The short answer: the title tag is the blue link in Google. The H1 is the main headline on the page. They do different jobs, so they don’t need to match word for word, but they should tell the same story.
This is episode 3 of SEO in 60 seconds, our series of one fix per episode for small business websites. The full series sits in our on page SEO basics overview.
What is the difference between a title tag and an H1?
| Title tag | H1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Where people see it | Google results and the browser tab | At the top of the page |
| Its job | Win the click | Confirm they’re in the right place |
| Where you edit it | The SEO title field in Yoast | The page’s main heading |
| Length | Short, important words first | Usually one line |
Why should they tell the same story?
Google builds the blue link mainly from your title tag, but it also looks at the main visible title on the page and your H1. If they disagree, Google may show text you didn’t choose.
For an example kitchen fitter:
- Title tag: Kitchen Fitters in Galway | Burke Kitchens
- H1: Kitchen fitting in Galway, from design to the last tile
Different words, same story.
How do you check your H1?
- Open the page in your browser.
- Right click, choose View Page Source and search for <h1.
- You want 1 H1 per page, and it should be the real headline.
A common slip on Elementor sites is a slogan set as the H1 and the real page headline set as an H2. In Elementor, click the heading and change the HTML Tag setting.
What about the other headings?
Use H2s for each section and H3s for points inside a section. Assistive technology, such as screen readers, uses headings to move around a page, so keep a tidy order: one main title, then sections, then smaller points.
What are the common mistakes?
- The slogan or logo as the H1 on every page.
- 2 H1s, one from the theme and one from the page.
- An H1 that says something different from the title tag.
- Headings used just to make text big. Use a text style instead.
Read the transcript
“Your title tag and your H1 do different jobs. The title tag wins the click in Google. The H1 is the headline people read once they land. Keep them telling the same story. Google can build your search title from your headings. Aim for one clear H1 per page. Not your slogan. More SEO tips every week. Follow for episode 4, meta descriptions.”
Want a hand?
Running Google Ads too? Your ad headline and landing page headline should match in the same way. Our SEM in 60 seconds episode on headlines is coming soon.
Rather we did it for you? Book a free 20 minute call.
Sources
- Influencing title links in Google Search, Google Search Central. Checked 27 October 2026.
- Headings, W3C Web Accessibility Initiative. Checked 27 October 2026.
Previous episode: one page, one main search. Next episode: meta descriptions. Back to the series overview.