Main page heading (H1)

The first header on the page is the main heading. It tells users what the page is about and helps confirm they are in the right place. Every page should have one clear main heading that reflects the main topic of the page.

 

Use one main heading per page

Each page should have one main heading. This heading should represent the primary topic of the page and should appear near the top of the content.

 

Using one clear main heading helps keep the page focused. If more headings are needed below it, those should support the main heading rather than compete with it.

 

Make the heading match the page content

The main heading should clearly reflect what users will find on the page. It should not be vague, overly broad, or unrelated to the actual content.

 

Less helpful

  • Welcome

  • Information

  • Resources

  • Home

 

Better

  • Admissions Requirements

  • Student Affairs

  • Website Update Request

  • Campus Parking Map

 

The heading should help people understand the page right away.

 

Keep it clear and natural

Write the heading the way a real person would expect to read it. Keep it short, direct, and easy to understand.

 

Avoid headings that sound overly formal, promotional, or stuffed with extra wording.

 

Less effective

  • Welcome to the Admissions Page for the Paul L. Foster School of Medicine

 

Better

  • Admissions

  • Admissions Requirements

  • Paul L. Foster School of Medicine Admissions

 

A heading does not need to say everything. It just needs to clearly identify the page.

 

Do not overload the heading

The main heading should not try to include every detail, keyword, or related idea. If the heading becomes too long, users may have a harder time scanning it quickly.

 

Keep the heading focused on the main topic. Supporting details can appear in the opening paragraph, subheadings, or page content.

 

Use sentence case

Write the main heading in sentence case unless there is a clear reason to do otherwise. This usually means only the first word and proper nouns are capitalized.

 

Use

  • Admissions requirements

  • Student support services

  • Website update request

 

Avoid

  • Admissions Requirements

  • STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

  • Website Update Request

 

Sentence case usually feels more natural and easier to read.

 

Avoid unnecessary punctuation

Do not add punctuation to the main heading unless it is actually needed. Most page headings do not need periods, exclamation points, or decorative punctuation.

 

Avoid

  • Admissions requirements!

  • Student support services:

  • Website update request…

 

Use

  • Admissions requirements

  • Student support services

  • Website update request

 

Simple headings are usually stronger.

 

Spell out abbreviations when needed

If the heading includes an abbreviation, acronym, or shortened name that may not be familiar to all users, explain it early in the page content.

 

For example, if a heading uses an abbreviated school or office name, the opening paragraph should make the full name clear if the audience may not already know it.

 

Use action wording for task pages when it helps

If the page is built around a task, the main heading can reflect that task directly.

 

Examples:

  • Submit a website update request

  • Apply for financial aid

  • Request an appointment

 

This works well when the page exists mainly to help users complete one action.

 

Do not confuse the main heading with the page title

The main heading and the page title are related, but they are not the same thing. They can match, but they do not always need to.

 

For example:

 

Page title:

Website Update Request | Information Technology

 

Main heading:

Submit a website update request

 

That approach can make the page feel more natural while still keeping the title specific.

 

Before publishing

Use this quick review before adding or approving the first header on a page:

  • The page has one clear main heading.

  • The heading matches the page content.

  • The wording is short, clear, and natural.

  • The heading is not overloaded with extra wording.

  • Sentence case is used when appropriate.

  • Unnecessary punctuation was avoided.

  • Any abbreviations are explained in the page content when needed.

 

Related guidance: Page Title, Page Headings Structure, Define the Purpose of Page, and Content Development.