Why You Should Use Only One H1 Per Page on Your Webflow Website

What Is an H1 Tag and Why Is It Important?

The H1 tag is the top-level heading on a webpage. Think of it as the title of a book: it describes the purpose of the page and sets the tone for the content that follows.

Key Roles of an H1 Tag

• SEO Optimization: Search engines use the H1 to understand the main topic of a page, influencing how it ranks in search results.
• Accessibility: Screen readers rely on the H1 tag to provide users with an overview of the page’s content.
• User Clarity: A clear H1 ensures visitors immediately understand the page’s purpose.

While it’s possible to use multiple H1 tags, adhering to the “one H1 per page” rule creates a more structured, user-friendly experience.

The Case for Using Only One H1 Per Page

1. Enhances SEO Performance

Search engines prioritize the H1 tag as a signal for the page’s primary topic. When there’s only one H1, it provides a clear focus for crawlers.

Using multiple H1s can dilute the importance of the heading and confuse search engines, potentially harming your rankings.

2. Improves Accessibility for Screen Readers

For users who rely on assistive technologies, such as screen readers, a single H1 acts as an anchor point, helping them navigate the page efficiently.

If there are multiple H1s, screen readers may struggle to interpret the structure, creating a frustrating experience for users with visual or cognitive disabilities.

3. Provides Clear Content Organization

A single H1 heading helps organize your content in a logical and hierarchical way. Supporting headings (H2s, H3s, etc.) can then be used to create a clear hierarchy beneath the H1, making the page easier to skim and understand.

4. Reduces Cognitive Overload

Unstructured or visually overwhelming web content can be particularly challenging for users with cognitive disabilities. Proper use of a single H1, along with supporting headings, breaks the content into manageable sections, improving usability for everyone.

How Users Interact with Web Content

According to Jakob Nielsen’s research, 79% of users scan web pages, while only 16% read word-by-word. This behavior highlights the importance of scannable text, including:

• Highlighted Keywords: Use bold or linked text to draw attention.
• Meaningful Subheadings: Avoid vague or overly clever headings.
• Bulleted Lists: Make information easy to digest.
• Inverted Pyramid Style: Present conclusions first, then dive into details.

By using a single H1 along with scannable content, you guide users through your page in a way that aligns with their browsing habits.

Best Practices for Using Headings

1. Stick to One H1 Per Page

Use the H1 to describe the page’s main purpose. For pages with more than one distinct purpose, consider splitting the content into separate pages, each with its own H1.

2. Use Heading Levels Properly

Headings should follow a logical nesting order:

• H1: Main title or page purpose.
• H2: Section headings under the H1.
• H3: Subheadings under H2s, and so on.

Proper nesting ensures clarity for users and search engines alike.

3. Avoid Using Headings for Styling Alone

Using multiple H1 tags for visual purposes can harm SEO and accessibility. Instead, use:

• CSS classes or spans to style text as needed.
• Webflow’s custom elements to apply unique designs while maintaining semantic integrity.

4. Write Descriptive Headings

Each heading should provide a clear summary of the content it precedes. Avoid using headings as placeholders or decorative elements.

5. Keep Content Scannable

Use Jakob Nielsen’s findings to craft user-friendly pages:

• Break up content with subheadings, lists, and short paragraphs.
• Use concise, objective language.
• Start with key takeaways or conclusions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Multiple H1s for Visual Styling:
   This confuses both users and search engines.
2. Skipping Heading Levels:
   Jumping from H1 to H4 without H2s and H3s disrupts content hierarchy.
3. Vague or Clever Headings:
   Subheadings should describe the content clearly, not leave users guessing.

Why Headings Matter for SEO and User Experience

SEO Benefits

Search engines rely on clear, structured headings to understand page content. Proper use of an H1 and supporting headings improves:

• Crawlability
• Indexing accuracy
• Search engine rankings

User Experience Benefits

Headings improve navigation, usability, and accessibility by:

• Helping users quickly locate relevant information.
• Guiding screen readers and assistive technologies.
• Reducing cognitive load with clear content divisions.

How to Implement Single H1s in Webflow

Webflow makes it easy to structure your headings:

1. Assign H1 Tags:
   In the Designer, select your top-level heading and set it as the H1 in the settings panel.
2. Nest Headings Properly:
   Use H2, H3, and H4 tags for supporting content to maintain a logical hierarchy.
3. Style Headings with Custom Classes:
   Avoid misusing heading levels for styling by applying custom CSS classes to text elements.
4. Test for Accessibility:
   Use tools like WAVE or Lighthouse to ensure your headings are screen reader-friendly.

Conclusion

Using only one H1 per page is more than just a technical guideline—it’s a best practice for creating clear, accessible, and SEO-friendly websites. By structuring your content logically and aligning with user behavior, you can improve usability, search rankings, and overall user satisfaction.

In Webflow, these practices are easy to implement, giving you the tools to design pages that work for both humans and search engines. Take the time to audit your website’s headings today—you’ll thank yourself later.

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