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What Is An H1 Tag? Best Practices & Examples For SEO

 

If you've ever wondered what an H1 tag is and why it's important for SEO, you're in the right place.

We'll explore the significance of H1 tags in improving page ranking, enhancing user experience, and providing structure to your content.

Learn how to add H1 tags in popular website platforms like WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, and HTML. We'll also share best practices and examples to help you optimise your H1 tags for maximum SEO benefits.

Let's dive in!

 
68%

of all sites I've assessed over the last 3 months aren't using H1 tags correctly


 

Key Takeaways:

 
 

H1 tags are important for SEO because they help with page ranking (kind of), improve user experience, and provide structure for content.

When adding H1 tags, make sure they are similar to your title tag, use relevant keywords, and keep them concise and relevant.

Examples of effective H1 tags for SEO include titles that offer tips, guides, and highlight the importance of H1 tags for visibility.

 
 

What is an H1 Tag?

 
 

An H1 tag in HTML is the main heading of a web page, signifying the page's primary topic to both users and search engines, thereby playing a crucial role in defining the structure and relevance of website pages.

When a search engine scans a webpage, it looks for H1 tags to understand the topic and relevance of the content. By using H1 tags effectively, website owners can improve their chances of ranking higher in search engine results, as these tags indicate the core theme of the page.

H1 tags also enhance user experience by providing a clear hierarchy and focus. When users visit a webpage, the H1 tag immediately informs them about the main subject, guiding them through the content smoothly.

 
 

Why Are H1 Tags Important for SEO?

 
 

 H1 tags are crucial for SEO as they help search engines such as Google understand the main topic of a page, as highlighted by SEO experts, including Google's John Mueller.

H1 Tags Help with Page Ranking - Kind of.

H1 tags assist in page ranking by making it easier for search engines to determine the relevance of a webpage's content to specific queries, which is a fundamental aspect of on-page SEO.

When strategically placed and correctly utilised, H1 tags play a crucial role in signalling the importance of the main topic on a webpage. By incorporating the right keywords in the H1 tag and using title case, webmasters can clearly indicate to search engines the primary focus of the content. This clarity contributes significantly to the overall optimisation of the webpage, facilitating higher rankings in search engine result pages. Implementing H1 tags also enhances the user experience, as visitors can quickly identify the main subject of the page, improving navigation and engagement.

To clarify though, H1 tags don't directly effect your page ranking.

H1 Tags Improve User Experience

H1 tags enhance user experience by providing a clear and accessible structure to website pages, facilitating easier navigation and content comprehension, which is also supported by organisations like WebAIM.

When a user lands on a webpage, the H1 tag acts as a beacon, instantly signalling the primary topic or purpose of the content to the visitor. This immediate clarity sets the tone for the entire browsing experience, making it easier for users to understand what the page is about.

The proper use of H1 tags can significantly improve the readability of a webpage, especially for those using assistive technologies such as screen readers. By structuring content with hierarchy, the H1 tag guides users through the information more smoothly, aiding in better comprehension.

H1 Tags Provide Structure for Your Content

H1 tags are essential for providing a clear heading structure within HTML, helping to organise content on website pages in a way that is easily understood by both users and search engines.

By using H1 tags effectively, website developers can establish a hierarchy of headings, with the main heading (the H1 tag) conveying the primary topic of the page. This not only enhances user experience by offering a clear roadmap of the content but also assists search engines in understanding the relevance and context of the information presented. A well-defined heading structure improves accessibility for all users, including those utilising assistive technologies such as screen readers.

 
 

How to Add an H1 Tag in WordPress

 
 

Adding an H1 tag in WordPress is straightforward, as the CMS provides built-in features to easily set the main heading using the block editor or classic editor.

To add an H1 tag in WordPress, start by opening the post or page where you want to insert the heading. If you are using the block editor, simply click on the paragraph block where you want the header to appear and select the 'Heading' option from the drop-down menu. You can then choose the H1 heading size. If you are using the classic editor, switch to the Text tab and insert the following HTML code:

H1 Tags - Phresh SEO

 

 
 

How to Add an H1 Tag in Wix

 
 

In Wix, adding an H1 tag involves using the Wix Editor to select a text element and then assigning it the 'Heading 1' designation.

Once you are in the Wix Editor, locate the specific section of text that you want to designate as the main heading. This could be the title of your webpage, a key section header, or any other crucial text that you want to stand out.

