SiteLint documentation and guidelines

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 says Welcome or Home without further context is less helpful than a descriptive title.