Seoxpert.io
Get started
lowTechnical SEO

Pages with Multiple `<h1>` Headings

Multiple <h1> headings found on a page; best practice is a single h1 to define the main topic.

By Seoxpert Editorial · Published · Updated

Why it matters

Having more than one <h1> can dilute the main topic signal for search engines and confuse screen readers that rely on heading structure. While HTML5 allows multiple h1s in different sections, most SEO tools and CMSs expect a single h1 per page for clarity and accessibility.

Impact

Leaving multiple h1s can weaken SEO signals and reduce accessibility for users relying on assistive technology.

How it's detected

Automated crawlers scan the HTML and flag pages where more than one <h1> element is present in the markup.

Common causes

  • •CMS templates that insert an h1 for both the page title and main content.
  • •Content editors manually adding extra h1s in the body.
  • •Imported content with pre-existing h1 tags.
  • •Theme or plugin conflicts that generate duplicate h1s.

How to fix it

Identify the most important heading and keep it as the h1; change all other h1s to h2 or lower. In CMS templates, ensure only one h1 is generated per page, either by editing the template or disabling auto-generated h1s in the body or title area.

Code examples

Problem: Multiple h1 tags

<h1>Product Overview</h1>
...
<h1>Customer Reviews</h1>

Fix: Use one h1, demote others to h2

<h1>Product Overview</h1>
...
<h2>Customer Reviews</h2>

FAQ

Is it ever okay to have more than one h1 on a page?

HTML5 allows multiple h1s in different sectioning elements, but most SEO tools and CMSs expect a single h1 for clarity.

How do I find which h1 to keep?

Choose the heading that best describes the main topic or purpose of the page.

What if my CMS automatically adds an h1 and I can't remove it?

Check your CMS settings or template files to disable one of the h1s, or consult documentation for overriding heading output.

Will multiple h1s hurt my rankings?

It can dilute topical focus and may confuse search engines, so it's best to use a single h1 per page.

Found this issue on your site?

Run a scan to see if Pages with Multiple `<h1>` Headings affects your pages.

Scan my website →