H1 tag
What is an H1 tag?
An H1 tag is the HTML <h1> element used for a page’s main visible heading. It tells visitors and search engines what the page is about and sits at the top of the heading structure, above H2 to H6 subheadings. Most pages should have one clear H1 that matches the topic of the page.
The H1 is different from the title tag. The title appears in search results and the browser tab; the H1 appears on the page. They often share the main keyword but can be worded differently: the title can be tuned for clicks, the H1 for the reader who has already arrived. Google uses headings to understand page structure and may use the H1 when it rewrites a title link.
Why H1 tag matters for SEO
A clear H1 confirms to readers that they landed in the right place and helps search engines understand the main topic. Missing H1s, or H1s used for a logo or “Welcome”, waste that signal.
Google has said multiple H1s aren’t a problem for its systems. Still, one H1 keeps the structure clear for screen reader users and makes the page’s focus obvious.
How to write an H1 tag
- Write one H1 per page that describes its main topic.
- Include the primary keyword or a natural variant.
- Keep it short and readable; it is a heading, not a paragraph.
- Place it at the top of the main content, not in the header or sidebar.
- Use H2 and H3 for the sections below it. See heading hierarchy.
H1 tag example
<h1>How to make a sourdough starter</h1>H1 tag FAQ
Can a page have more than one H1?
Yes, technically, and Google says it handles it fine. One H1 is still the clearest choice for readers and accessibility.
Should the H1 be the same as the title tag?
It can be, but needn’t be. Both should describe the same topic; the title can be tailored to search results and the H1 to the page.
Related SEO terms
Header tags (H1–H6) are HTML headings that structure a page into sections, helping readers scan and search engines understand the content.
Heading hierarchy is the logical order of H1 to H6 headings on a page, so sections nest correctly and readers and crawlers can follow the outline.
A title tag is the HTML element that names a page. Google often uses it as the clickable headline in results, so it affects rankings and clicks.
On-page SEO is optimising the content and HTML of each page, such as text, title tag, headings, images and internal links, to rank and earn clicks.
A primary keyword is the main search term a page is built to rank for. It guides the page’s title, H1, URL and content.