seo page titles article banner

SEO Page Titles

Understanding Page Titles for SEO

Page titles, in SEO, are the forefront of your website’s identity on the internet. They are the clickable headlines that users see in search engine results and are crucial for both search engine algorithms and user experience. 

SEO page titles (also sometimes called meta page titles, SEO titles or title tags) are HTML elements that provide a concise description of a webpage’s content. Page titles are critical for SEO for two reasons; firstly, because they are used by search engines to understand the thematic essence of the page and determine its relevance to search queries and second, because page titles also play a significant role in the user’s experience, as they are the first line of text displayed in search engine results pages (SERPs), acting as a deciding factor for users when choosing which link to click on. 

Page titles are defined within the <title> tag, a crucial element placed in the head section of a webpage’s HTML document. This tag is specifically designed to hold the title of the document, which browsers display in their title bar or tab. From a technical standpoint, the <title> tag is a mandatory part of the head section and plays a significant role in both web standards and search engine optimization practices. When search engines crawl a webpage, the content of the <title> tag is used to understand the subject matter of the page, making it a key factor in determining the page’s relevance to search queries. Additionally, the text within the <title> tag is what appears in the clickable link in search engine results pages (SERPs), directly influencing user engagement and click-through rates. Proper use of the <title> tag is essential for SEO, as it helps search engines index pages correctly and improves the visibility of a website in search results.

A well-crafted page title can significantly impact a website’s search engine visibility and click-through rate.

This dual purpose underscores their importance, as they not only guide search engines in understanding the content of a page but also entice users to click through to the website.

SEO Title vs. Post Title

The distinction between an SEO page title and a post title (H1) is vital for effective SEO strategy. While the SEO title appears in search engine results and browser tabs, the post title is the main heading on the page itself. 

Each plays a unique role in attracting and guiding users, with the SEO title aimed at search engines and initial user engagement, and the post title providing structure and context once the user lands on the page.

The Components of a Successful Page Title

A successful page title is crafted with relevance, brevity, and keyword inclusion in mind. It succinctly conveys the essence of the webpage’s content, ensuring that it is directly relevant to the search queries it aims to rank for. The inclusion of keywords is strategic, enhancing the page’s visibility in search engine results without compromising the title’s readability or appeal to potential visitors.

Optimal Width and Length of SEO Titles

The optimal width and length of an SEO title are crucial for ensuring that the entire title is visible in search engine results pages (SERPs) without being truncated. While character count is a helpful guideline, search engines like Google actually measure titles in pixels. The ideal pixel width for SEO titles is up to 600 pixels, which typically translates to between 50 to 60 characters, depending on the width of individual characters used.

This pixel-based measurement is important because it directly affects how much of the title is visible in SERPs. Titles that exceed the 600-pixel limit risk being truncated, meaning that users might not see the full context of what the page is about before clicking. This can impact click-through rates and the overall effectiveness of the title in attracting organic traffic.

The challenge of title length optimization is further complicated by the fact that the truncation point can vary between devices. On mobile devices, the available display width is narrower than on desktops, leading to earlier truncation of titles. This means that while a title might display fully on a desktop, it could be cut off on a mobile device, making the first 50-60 characters even more critical for mobile SEO.

To ensure the title fits within the visible area on most devices, it’s advisable to test how it appears in search results on both desktop and mobile. Tools and plugins designed for SEO can simulate how titles are displayed, helping to fine-tune their length for optimal visibility across devices.

Incorporating Keywords Strategically

Best practices say that when incorporating keywords into your page titles you should;

  • Add your keywords as early as possible in your page title.
  • Match those keywords with the first H1 on the page (which should be the page/post title). 
  • Use your keyword(s) only once in the title
  • Use close-match variants to make your title more readable. 
  • Keep your page title readable for people despite the need to focus on keywords. 

These best practices however are all based on old studies that may not be relevant anymore or, are the only change that happens to a page title so, their effectiveness may be dubious.

Despite this though it’s best if you do follow these rules and only experiment with them once you have a solid, SEO foundation on your site and some rankings because there is logic behind them. 

