On-Page SEO · Headings

What Is an H1 Tag in SEO?

Headings give your content structure. Here is what an H1 tag is, how to use it correctly, what H2 and H3 tags are, how to structure headings for SEO and accessibility, and whether to use only one H1.

Updated: July 2026
Written by: Andrew Odgers, Managing Director
Reading time: 8 minutes
The short answer

An H1 tag is the main heading of a page, describing what it is about. Use one clear, descriptive H1 that reflects the page's topic. H2 and H3 tags are subheadings that break content into sections and subsections. Structure headings with one H1, then H2s and H3s in logical order without skipping levels, which helps accessibility too. Using a single clear H1 remains the sensible, widely recommended default.

The main heading

What an H1 tag is, and using it correctly

An H1 tag is the main heading of a page in its HTML, usually the most prominent title on the page describing what it is about, and it signals the page's main topic. Because it helps users and search engines grasp the subject quickly, a clear, descriptive H1 is an important on-page element. You use H1 tags correctly by giving each page one clear, descriptive main heading that reflects its topic and includes the main term naturally. It should match the page's purpose; because the H1 sets the theme, keeping it accurate and relevant helps both readers and search engines understand the page, which supports the search intent you are targeting.

HD 01

One H1

The main topic.

HD 02

H2 and H3

Sections and subsections.

HD 03

Logical order

Do not skip levels.

Subheadings, structure and one H1

H2 and H3 tags, structuring headings, and one H1 per page

H2 and H3 tags are subheadings that break content into sections and subsections beneath the H1, and they create a logical hierarchy. Because they organise content and make it easier to scan, using H2s and H3s sensibly improves readability and helps search engines follow your structure. You structure headings by using one H1, then H2s for main sections and H3s for subsections, keeping the order logical without skipping levels. Good structure aids accessibility too; because a clear hierarchy helps users, screen readers and search engines, ordered headings benefit both SEO and usability. Traditionally each page had one H1, and while modern HTML technically allows more, using a single clear H1 remains a sensible, widely recommended practice. It keeps the main topic unambiguous; because one strong H1 avoids confusion about a page's subject, sticking to one is the safe default for most pages.

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Frequently asked

Heading tags

What is an H1 tag in SEO?
An H1 tag is the main heading of a page in its HTML, usually the most prominent title on the page describing what it is about. It signals the page's main topic. Because it helps users and search engines grasp the subject quickly, a clear, descriptive H1 is an important on-page element.
How do you use H1 tags correctly?
You use H1 tags correctly by giving each page one clear, descriptive main heading that reflects its topic and includes the main term naturally. It should match the page's purpose. Because the H1 sets the theme, keeping it accurate and relevant helps both readers and search engines understand the page.
What are H2 and H3 tags in SEO?
H2 and H3 tags are subheadings that break content into sections and subsections beneath the H1. They create a logical hierarchy. Because they organise content and make it easier to scan, using H2s and H3s sensibly improves readability and helps search engines follow your structure.
How should you structure headings for SEO?
You structure headings by using one H1, then H2s for main sections and H3s for subsections, keeping the order logical without skipping levels. Good structure aids accessibility too. Because a clear hierarchy helps users, screen readers and search engines, ordered headings benefit both SEO and usability.
Should every page have only one H1?
Traditionally each page had one H1, and while modern HTML technically allows more, using a single clear H1 remains a sensible, widely recommended practice. It keeps the main topic unambiguous. Because one strong H1 avoids confusion about a page's subject, sticking to one is the safe default for most pages.