Find out how to properly use the H1 tags of your pages to optimize your SEO. Here are 5 tips to follow:
The natural referencing of a website and its content is an essential element for gaining visibility on the Internet. Without a good SEO, you risk remaining invisible to Internet users, on search engines.
Many parameters contribute to good web referencing and among these are the H1 tags that we will discuss in this article.
H1 tags in SEO
Among the elements that contribute to the referencing of a site, you have the Hn tags and in particular the H1 tag. It is generally attached to the title of your article which is visible on your site. As such, it should not be confused with the meta title or meta title tag, which appears in Google search results.
The H1 and the meta title can be different but must keep the same angle and clearly transcribe the subject and the theme of your article. The meta title that appears on Google is completed by the meta description that is just below. These are the 2 parameters that will encourage (or not) the Internet user to click on the link that points to your content.
This HTML code indicating the main title of a page has a great influence on your SEO. It is thus distinguished in the HTML code: <H1> (beginning or opening of the H1 tag) and </H1> (end or closing of the H1 tag)
Google uses it to define the theme of your content. Well written, H1 tags can make a difference in the level of traffic obtained. When set correctly, they reduce your bounce rate when viewing content on your site. They thus make it possible to increase the duration of each visit: two important criteria for SEO.
Let’s find out below how to use and optimize your H1 titles!
1. Create attractive H1 tags
The key element of your content, the H1 tag must convince the Internet user to click to access the reading of your content. When you write the title, ask yourself the following question: “Does this title make you want to click? “. The answer will tell you if you are on the right track. This work is obviously a function of your keywords and the relevance of your content.
Tags help to improve your natural referencing in order to obtain better positioning for your articles. The goal is to reach the first position in Google on your main keywords.
Respond to search intent in your H1 tag
You need to make sure that your H1 meets the intent of the user who finds your website. Put yourself in his shoes and ask yourself:
- What purpose does my content help fulfill?
- At what stage of the buying journey is it useful?
- What query would prospects enter to land on this content?
These questions will help you format your H1 tag to meet the needs of Internet users as precisely as possible.
2. Include target keywords
Just like other tags, your H1 title should include your page’s main keyword. If possible, place it at the beginning of the title. If you add it at the end of the sentence, it may not be visible.
This brings us to another point: don’t go over 100 characters whenever possible. The more words, the less the targeted keyword stands out. Try to keep it short and persuasive!
Finally, if you’re working on a long-tail expression, use it entirely in your H1. It is easier to rank on a precise and specific search.
Tip: You will find it easier to position yourself on long-tail queries, which are more precise, than strong keywords, which are more competitive.
3. Optimize your H1 tag for rich snippets
If your pages contain relevant H1 tags, you increase your chances of benefiting from Google’s rich snippets. These display other pages of your website, under the main link.
Result: Your content stands out from competitors and attracts Internet users.
Plus, rich snippets immediately give your content a trustworthy and professional feel.
4. Use an H1 tag for each page
According to Google, there is no harm in using multiple H1 tags on a page. However, the first tag remains the most important. Multiplying them reduces their influence on your SEO.
Multiplying H1 tags within an article reduces their impact on your SEO; the title H1 tag being the most important.
If you want to optimize your positioning, respect the hierarchy with a single H1 tag, then H2, H3, H4… In addition to being more relevant for SEO, it makes it easier for the Internet user to read.
5. Do not copy your meta title: The Google title
Even if your H1 tag must be quite similar to your meta title tag, in order not to create confusion among your users, do not copy the latter! Your meta title summarizes, in 60-70 characters maximum (568 pixels), the subject of the article and must include your main keywords.
With your H1 headline, you have a little more room to say the same thing more creatively and from a different angle.
For example, you might have an H1 tag that reads: “Instagram Marketing: 15 Pro Tips to Double Your Followers in 30 Days.” But with a slightly different meta title: “Instagram Marketing: 15 Tips to Double Your Followers.”
In conclusion
H1 tags occupy an important place in your SEO strategy. Remember to follow these best practices to increase traffic to your website, as well as your positioning in search engines!
