What it looks like
In the code of a page, the main headline sits inside an h1 element.
<h1>How to store bread so it stays fresh</h1>
On most sites you never type this code. The editor turns the page or post title into the H1 for you. Headings inside the content then use h2 for sections and h3 for parts within a section.
The H1 is not the same as the title tag. The title tag shows in the browser tab and usually in search results. The H1 shows on the page itself. They often say similar things, but they are two separate pieces.
Why it matters
- Orientation. The H1 confirms to a visitor that they landed on the right page.
- Structure. Screen reader users often jump between headings. The H1 is the top of that outline.
- Search engines. Google uses headings to understand what a page covers, and it can use the H1 when it builds the title shown in results.
A page should have exactly one H1. It should name the main topic in plain words. If the page targets a keyword, the H1 is a natural place for it.
COMMON MISTAKEChoosing a heading level for its size. If you pick H1 because it looks big, the page ends up with several. Choose the level by structure and change the size in your design settings.
How to check yours
- Open the page and look at the largest headline at the top. That is usually the H1.
- In your editor, click each heading in the content and check its level. Only the page title should be an H1.
- Run the free audit. It reports a page that has no H1 or more than one.
- Go through a heading structure checklist for the levels below it.