Next, highlight the text element and look for the text styling options. Within the styling menu, you should see a dropdown or selection tool where you can choose 'Heading 1'. This will assign the appropriate H1 tag to your selected text, indicating its importance to search engines and users alike.

 
 

How to Add an H1 Tag in Squarespace

 
 

Squarespace allows users to add H1 tags by editing the page settings and selecting the appropriate text block to mark as the main heading, which can also be styled using CSS.

In Squarespace, the process of setting H1 tags involves navigating to the page settings panel and choosing the specific text block that needs to be designated as the main heading. Once the text block is selected, users can modify its properties to ensure it is displayed as an H1 tag on the website. To style the H1 tags effectively, users may need to utilise custom CSS adjustments within the platform's design settings. By adjusting the CSS properties, such as font size, colour, and alignment, users can enhance the visual impact of the H1 text on their Squarespace site.

 
 

How to Add an H1 Tag in HTML

 
 

To add an H1 tag in HTML, simply enclose your main heading text within

tags, ensuring it is the most prominent heading on your webpage.

It is essential to remember that HTML is a structural language; it helps define the layout and elements of a webpage.

By using the tag correctly, you are signalling to search engines the primary focus of your content. This not only aids in search engine optimisation but also improves accessibility for users with screen readers.

Sticking to one tag per page maintains hierarchy and clarity, making your webpage more organised and user-friendly.

 
 

H1 Tags Best Practices

 
 

Implementing H1 tags according to best practices involves creating compellingrelevant, and keyword-rich headings that accurately represent the content and follow a clear, consistent structure.

Make Your H1 Tag Similar to Your Title Tag

Making your H1 tag similar to your page title is a recommended SEO practice, as it reinforces the primary topic and improves consistency across your webpage.

Aligning your H1 tags with your page titles not only signals search engines about the relevance of your content but also enhances user experience. For instance, when a user lands on your webpage and sees the H1 tag echoing the page title, it instantly reassures them that they are in the right place. This alignment creates a seamless flow from search results to website content, reducing any confusion or discrepancies.

Moreover, consistent headings that match the page titles can lead to better indexing and ranking in search engine results. Search engine algorithms value coherence and relevance, so when they see alignment between the H1 tag and the page title, it sends a strong signal that the content is well-structured and focused. This can positively impact your SEO efforts and help your content stand out in search results.

Use Keywords in Your H1 Tag

Incorporating your target keyword into the H1 tag is crucial for on-page SEO, as it signals to search engines the main focus of your content.

When choosing a keyword for your H1 tag, it's important to select a term that accurately represents the topic of your page and aligns with user search intent. Consider using long-tail keywords or phrases that are specific to your niche, as these can often attract more targeted traffic. Position your keyword towards the beginning of the H1 tag for better SEO impact. Ensure that the content under your H1 tag is relevant and provides valuable information related to the keyword to enhance the overall SEO performance of your page.

Keep Your H1 Tag Concise and Relevant

Keeping your H1 tag concise and relevant ensures that it effectively communicates the main topic of your page, enhancing both user experience and SEO.

When crafting your H1 tags, aim for a length of 20-70 characters to maintain clarity and impact. Short, to-the-point headings capture attention and guide readers seamlessly through your content.

For example, a well-crafted H1 like 'Top 10 Healthy Smoothie Recipes' instantly informs visitors about the content's focus.

Utilise action verbs and power words to make your headings engaging and actionable. Remember, H1 tags serve as the main heading on your page, so make it count!

Use Only One H1 Tag per Page

Using only one H1 tag per page is a best practice that helps maintain a clear and logical heading structure within your HTML, ultimately aiding in content organisation and SEO.

Incorporating multiple H1 tags on a webpage can lead to confusion for search engine crawlers and hinder the understanding of the page's main topic. By sticking to a single H1 tag, you ensure that the most important heading on the page is clearly defined and stands out.

To implement this practice, carefully plan the structure of your content hierarchy before diving into the code. Utilise H2, H3, and other heading tags for subsequent sections and subsections, emphasising a consistent and hierarchical format throughout the page.

In popular Content Management Systems (CMS) like WordPress, ensure that your theme's design enforces this limitation or customise the templates to adhere to this rule. For those working directly with HTML, perform regular checks to confirm that only one H1 tag per page is maintained.

Use H2 and H3 Tags for Subheadings (this is a H3 tag)

Utilising H2 and H3 tags for subheadings helps to create a well-defined heading structure that enhances readability and SEO by organising content into manageable sections.

When using H2 tags, it is crucial to reserve them for major section headings and ensure they encapsulate the main idea or topic of that section. This helps both readers and search engines grasp the content hierarchy easily.

