranking

While not identical, both the title tag and H1 tag clearly convey the same core message: learning about common SEO mistakes and how to address them.

Title tag and H1 tag convey similar messages.

Exceptions: Non-Article Pages

It’s worth noting that there can be instances where you might choose to have different title tags and H1s, particularly for non-article pages. Here are some examples:

• Brand Name Inclusion: Your homepage title tag might incorporate your brand name for recognition (e.g., “[Your Brand Name] – Reliable Web Design Services”), while the H1 tag focuses on a specific value proposition (e.g., “Grow Your Business Online with Our Expert Web Design”).
• Product Pages: The title tag might include keywords for search engine visibility (e.g., “Best Wireless Headphones 2024”), whereas the H1 tag could be a catchier version focusing on the product’s benefit (e.g., “Unleash Crystal-Clear Audio with These Top-Rated Wireless Headphones”).

Note: In some situations, you might want your title tag and H1 to be different on pages that aren’t articles. For example, you may want your brand name to show up in search results but not on the page itself if it is on your product pages or your main sites.

Learn more: Small Business SEO: 9 Practical Tips To Get You On The Map

6. Optimize Your H1 to Satisfy Search Intent

Search intent refers to why someone is searching for a particular term or phrase. Are they looking for information, trying to buy something, or something else entirely? Understanding this intent is key to crafting an effective H1 tag.

Here are some tips for creating H1 tags that align with search intent:

• Conduct keyword research to identify the terms people use to find information on your topic. This will help you understand what kind of content they’re expecting.
• Go beyond just keywords and incorporate the benefits your content offers. For example, instead of an H1 like “Mountain Bikes, ” try “Conquer Any Trail: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Mountain Bike.”
• Keep your H1 tag clear, concise, and easy to understand. Avoid technical jargon or overly complex phrasing.
• Frame your H1 tag as a question users might ask when searching for your content. For instance, if your content offers tips on baking bread, your H1 could be “How to Bake the Perfect Loaf of Bread: A Beginner’s Guide”.

Example: Imagine you have a blog post offering tips for planning a budget-friendly vacation to Europe.

• Unoptimized H1: “Europe Travel Guide” (Too generic, doesn’t address intent)
• Optimized H1: “Europe on a Budget: Insider Tips for Affordable Travel” (Clearly communicates the content’s benefit and targets search intent)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How Many H1 Tags Can I Use On A Page?

It’s generally recommended only to use one H1 tag per webpage. This is because it tells search engines and users exactly the main topic. Having multiple H1 tags can confuse both and dilute the SEO impact.

2. What’s The Difference Between H1 Tags And Other Heading Tags (H2, H3, Etc.)?

H1 tags are the most important heading, followed by H2, H3, etc.  Think of them as a hierarchy of importance. You can use H2 tags for subheadings within your main topic, H3 tags for subheadings within those subheadings, and so on.

3. How Can I Optimize My H1 Tag?

Here are some tips for optimizing your H1 tag:

• Keep it concise and descriptive: Clearly state the main topic of your page.

Include relevant keywords: This helps search engines understand your content but prioritize readability over keyword stuffing.