This page has multiple H1 heading tags. Best practice is to have only one H1 tag per page to provide clear hierarchical structure. HTML5 semantic guidelines recommend using a single H1 element that encapsulates the main topic or purpose of the webpage, followed by subordinate headings (H2, H3, etc.) for subsections. This creates a logical document outline that benefits both users and search engines. When multiple H1 tags are present, the page's information architecture becomes muddled, as it essentially declares multiple "main topics" rather than establishing a clear primary focus with supporting subtopics.
Multiple H1 tags are a common SEO issue that web crawlers flag for correction. This practice can confuse search engine algorithms about which content to prioritize when determining relevance for search queries. Many SEO tools automatically flag pages with multiple H1 tags because this structure violates fundamental on-page optimization principles. While modern search engines have become more sophisticated in parsing content with structural issues, following proper heading hierarchy remains a technical SEO best practice that contributes to better indexing, ranking, and overall content organization. The negative impact is often compounded when a site has numerous pages with this same structural issue.
Having only one H1 heading per page is important because:
The H1 tag serves as the document's main heading—equivalent to a book title or chapter heading—and provides immediate context about what users can expect from the content. This clarity is particularly important for accessibility purposes, as screen readers announce headings and their levels to users with visual impairments, helping them navigate content efficiently. When multiple H1s exist, these users receive confusing signals about the page's structure and may struggle to understand the content organization. From a technical perspective, a single H1 tag aligns with the concept of semantic HTML, where elements are used according to their intended meaning rather than just for visual styling. This semantic clarity benefits everything from search engine crawlers to browser reader modes to voice assistants that may reference your content.
To fix multiple H1 tags on a page:
When restructuring your heading hierarchy, carefully evaluate each existing H1 to determine its appropriate level in the content structure. Usually, the most comprehensive or overarching heading should remain as the H1, while more specific topics become H2s. Sections within those topics can use H3s, and so on. This creates a logical nested structure that improves both user experience and SEO. When making these changes, be careful not to disrupt the visual design—you can maintain similar styling for different heading levels through CSS while still preserving proper semantic structure in the HTML. Additionally, after making heading hierarchy changes, review the page's readability and flow to ensure the content still makes sense with the new structure. Sometimes, minor content adjustments may be needed to maintain coherence when headings are demoted to lower levels.