What is an H1 Tag? Understanding the Importance of H1 Tags and Best Practices for SEO

If you’re here, you’re probably wondering what is an H1 tag and I’m here to make it super simple for you. Funny enough, you likely found this page because of an H1 tag that did its job!

Exciting, right? Let’s explore the world of H1 tags, what they are, how to add them, and the advantages they bring. Plus, we’ll look at how AI shapes their role in SEO.

What is an H1 Tag?

Think of an H1 tag as the title of a book. It tells both visitors and search engines what the page is about. In web design, heading tags like H1 to H6 are used to structure content, and the H1 is the most important. It is usually the largest and boldest heading on a page, designed to grab attention.

This tag helps search engines understand the main topic of your page and makes it easier for readers to navigate. For instance, if your website is about artificial intelligence or AI, a clear H1 like “How AI is Transforming Healthcare in 2025” provides a clear idea of what the page is about.

In addition to this, using heading tags correctly enhances readability. You can also style your H1 tag with CSS to make it stand out more visually, as the H1 tag is the most important of all the heading tags (H1-H6), and it’s key for both on-page SEO and a smooth user experience.

Now that you’ve got the basics let’s explore why H1 tags are important and how to create the perfect ones for your website!

Why are H1 Tags Important for SEO?

H1 tags might not directly impact rankings, but they are still crucial for SEO. Placing an H1 tag at the top of your content helps web crawlers, site visitors, and accessibility tools quickly grasp what your page is about, enhancing its clarity and relevance.

Let’s explore the 4 key reasons why they matter!

1. Help Search Engines Understand Your Content
2. Make Content User-Friendly
3. Increase Click-Through Rates (CTR)
4. Help with Accessibility

1. H1 Tags Help Search Engines Understand Your Content

Search engines use H1 tags to figure out what your page is about. A clear and descriptive H1 makes it easier for them to understand.

For example, if your H1 says: “Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Yoga Mat,” it immediately explains the page’s content. A strong H1 like this helps search engines and users know what to expect.

2. H1 Tags Make Content User-Friendly

Using H1 tags correctly can make a big difference in how users experience your website. Here’s why:

The H1 tag is typically the largest text on your page. It’s the first thing people see, and it tells them exactly what the page is about. When visitors land on your page, they can quickly glance at the H1 tag to know if they’re in the right place. This helps them decide if they want to stay and read more.

When you use H1 tags with other headings like H2 and H3, it makes the page easier to navigate. Readers can quickly skim through the page and find the sections that interest them. Using headings like H1, H2, and H3 is like having a map for your content.

Google also cares about how easy your site is to use. When your page is well-organized and easy to follow, Google sees it as a good user experience and might rank your page higher.

So, by using clear H1 tags and adding other heading tags, you’re not only helping visitors understand your page better, but you’re also improving your chances of ranking higher on search engines.

3. Increase Click-Through Rates (CTR)

A clear and unique H1 heading can directly boost your click-through rate (CTR). When your title stands out and clearly explains what the page is about, it grabs attention and encourages people to click on your link in search results.

When creating your H1 heading, ask yourself, “Would I click on this if I saw it in search results?” If the answer is no, it’s a good idea to rework it to make it more attractive and engaging.

4. H1 Tags Help with Accessibility

Imagine Mr. A browsing a webpage with no headings, making finding the information he needs hard. Now, Mr. B uses a screen reader on the same page with proper headings, allowing him to easily navigate a similar page with clear headings guiding him effortlessly.

Which one do you think is having the better accessibility experience?

A study by WebAIM found that 67.5% of screen reader users rely on headings to navigate a page. Proper headings are key to improving accessibility and user experience.

If you’re balancing on-page enhancements like H1 tags with paid search tactics, side-by-side comparison of PPC vs SEO breaks down when to lean into ads vs. organic optimizations.

H1 Tag Examples

Let’s make it simple! Here’s an example of an H1 tag from the AllAboutAI website:

This tells visitors and search engines exactly what the page is about.

How to Add an H1 Tag to Your Website [4 Easy Methods]

Adding H1 tags to your blog pages is simple, especially with most content management systems (CMSs). In many cases, the CMS automatically formats your blog title as the H1 tag. Here’s how you can manage H1 tags in

1. WordPress
2. Squarespace
3. Wix
4. HTML

1. Adding an H1 Tag in WordPress

Most WordPress themes automatically set the blog post title as the H1 tag. If you want to change it or format other text as an H1, follow these steps:

1. Highlight the text you want to format as an H1.
2. Click the paragraph icon on the left side of the toolbar.
3. Select “Heading 1” from the dropdown menu.
4. Repeat the process to choose other heading levels like H2, H3, or H4 as needed.

For crafting effective H1 tags, KIVA’s free AI keyword generator can provide LSI suggestions to make your headings more relevant and engaging.

2. Adding an H1 Tag in Squarespace

In Squarespace, your blog post title is usually the H1 by default. To change or add an H1 for a page:

1. Highlight the text you want to format.
2. Click the formatting button on the toolbar and select “Heading 1” from the dropdown menu. Now your H1 tag is in place!

