Why Your Website Pages Need H1 Headings

Your website’s H1 heading plays a crucial role in SEO and user experience. If SEMrush reports “pages don’t have an H1 heading,” addressing this issue is vital for optimizing your site. Here's why H1 tags matter, how to fix missing headings, and tips for best practices.

What Is an H1 Heading?

An H1 heading is the largest, boldest text at the top of your webpage. It is both a visual cue for users and an essential signal for search engines, telling them what your page is about.

Why H1 Headings Are Important for SEO

Google uses H1 tags to understand the primary topic of your page. A properly optimized H1 ensures that your page is indexed correctly, which can improve your site’s search engine rankings.

Common Causes of Missing H1 Tags

Platforms like Squarespace, Wix, and WordPress often use styling preferences that mistakenly code the top text as an H2 or other heading types. While this may look fine visually, it leads to SEO issues.

How to Fix Missing H1 Headings

• Identify pages without an H1 heading using tools like SEMrush.

• Recode the text at the top of the page as an H1.

• Adjust the styling to maintain your design preferences.

Best Practices for H1 Headings

• Use only one H1 per page for clarity.

• Ensure the H1 accurately describes the page’s content.

• Avoid keyword stuffing but include relevant terms naturally.

Take Action Today

Optimizing your website’s H1 tags can improve both user experience and search engine visibility. By implementing these changes, you’re setting up your site for better performance and engagement.