Optimizing the homepage : should I have a h1 or not?

[Axel_Janvier]

Hi everyone,

I am launching a debate that may seem a bit basic for the most experienced of you

In fact, after completing internships in two different agencies, I had quite opposite views of the optimization process for the homepage:

• View 1: The home page should be optimized on a keyword and should definitely have a h1.

• View 2: The home page is a branded page and should not necessarily have an h1 (unlike other pages).

Bonus question: assuming that the view 1 is the right one, is it a good idea to put a h1 on the logo (only for the homepage) ?

Thank you very much for your help

[easyrider2]

Well I would say a page always needs an H1. However, due to recent turn of events with Google in does not necessarily have to have your keyword in it. But it should be an H1 that is on-topic. Google is clever enough now to tell the general context of the page. As Rand said in the last whiteboard friday (HERE) there is now a lot more to on-page SEO than the old method of keyword in the url, title, description, H tags etc etc

[Ewan.Kennedy]

I believe the answer to almost every question about SEO should begin with "it depends" and therefore I think neither of the two views you have quoted can be right in all circumstances.

The best solution for a particular case might depend on the structure of the page and that should be driven first and foremost by providing the best solution for visitors which may not be the same as prescribed by an SEO rule book.

Re. bonus question:

My home page (www.adjuice.co.uk) has its logo as its H1 so is an example of what you describe in your bonus question. The home page currently ('touch wood') ranks very well for lots of competitive terms so I find it difficult to imagine that this arrangement could be disadvantageous in any way.

[Axel_Janvier]

Thank you for your answers easyrider and Ewan!