On the other hand, H3 tags can be employed under H2 tags to further break down the content into more specific subcategories. By employing a clear and organised heading hierarchy, you not only improve the user experience by guiding readers through the content smoothly but also enhance the SEO by signalling to search engines the importance and relevance of each section.

Avoid Using Generic H1 Tags

Avoiding generic H1 tags is essential for creating compelling and distinctive headings that enhance on-page SEO and attract user attention.

Using generic H1 tags can hinder the effectiveness of your SEO efforts as search engines rely heavily on headings to understand the hierarchy and relevance of content on your page. When crafting headings, consider using specific keywords that accurately reflect the main topic of the page. Incorporating long-tail keywords in your headings can also help to target niche audiences and improve the visibility of your content in search results.

 
 

5 Tips for Improving Your Website's SEO

 
 

Having a clear and relevant H1 tag, like '5 Tips for Improving Your Website's SEO,' can significantly boost your website's SEO performance. When search engine crawlers scan your page, the H1 tag is one of the first elements they look at to understand the main topic. By incorporating the primary keyword 'SEO' at the start of the H1 tag, you signal to search engines the focus of your content. This helps improve your website's visibility in related searches.

Another effective example could be 'The Ultimate Guide to Social Media Marketing Strategies,' where the primary keyword 'Social Media Marketing Strategies' is prominently featured. Such H1 tags not only convey the topic clearly but also enhance the overall user experience by setting accurate expectations.

The Ultimate Guide to Using H1 Tags for SEO

When crafting H1 tags, it is crucial to follow the best practices to maximise their impact on SEO. The chosen phrase in the H1 tag should clearly communicate the main topic of the page while seamlessly integrating relevant keywords. This not only helps search engines understand the content but also entices users to click through by promising valuable information. To create similarly impactful headings, consider the user intent behind the keyword and ensure the H1 tag delivers on that promise with useful and relevant content.

BONUS TIP: Use your primary keyword at the start of your text where possible

The Importance of H1 Tags: Maximising Your Website's Visibility

An example of a powerful H1 tag is 'The Importance of H1 Tags: Maximising Your Website's Visibility,' which highlights the significance of H1 tags in SEO and site visibility.

  1. Breaking down this H1 tag, we see that it immediately captures attention with action verbs like 'Maximising' and 'Importance'.
  2. The phrase 'Your Website's Visibility' directly addresses the target audience, making it more relatable and engaging.
  3. The inclusion of 'H1 Tags' clearly communicates the focus on a specific SEO element, setting the tone for the content to follow.

This example demonstrates the effectiveness of using a strong, specific headline that addresses a key topic related to SEO. By crafting a title that is both informative and compelling, websites can improve their chances of ranking higher in search engine results.

 
 

Frequently Asked Questions

 
 

What is an H1 Tag?

An H1 tag is HTML code that is used to designate the main heading or title of a webpage. It is typically the first and largest text that appears on a page and serves as a way to organize and structure the content of a website.

Why Are H1 Tags Important for SEO?

H1 tags play a crucial role in determining the relevance and hierarchy of the content on a webpage. They provide search engines with important information about the topic of the page, helping them to understand and index the content better. In turn, this can improve the search engine ranking of a webpage.

How to Add an H1 Tag in WordPress

To add an H1 tag in WordPress, simply navigate to the page or post you want to edit, highlight the text you want to use as the heading, and select "Heading 1" from the dropdown menu in the formatting toolbar. You can also add custom H1 tags by editing the HTML code of your page.

How to Add an H1 Tag in Wix

In Wix, you can easily add an H1 tag by clicking on the text box you want to edit and selecting "Title" from the "Heading" tab in the formatting menu. You can also customise the H1 tag by editing the HTML code of the page.

How to Add an H1 Tag in Squarespace

To add an H1 tag in Squarespace, click on the text block you want to edit and select "Heading 1" from the "Style" dropdown menu in the formatting toolbar. You can also add custom H1 tags by editing the HTML code of your page.

How to Add an H1 Tag in HTML

To add an H1 tag in HTML, simply surround the heading text with the tag. For example:

<h1>Your Heading Here</h1>

It is important to only use one H1 tag per page and to make sure it accurately reflects the main topic of the page. 

 

 
Author: Scott Duncan

Scott has worked in freelance graphic design, web design and SEO since 2009. With an extensive background in digital marketing and customer service, he's always open to a 3 hour SEO discussion!


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