Expected only one heading h1 on the page
Description
The <h1>
element plays a crucial role in Search Engine Optimization (SEO) because it helps search engines understand the content on a webpage. Here are several reasons why having only one <h1>
element per page is recommended:
Content structure and clarity
- The
<h1>
element is intended to be the main title or headline of a page, providing an overview of the content that follows. - Having multiple
<h1>
element can confuse both users and search engines about the primary topic of the page.
Keyword usage
- The
<h1>
element is a strategic place to include keywords relevant to the page’s content. - Overusing
<h1>
elements dilute the impact of these keywords, making it harder for search engines to determine the page’s focus.
User experience
- A single, clear
<h1>
heading helps users quickly understand what the page is about, improving user experience. - Multiple
<h1>
headings can make the page seem cluttered and confusing, potentially leading to higher bounce rates.
Semantic HTML
- Using semantic HTML elements like
<h1>
correctly helps search engines better understand the structure and importance of content on the web. - Proper use of heading elements (with
<h1>
being the most important) supports accessibility and SEO efforts.
How to implement H1 heading correctly
To ensure effective use of <h1>
headings for SEO, follow these guidelines:
Use only one
<h1>
element: place it at the beginning of your page content to clearly indicate the main topic. You can even have the same content as the page title.Correct example <h1>Your main page title</h1>
- Include relevant keywords: incorporate keywords naturally within your
<h1>
element to signal to search engines what your page is about. - Make it descriptive: ensure your
<h1>
accurately reflects the content of the page, making it useful for both users and search engines. - Avoid empty or generic headings: the
<h1>
element that saysWelcome
orHome
without further context is less helpful than a descriptive title.