Whether you’re a seasoned SEO pro or just starting out, you surely know that meta titles, also known as SEO page titles, play a big role in getting your website noticed by search engines.
Basically, a meta title is a short description of what’s on your webpage. It’s your chance to tell Google and other search engines what your page is all about.
But how long should your meta title be? And how do you balance making it user-friendly while still using keywords? This article explores the importance of title tags, how to write a great page title, and what is the ideal title length.
Content Outline
What are Title Tags?
Title tags, also known as meta title tags, are a type of HTML code that specifies a webpage’s title. They appear in the browser’s title bar and search engine results pages (SERPs) on platforms like Google.
When users browse through search results, they serve as clickable links that direct them to websites.
For SEO, title tags play an important role in telling both browsers and search engines what a webpage is about.
What is the ideal title tag length?
The best length for a title tag is 50 to 60 characters. Thus, it will display correctly on both desktop and mobile screens without being cut off.
With this length, you have enough space to clearly tell people what your page is about and make your brand stand out.
Plus, it makes the user experience better because it’s easy to read.
You want your title tag to be manageable in length. Otherwise, search engines might shorten it, and people won’t get the full picture of what your page offers.
But if it’s too short, you might miss out on a chance to really grab people’s attention and make your site memorable.
Keeping your title tags between 50-60 characters is a good idea since Google usually shortens them if they’re too long. These are the first things people see when they search, so make them count and leave a great first impression!
What does Google say about Title Tag Length?
Google says there are no rules about how long your title tag should be. They say it can be as short or long as you want, as long as it accurately describes what’s on your webpage.
But from what we’ve seen, we have to disagree with Google on this one.
Having a good title tag that’s the right length and uses the right keywords is super important. It can make a huge difference in how well your page shows up in search results.
When it comes to title tag length, I suggest taking Google’s advice with a grain of salt.
Quick fact: Google shortens 61% of all title tags.
According to the latest research, Google ends up shortening about 61% of all the title tags that websites specify.
Now, why does this happen?
The main reason is that the title tags are just too long to fit nicely in the search engine results pages (SERPs). Google usually starts shortening them once they reach 60 characters.
Sixty characters might not seem like a lot, but it’s usually enough for about 8 to 15 words. And that’s not a whole bunch to get your message across and grab people’s attention to click on your website.
Why are title tags important for SEO?
Title tags play a big role in how your website shows up in search results and how people interact with it.
Here’s why they’re so important:
Visibility:
Your title tag is the first thing people see when they come across your website in search results. If it’s catchy and relevant, it can persuade them to click through to your site.
Relevance:
Title tags help search engines like Google understand what your webpage is all about and how it relates to what someone is searching for. This makes it more likely that your page will show up when people are looking for something similar.
Branding:
In addition to being relevant, you can also use your title tag to promote your brand. This helps establish your authority in your industry and makes your website stand out among the competition.
How important are SEO titles as a ranking factor?
Your page titles are really important for being found on search engines. They tell people what your page is about.
Even though some experts might disagree, recent information from Google says that titles do matter in terms of where your site appears in search results.
Basically, if you make sure your titles are interesting and describe your page well, they can help your site show up higher in search results and get more clicks. And more clicks mean more chances for your business to do well.
Thus, my sincere advice is NEVER to underestimate the importance of a good title tag. It can make a big difference in how many people find and visit your website.
Why has the title length changed over time?
Over the years, Google and other search engines have changed their recommendations for the length of title tags.
Google suggests that title tags should be between 50 to 60 characters long, including spaces. This length is about the width of a smartphone screen.
It’s enough to give important info without getting cut off in search results. If the title is longer than 60 characters, Google might cut it off, but it might still read the whole thing.
Just a few years ago, Google tried letting titles be up to 70 characters long, but then they changed it back to 50-60 characters because it worked better.
So, why do search engines keep changing the recommended length?
There are a few reasons:
Mobile-first indexing: Many people use their phones to search, so search engines want to make sure content looks good on mobile screens. Since mobile screens are smaller, shorter title tags work better.
