multiple h1 tags: one per page, or go wild?

So, you’re staring at your blog post, wondering if you should crown just one H1 heading or let a whole royal family of H1s run the show. Welcome to the “multiple H1 tags” debate — a classic conundrum for anyone who’s ever tried to make Google happy without losing their mind (or their lunch break).

Let’s break down the facts, sprinkle in some expert wisdom, and see if we can’t make your next blog post a little less stressful — and a lot more SEO-friendly.

The Old Rule: One H1 to Rule Them All

Back in the day (think: dial-up internet and suspiciously animated website backgrounds), SEO experts insisted on a single H1 tag per page. The logic? One page, one topic, one H1. Simple, right? It was like the “no double-dipping” rule at office parties — strict, but everyone understood it.

But, as with all things on the internet, times have changed. Google’s algorithms have evolved, and so has their stance on headings.

Google’s Take: Multiple H1 Tags Are Fine (Really)

Here’s the plot twist: Google’s official word is that you can use multiple H1 tags on a single page. John Mueller, Google’s own search oracle, said, “You can use H1 tags as often as you want on a page. There is no limit, neither upper nor lower bound.” (source)

So, if you’ve been losing sleep over that second H1, you can finally relax. Google won’t send your page to the SEO penalty box for having more than one.

The Data Backs It Up

Google’s search algorithm is sophisticated enough to understand context, not just code. Multiple H1 tags won’t tank your rankings. (source)
As recently as September 2024, Google confirmed: “Fixing headings won’t change rankings.” (source)
SEO improvement from header optimization? Negligible compared to other ranking factors. (source)

Why the Fuss? Content Structure and Accessibility

If Google doesn’t care, why do so many SEO pros still recommend a single H1? It’s not just nostalgia for simpler times.

Content Focus

A single H1 helps keep your content laser-focused. It’s like putting a big, bold sign at the top of your page that says, “This is what we’re about.” It makes your content easier for both users and search engines to understand.

Accessibility

For users with cognitive disabilities or those using screen readers, a logical heading structure is crucial. Headings aren’t just for show — they help people navigate your content. A single H1 at the top, followed by H2s and H3s, creates a clear roadmap. (source)

When Multiple H1s Make Sense

There are times when multiple H1 tags are actually logical:

Complex landing pages with several equally important sections.
HTML5 document outlining: Each section can have its own H1, especially in web apps or one-page sites.
Distinct topics: If your page genuinely covers multiple, unrelated subjects, multiple H1s can clarify structure.

But let’s be honest — most blog posts don’t need more than one. Unless you’re writing the next “War and Peace” of SEO guides, keep it simple.

Expert Consensus: Don’t Overthink It

The current wisdom from SEO professionals is refreshingly straightforward:

One H1 per page is still best practice for clarity and focus.
Multiple H1 tags won’t hurt your SEO — unless you’re spamming them like it’s Black Friday.
Header optimization isn’t a magic bullet. Spend your energy on great content, not obsessing over headings.

As Greenlane Marketing puts it: “While it’s fine to stick with one H1 per page, multiple H1s can be used as long as they are not overused to the point of spamming and fit contextually within the page’s structure.” (source)

Practical Tips for H1 Tags (and Sanity)

Let’s get practical. Here’s how to keep your heading game strong — without losing your mind:

Plan your heading structure before you write. It’s like meal prepping, but for your blog.
Include your target keyword in your H1. It helps reinforce what your page is about.
Keep H1s under 60 characters for better scannability.
Use actual <h1> HTML tags, not just big, bold text.
Check your page’s headings with tools like MozBar or WebAIM’s Headings Map.

And if all this still sounds like a lot? Well, that’s where we come in.

How Blogging Machine Makes Heading Woes Disappear

At bloggingmachine.io, we’ve built our AI agent to handle the nitty-gritty of SEO-optimized content creation — including heading structure. Our platform:

Automatically generates clear, logical headings (yes, including H1s) so you don’t have to sweat the details.
Optimizes for both SEO and accessibility, ensuring your content is friendly to humans and search engines alike.
Keeps your blog posts engaging and readable, so your audience sticks around (and maybe even laughs once in a while).

Let us handle the technicalities while you focus on running your business — or, you know, finally taking that lunch break.

Ready to see how effortless SEO blogging can be? Try Blogging Machine.

FAQ: Multiple H1 Tags and SEO

Q: Will multiple H1 tags hurt my SEO? A: No. Google’s John Mueller confirmed you can use multiple H1 tags without penalty. Just don’t overdo it.

Q: Should I always use just one H1 tag? A: It’s still best practice for clarity, but multiple H1s are fine if your page structure calls for it.

Q: Do H1 tags affect accessibility? A: Yes! Logical heading structure helps users with disabilities navigate your content. Stick to a clear hierarchy.

Q: Can I style text to look like an H1 instead of using the tag? A: You can, but it’s not recommended. Use actual <h1> tags for proper SEO and accessibility.

Q: Does Blogging Machine handle headings for me? A: Absolutely. Our AI agent crafts SEO-friendly headings so you don’t have to worry about the technical stuff.

Multiple H1 Tags: One Per Page, or Go Wild?