H1 Tag
An H1 tag is an HTML element used to define the main heading of a webpage. It plays a key role in both content structure and search engine optimization (SEO) by signaling to users and search engines what the page is primarily about.
In HTML, it looks like this:
<h1>Your Main Page Title Here</h1>
The text inside the <h1>
tag is typically the most important heading on the page and is often displayed in a large, bold font.
Why the H1 tag matters
✅ For users:
- Helps visitors quickly understand the topic of the page.
- Improves readability and content structure.
- Makes it easier to scan and navigate longer pages.
✅ For search engines:
- Helps search engines identify the main subject of the content.
- Provides context for indexing and ranking.
- Works alongside other headings (H2, H3, etc.) to form a content hierarchy.
While Google has become more sophisticated and can understand content without relying on tags, the H1 tag remains a useful signal — especially when paired with well-structured content.
Best practices for using H1 tags
- Use one H1 per page
It's best to have a single H1 tag that clearly defines the main topic of the page. While Google doesn't penalize multiple H1s, sticking to one improves clarity. - Include your target keyword naturally
Incorporate the primary keyword or phrase you're trying to rank for, but avoid keyword stuffing. - Make it descriptive and relevant
Your H1 should accurately describe what the user will find on the page. It often matches or complements the<title>
tag. - Keep it concise
Aim for a heading that’s clear and informative — usually no more than 60–70 characters. - Don’t confuse H1s with styling
Use CSS to style text — don’t use H1s just to make text bigger or bolder.
H1 tag vs. title tag
Feature | H1 Tag | Title Tag |
---|---|---|
Visible to users? | Yes (on the webpage) | No (in browser tab & search results) |
HTML tag | <h1> | <title> |
SEO purpose | Tells Google the main content topic | Tells Google the page’s meta title |
In summary, the H1 tag is a fundamental HTML element that defines the main heading of a page. It’s essential for accessibility, usability, and SEO — helping both users and search engines understand the focus of your content.