Algorithm changes: Search engines constantly update their formulas to give people the best results. As people’s search habits change, so does the ideal length for title tags.
User experience: Shorter titles are easier to read and can lead to more clicks. Search engines care about giving users a good experience, so they adjust title tag lengths to make searches better.
SEO practices: Sometimes, SEO professionals try to take advantage of longer title tags by stuffing them with keywords. However, this can make the titles look bad and annoy users, so search engines might change the recommended length to prevent this.
Things to remember when writing the Perfect Title Tag
Here are a few steps you need to follow in order for a title tag to be effective.
These are the exclusive steps that my team follows.
Keyword research: Start by finding the best keywords that your audience is searching for. These are the words and phrases that will get you noticed.
Put your main keyword first: Place your main keyword right at the beginning of your title tag. This will make it stand out and grab people’s attention.
Think about what people want: Consider what your audience is looking for. Are they trying to learn something or buy something? Tailor your title tag to match their needs.
Make it catchy: Don’t be boring! Come up with a unique and interesting title that makes people want to click on your page. This sets you apart from the competition and gets you more clicks.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be on your way to creating title tags that get noticed and drive traffic to your site!
Here are some tips to stop Google from Shortening your SEO Title Tags?
When you’re trying to figure out whether Google is going to change your page’s title tag, creating the perfect one is more difficult than you might think. But fear not!
Here are my special tips to help prevent Google from messing with your title tag and making it more SEO-friendly:
Don’t overstuff with keywords: Using too many keywords or unnecessary brand names can make your title tag seem spammy. Stick to one or two main keywords that best represent your page, and only add your brand name if it’s really necessary.
Avoid duplicates: Each page on your site should have a unique title tag to prevent confusion and competition between your pages. Similar title tags could mean that neither page gets the attention it deserves.
Skip the brackets and pipes: While they might make your title tag stand out, Google often changes titles with brackets and pipes. Instead, try using parentheses or dashes, which tend to fare better.
Think about the user: Your title tag should be informative, relevant, and easy to understand. Avoid clickbait or misleading titles that don’t accurately reflect your content.
Keep your title tag and H1 tag aligned: Make sure the message of your title tag matches that of your H1 heading. While they don’t have to be identical, using the same keywords in both helps maintain consistency and clarity for users.
By following these tips, you can create title tags that appeal to Google and provide a great user experience.
FAQs
❓What's the ideal length for a Title Tag to optimize SEO?
The ideal length for a Title Tag is around 50-60 characters. This length ensures that your title isn't cut off in search results while still providing relevant information.
🤔How many keywords should I aim for in a Title Tag?
Aim for one primary keyword and, if it fits naturally, one secondary keyword. Avoid stuffing too many keywords as it can be viewed as spam by search engines and harm your SEO efforts.
👀Should I place keywords at the beginning or end of the Title Tag?
It's best to place your most important keyword at the beginning of the Title Tag. Search engines prioritize the start of the tag, and it's also more likely to catch the user's attention.
👉Do I need to include the brand name in the Title Tag?
It's beneficial to include the brand name if it's well-known and can improve click-through rates. However, if space is limited or the page focuses on a specific topic, it may not be necessary. If included
Quick Links
- How Should You Include Keywords In A Title Tag?
- SEO Settings For WordPress Site
- SEO For Small Business
- Pruning Your Website for SEO
- SEO Tips to Improve Organic Search Results
- What is Backlinking And Why Is It Important For SEO?
Final Thoughts
Thus, creating a good title tag might not always be at the top of your to-do list, but trust us, it’s super important. In fact, it’s the most crucial factor for how well your page ranks on search engines.
But don’t worry; optimizing your title tag is quick and easy, especially since it should be under 60 characters. Just make sure to pick the right keywords and put them at the front of your title.
This will help more people find your website and the pages you’ve worked so hard on.
But here’s the thing: you don’t want to overfill your title tag with keywords. It’s all about finding the right balance.
So take your time, choose wisely, and create a title tag that’ll really make your website stand out!
