If you've ever built a website, you've probably heard of the H1 tag. But what exactly is it, and why is it so important?
Don't worry you don't need to be a coding expert to understand this. In this article, we'll break down the H1 tag in the simplest way possible, give you real examples, and show you how to use it to help your website shine in Google search results.
What Is an H1 Tag?
Think of the H1 tag as the headline of a page. Just like a newspaper or a school project has a big title at the top, every webpage should have one main title too. That title is written using the <h1> tag in HTML.
Example:
<h1>Best Chocolate Cake Recipe</h1>
Here, the text "Best Chocolate Cake Recipe" is the headline of the page.
Why Is the H1 Tag Important?
The H1 tag is important for two main reasons:
For People
It tells visitors what the page is about right away. A clear headline makes the page easier to read and understand.
For Google
Search engines use the H1 tag to figure out the main topic of your page. A good H1 tag can improve your chances of ranking higher in search results.
Rules for Writing a Good H1 Tag
Here are some simple rules to follow:
Only one H1 tag per page
Just like a book has one title, a webpage should have only one H1 tag.
Make it clear and simple
Don't confuse readers with complicated words.
Include your keyword
If your page is about "H1 tag example," then use that phrase in your H1.
Keep it short
Around 20–60 characters is usually best.
H1 Tag Examples
Here are some good examples of H1 tags:
<h1>How to Train a Puppy at Home</h1><h1>Best Pizza Places in New York</h1><h1>Beginner's Guide to H1 Tags</h1>
And here's a bad example:
<h1>Welcome to Our Website</h1>
Why is it bad? Because it doesn't tell Google or the reader what the page is really about.
Difference Between H1 and Other Headings
Webpages usually have more than one heading. They go like this:
H1 → Main title (use once)
H2 → Subtitles under H1
H3 → Smaller headings under H2
Example:
<h1>How to Grow Tomatoes</h1>
<h2>Step 1: Choose the Right Soil</h2>
<h3>Best Soil Types for Tomatoes</h3>
This structure helps keep the page organized, just like a school outline.
SEO Tips for H1 Tags
Here are some quick tips to make your H1 tags SEO-friendly:
- Put your main keyword inside the H1.
- Match your H1 with what people search for on Google.
- Don't repeat the same H1 across different pages.
- Write for humans first, search engines second.
Final Thoughts
The H1 tag might look like a tiny piece of code, but it has a big impact on your website. It's the first thing people notice, and it's one of the first things Google reads. By writing clear, simple, and keyword-friendly H1 tags, you'll not only help your visitors but also give your site a better chance of ranking at the top of Google.
So next time you create a page, ask yourself: Does my H1 tag clearly explain what this page is about? If the answer is yes, you're on the right track.