How do I use H1 tags effectively for SEO and design?

Technical SEO Forum
1

Hi everyone,

I’m working on a new homepage for a client and need advice about using H1 tags. The design includes a header image with a graphic headline that fits the visual flow but isn’t ideal for SEO. I’m considering assigning the H1 tag to a block below the fold, where we summarize the offering in a way that’s better for SEO. The title in the header would remain part of the graphic.

Would this approach work? Any advice on balancing SEO and design for H1 tags would be great.

2

You can do that, but you don’t need to. If the H1 doesn’t need to be the first thing on the page, you could use a styled p tag for the header text and keep the H1 somewhere else for SEO. Another option is the ‘eyebrow’ method, where you place a smaller SEO-focused H1 above the styled heading.

3

Just make sure you don’t use any other H tags before the H1, and you’ll be fine.

4

Here’s a quick guide for H1 tags:

What is an H1 Tag?

An H1 tag is the main heading for a webpage, helping search engines and users understand the page’s content.

Why Does It Matter?

  • SEO: Search engines use the H1 to gauge what the page is about.
  • User Experience: It helps users quickly grasp the main topic.
  • Structure: H1 contributes to the overall organization of your content.

Best Practices:

  1. Only one H1 tag per page.
  2. Place it where it naturally fits the content.
  3. Include relevant keywords without stuffing.
  4. Make it concise and clear.

Design Tips for H1:

  • Use fonts and styles that make it stand out.
  • Ensure it aligns with the overall visual hierarchy.

If you need the header text for design, you can use a graphic there and strategically place the H1 elsewhere, like below the fold, as long as it summarizes the page well. Search engines prioritize content relevance, not exact placement, so you have flexibility. Just make sure it fits the page’s main theme.

5

@Lachlan
Placing your H1 below the fold is fine if it works better with the design. Just ensure it accurately represents the page’s main focus. Search engines care more about its relevance than its position. For the header image, using a strong title in the graphic is fine for visual purposes, and the H1 can still effectively summarize the content where it fits naturally in the layout.