What is an H1 Tag and Why is it Important for SEO?
In the world of search engine optimization (SEO), there are many factors that contribute to the visibility and ranking of a webpage. One important element that plays a role in SEO is the H1 tag. In this article, we will explore what an H1 tag is, why it is important for SEO, how to add an H1 tag to your page, best practices for using H1 tags, and how to run an H1 tag audit.
What is an H1 Tag?
The H1 tag is an HTML tag used to create the main title on a webpage. It is also known as the heading one and is denoted by the <h1> opening and closing tags. The H1 tag is usually the most prominent text on a page, serving as a headline that quickly informs visitors about the page's content.
Here's an example of an H1 tag in a blog post's HTML code and on the live page:
html Copy code<h1>What is an H1 Tag and Why is it Important for SEO?</h1>
Why Are H1 Tags Important for SEO?
While H1 tags are not confirmed ranking factors by search engines like Google, they still hold significance for SEO. Here are three reasons why H1 tags are important:
1. H1s Help Search Engines Understand Content
Search engines, just like readers, look at H1 tags to understand the pages and their content. Google's John Mueller has stated that understanding the content of a webpage better helps search engines rank it. Therefore, having a descriptive H1 tag can make it easier for search engines to comprehend the page's content.
For example, consider a blog post with the H1 tag "The Best Natural Dog Foods of 2022 According to Veterinarians." This descriptive H1 tag tells readers exactly what they can expect from the article and helps Google understand the page's topic.
2. H1s Improve User Experience
H1 tags play a crucial role in improving user experience (UX) by allowing readers to quickly grasp the main topic of a page. Most websites display the H1 as the largest and most visually prominent text on the page.
Google has emphasized the importance of UX as a ranking factor. By providing a clear hierarchy of headings, such as H1, H2, and H3, readers can easily scan the page and assess its value before delving into the content. A well-structured H1 tag reassures visitors that the page contains the information they are searching for.
For instance, compare two examples: one with a poorly structured heading hierarchy and another with a clear hierarchy. The example on the left lacks a clear structure and is difficult to understand, while the example on the right displays the H1 as the most prominent heading, followed by H2, H3, and so on. The latter example is easy to skim, follow, and comprehend.
3. H1s Improve Accessibility
H1 tags, along with other headings, are beneficial for individuals who use screen readers due to visual impairments. Screen readers are programs that read text aloud using a speech synthesizer or Braille display.
According to a study by WebAIM, screen users prefer navigating webpages using headings. By organizing your blog posts with proper headings, including descriptive H1 tags, you can enhance your site's accessibility for users with visual impairments.
How to Add an H1 Tag to Your Page
Adding an H1 tag to your webpage is relatively straightforward, especially if you are using a content management system (CMS) like WordPress, Squarespace, or Wix. Here's how to add an H1 tag using these platforms:
Add an H1 Tag in WordPress
Most WordPress themes automatically use the page title as the H1 tag. However, if you want to change other headings, you may need to modify the theme settings. To add an H1 tag in WordPress:
Highlight the text you want to reformat on your page.
Click on the paragraph symbol in the toolbar that appears above your selected block.
Select "Heading" from the options.
By default, WordPress selects the H2 tag. Change it to "H1" to set the selected text as the H1 tag.
Add an H1 Tag in Squarespace
In Squarespace, adding an H1 tag is typically as simple as filling out the "post title" field for blog posts. To change the H1 tag for a page, follow these steps:
Select the text you want to change into an H1 tag.
Click on the formatting button in the toolbar on the left side.
Choose "Heading 1" from the options.
Add an H1 Tag in Wix
Similar to WordPress and Squarespace, Wix automatically assigns the blog post title as the H1 tag. For other pages, you can edit the text and assign it as an H1 tag:
Select the text you want to edit.
Click the "Edit Text" button.
Open the "Themes" drop-down menu.
Choose "Heading 1" from the options.
H1 Tag Best Practices
To make the most of H1 tags for SEO, it is important to follow some best practices. Here are six H1 tag best practices to enhance your SEO efforts:
1. Use Only One H1 Per Page
Using only one H1 tag per page helps create a logical structure and hierarchy. This makes it easier for readers and search engines to understand the main topic of the page. Reserve H2, H3, and subsequent headings for important subheadings that support the main topic.
2. Make Sure Every Important Page Has an H1
Ensure that every important page on your website has an H1 tag. While the definition of "important" may vary, a good starting point is to include an H1 tag on any page you want to rank on search engines like Google. To identify pages without an H1 tag, you can use tools like Semrush's Site Audit.
3. Include Your Target Keyword
Including your target keyword in the H1 tag can have SEO benefits. According to a study on Google's ranking factors, having a relevant H1 tag that includes the main keyword can improve the page's relevance to a search query. Additionally, incorporating the target keyword in the H1 tag helps readers understand the topic of the page.
For example, if you are writing a blog post about title tags and alt text, you could include those keywords in the H1 tag to make the page's topic clear.
4. Keep H1 Tags Under 60 Characters
When crafting your H1 tags, it is best to keep them concise and clear. Aim to stay within a range of 50 to 60 characters, similar to meta title tags. Many CMSs use the same copy for both the H1 tag and the title tag, and Google occasionally swaps title tags for H1 tags in search results. To avoid truncation, keeping your H1 tags under 60 characters is recommended.
5. Make Your H1s Similar to Your Title Tags
Consistency between H1 tags and title tags can help reinforce the relevance of your content to search engines and readers. The meta title tag is an HTML element that specifies the title of a webpage. By aligning your H1 tags with your title tags, you create a cohesive and clear message about the page's content.
6. Optimize H1 Tags for Readability and Usability
Along with SEO considerations, it is essential to optimize H1 tags for readability and usability. Use clear and descriptive language that accurately reflects the content of the page. Avoid stuffing H1 tags with keywords or using vague titles that do not provide useful information to readers.
How to Run an H1 Tag Audit
To ensure that your website's H1 tags are optimized for SEO, it is recommended to conduct an H1 tag audit. Here's how you can run an H1 tag audit:
Use a tool like Semrush's Site Audit to scan your website.
Enter your homepage URL and start the audit.
Navigate to the "Issues" tab to view any H1 tag-related warnings.
Look for pages that don't have an H1 tag or have empty H1 tags.
Fix any issues by adding or updating H1 tags as necessary.
Running regular H1 tag audits helps identify any missing or problematic H1 tags on your website, allowing you to optimize them for better SEO performance.
In conclusion, H1 tags play a significant role in SEO by helping search engines understand the content of a webpage, improving user experience, and enhancing accessibility. By following best practices and conducting regular audits, you can effectively optimize your H1 tags to improve your website's visibility and ranking in search engine results. Remember to use only one H1 tag per page, include your target keywords, keep H1 tags concise, align H1 tags with title tags, and prioritize readability and usability.
Looking to take your SEO game to the next level? Talk to a pro at Legacy Digital Marketings today!