You’ve probably noticed that SEO is a subject that tends to bring out lots of differing opinions. Even experts feud on Twitter about which factors make up best practices. However, few will disagree on the importance of header tags, specifically the H1 tag, which has long been a factor for high-ranking pages.
For practical purposes, the H1 tag is a visible header that appears first on an HTML page. It’s the top header, according to hierarchy. Since it holds so much importance, it’s style is bolder and more substantial than other headers.
You can’t miss such a header because it’s in a prominent position with plenty of emphasis. That’s why it’s always been a favored SEO signal for significant search engines. An H1 is not the only header tag. There are also H2 and H3 tags, and so on. Each is less prominent and therefore serve a slightly different function.
Ideal H1 Tags Serve Dual Purposes
When you create a perfect H1 tag, it will be attractive to human readers as well as a signal to Google’s bots as to what your page is about. It takes some thought to use headers in a way that makes your page flow correctly.
You need to create compelling headers that describe what the page is about, but also interest potential readers. SEO is not just a matter of putting keywords in essential spots on the page. That helps, sure, but it’s just as vital to make the writing on any page natural to visitors.
You Can Style an H1 Tag How You Please
H1 tags and all other HTML elements can adopt whatever style you want for them. As stated, the traditional role of an H1 is to be big and bold. However, if that doesn’t fit for your site, feel free to customize things as you wish. A CSS stylesheet gives you total control over all elements, so you’re never stuck with a design element you don’t love.
Why Is an H1 Important for SEO?
Search engines like Google pay close attention to the text at the beginning and top of a page. Since an H1 is the first thing on many pages, it gets precedence as a ranking factor. Placing your most important keyword or phrase near the beginning of the header text also indicates its importance, both to readers and search engines.
You don’t need to overdo your attempts at doing SEO, however. It’s enough to include your keywords in a well-written sentence that describes the page accurately. You may also decide to use H2 through H6 tags on the page, in their predetermined hierarchical pattern. You may also include keyword variations where necessary, but keep in mind, that a little goes a long way. Keyword stuffing used to fool search engines, but beware: Google will hit you with a penalty if it thinks you’re trying to game the system. Natural language is best.
On-page SEO remains a necessary step for anyone who wants to achieve high rankings. It’s worth learning about how all HTML elements work. Naturally, many other factors make up search engine algorithms. Still, the text and images on the page remain keys for success.
Limit the Characters
Experts recommend you use between 20 to 70 characters in your H1 tags. That means you need to be concise and to the point. Convey your message in that space. The H1 tag is so hefty that too many words could quickly make your page unseemly.
Whether you’re looking for some advice about your site’s headers or a whole new site, BXP Creative can help.
