Medium impactContent
Missing H1 Tag
Pages without an H1 lose a key topical signal. Here's why one H1 per page matters and how to add it correctly.
What it means
The page has no <h1> heading element. Common when designers use styled <div>s instead of semantic headings.
Why it matters
The H1 tells search engines and screen readers what the page is about. It's the strongest on-page topical signal after the title tag.
How to fix it
- Audit each flagged page for the visible main heading.
- Wrap that heading in <h1>...</h1> instead of <div> or <p>.
- Make sure the H1 includes the primary keyword.
- Use exactly one H1 per page; subsequent headings should be H2–H6.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I have multiple H1s with HTML5?
Technically yes; for SEO, stick to one. Google's John Mueller has said multiple H1s are fine but one is clearer.