3. Adding an H1 Tag in Wix

In Wix, the blog post title is automatically assigned as the H1 tag. However, unlike WordPress and Squarespace, Wix does not allow you to change other headings to H1. It’s only reserved for the post title.

4. How to Add an H1 Tag in HTML

Adding an H1 tag to your webpage is simple.

Just use an opening <h1> tag, type your page title, and close it with a </h1> tag. Here’s an example:

By following these simple steps, you can ensure your blog pages have properly formatted H1 tags to improve readability and SEO.

How to Check H1 Tags on a Webpage

Checking H1 tags on your webpage is simple and doesn’t require special skills. Here are a few easy ways to do it:

1. View the Page’s Source Code

Right-click anywhere on the page and select “View Page Source” or “Show Page Source.” This will open a new tab with the page’s source code.

Once you’re in the source code, you can look for the H1 tag manually. Or, to make it faster, use the shortcut “Command + F” on a Mac or “Ctrl + F” on a PC and type “h1.” This will help you find all the H1 tags quickly.

2. Use a Browser Extension

You can also use a browser extension to make it even easier. For example, the H-tag Chrome extension highlights all the heading tags on a page, including H1 tags.

3. Use a Website Audit Tool

Another way is to use a website audit tool that scans your site for any H1 issues, like missing or duplicate tags. I use Screaming Frog, and it gives me a full report on a website’s health and performance, including H1 tag issues.

7 Simple Practices for Writing Great H1 Tags

H1s are a powerful tool used by every SEO expert, yet many still make common mistakes. After refining my own strategy, I learned how to write impactful H1s that increased my traffic. Here are the rules:

1. Use Only One H1

Each page should have just one H1 tag. This helps search engines and users identify the main topic of your content. Multiple H1 tags can confuse search engines, reducing your page’s clarity and ranking potential.

Example:

• Right: <h1>Best Hiking Trails for Beginners</h1>
• Wrong: <h1>Best Hiking Trails</h1> <h1>Top Beginner Tips</h1>

2. Make Your H1 Descriptive

Your H1 should give readers and search engines a clear idea of what your page is about. It should align with the title tag and be concise yet informative.

Example:

• Good: “The Ultimate Guide to AI in Marketing”
• Poor: “Welcome to Our Blog”

Tip: Imagine your H1 as a headline that quickly grabs attention and sets expectations.

3. Keep Your H1 Between 20–70 Characters

The ideal length ensures that your H1 is both concise and impactful. Aiming for 30–40 characters helps balance clarity and SEO effectiveness.

Why It Matters:

• Too short: Misses key details.
• Too long: Gets truncated in search results.

Example: “10 Easy Recipes for Busy Weeknights” (Perfect length).

4. Make Your H1 Stand Out

Design your H1 to be the most visually prominent element on the page. Use larger fonts, bold text, and contrasting colors, but ensure it aligns with your site’s design.

Tip:

• Place the H1 at the top of the page where users naturally look first.
• Avoid decorative fonts that hinder readability.

5. Ensure a Good User Experience

Your H1 should be easy to read, visually appealing, and aligned with user expectations. It should guide visitors through your content seamlessly.

Example: For a tech blog, an H1 like “How AI is Transforming SEO” would immediately signal relevance and value to readers.

6. Include a Focused Long-Tail Keyword

Incorporate a long-tail keyword in your H1 to improve SEO and cater to specific user queries. Long-tail keywords make your content more discoverable for niche topics.

Example:

• Keyword: “Budget-Friendly Travel Tips”
• H1: “Top 10 Budget-Friendly Travel Tips for Families”

7. Answer User Intent

Your H1 should address what users are searching for. It should promise clear and valuable answers to their queries, encouraging them to stay on your page.

Example:

• Search Intent: “How to start yoga”
• H1: “Beginner’s Guide to Starting Yoga Today”

What Reddit Users Are Saying About H1 Tags vs Title Tags

On Reddit, people are talking about the H1 tag on a website’s homepage. While many say it’s not as important for SEO as it used to be, some believe that having a clear heading structure, including the H1 tag, helps both search engines and users understand what the page is about.

Others point out that the H1 tag also plays a role in website accessibility and structure. Some think it helps with rankings, while others believe its impact is small, focusing more on content quality and user experience.

How AI Helps You Improve H1 Tags

AI is changing the game when it comes to creating better H1 tags. With tools like SEMrush, Surfer SEO, and Frase, making your headings stand out is now easier and more effective. Here’s how AI can help:

Explore More Educational Guide:

Discover more about SEO and H1 tags through the guides below:

• Image Alt Text: Optimize Images, Enhance Reach.
• 301 Redirects: Preserve link equity and traffic.
• Digital PR SEO: Leverage online reputation to improve search rankings.
• What is Schema Markup: Structured data for better rankings.
• H1 vs H2: Optimize structure, enhance readability.

FAQs

Wrapping Up

Now you know why H1 tags are essential for SEO and what is an H1 tag. While trends in SEO come and go, the importance of a well-crafted H1 tag remains constant.

Need help crafting better H1 tags, titles, or improving your overall SEO strategy? Our agency is ready to assist. Reach out to us today!