  1. Add your keywords early in your page title – Adding your keywords towards the beginning of the title ensures they catch both the user’s and the search engine’s attention quickly. Keywords a user searches for are bolded in the SERP to demonstrate their relevance. You don’t want to be the only result that doesn’t have the advantage of a bolded result. 
  2. The title should remain natural and readable –  Your page titles are like tiny free ads that you get in Google. It pays to be enticing to users as more exciting page titles tend to get more clicks which leads to more people on your website. 
  3. Don’t stuff more than one keyword in your page title – avoid the temptation to overstuff your title with all your keywords. Google will see it is spam and so will users. 
  4. Use close-match variants to increase readability – close-match variants of your keyword are understood by Google and users. So loosen up a little and play with the wording of your page titles.
  5. Match your keyword in the page title with the first H1 on the page – Consistency is important for Google and for users. If you were to buy a book called “AI for SEO” and then when you opened that book the inside cover said “Why AI for SEO is bad” then you’d understandably be confused. Both the outside and inside cover of the book are about AI for SEO but they have completely different intents and implications to the reader. Your page title and header are the same. This relevance is crucial for providing a good user experience and can help reduce bounce rates, further improving SEO performance.

Crafting Your Page Title

Writing a great page title consists of 4 main steps; 

  1. Keyword research
  2. Market Research
  3. Competitor Research 
  4. SERP Research

Keyword Reserach for your page titles should already be done. After all, if you have written content for a page you should know what you are targeting it at. If not, then you can do keyword research for free using tools like Google Keyword Planner or, you can pay for a tool like Rank Tracker. 

It’s important to choose only one main keyword for the page and, to make sure that it closely matches what the page is about. There is no such thing as the “perfect” way to find a keyword if you already have content written but no keyword focus. The best you can do is search for a keyword that is relevant and has some monthly search volume. 

Once you have your keyword go ahead and write out a few page titles for your page. It’s always best to start by writing something before you look at what others are doing. 

If this is your first time writing page titles try writing 3-5 per page until you feel like you have the hang of it. 

SERP research is the next step. Google your main keyword and look at what the Page titles are for people who are ranking in that SERP already. While you look at it ask yourself;

  • Are there patterns to the page titles in this SERP?
  • Are people using the keyword exactly or, are they using a variation? 
  • Do most page titles have the keyword at the beginning of the page title or the end? 
  • Are people using branding or boilerplate text in their page titles?
  • Do any of the page titles stand out more than others for some reason? Why?
  • If you were a user googling this term, would you click your page title over any others you see here?

You’ll have a really good idea of what to write as a page title now and may even have a few that you can’t choose between. On key pages on your site there is one extra step we would recommend instead of  

Crafting your page title begins with thorough keyword research to identify terms that are not only relevant to your content but also used by your target audience in their search queries. This foundational step ensures that the keywords you choose to include are aligned with the search intent of your users, increasing the likelihood of your page being found.

Once you have your keywords, the next step is to construct a title that is both informative and engaging. Start by placing your primary keyword towards the beginning of the title to catch both the user’s and the search engine’s attention. However, it’s crucial to integrate these keywords naturally, ensuring the title reads smoothly and appeals to potential visitors.

Balance is key in title creation. While your title needs to be optimized for search engines, it should also be compelling for users. A well-crafted title offers a clear value proposition, telling users exactly what they can expect to find on the page. It should evoke curiosity or offer solutions, encouraging clicks without resorting to clickbait tactics.

Using AI and Tools for Crafting Titles

Leveraging AI and SEO tools can significantly streamline the page title creation process. Tools like Yoast SEO offer features that analyze your title’s effectiveness, providing feedback on length, keyword inclusion, and readability. Some tools even suggest improvements or generate title options based on your content, making it easier to craft titles that are optimized for both search engines and user engagement.

AI-powered tools can offer a range of creative title suggestions that balance SEO best practices with user interest. These suggestions can serve as a starting point for refining your title, ensuring it meets SEO criteria while also standing out to your audience. However, it’s important to review and tweak AI-generated titles to ensure they accurately reflect the content and tone of your page.

Free Page Title Tool

Use our tool below to write your page titles. Don't forget to enter your target keyword and the URL you are writing the page titles for. If you need some inspiration you can check out some page title examples below.


Examples of Good Page Titles

Good page titles effectively balance SEO optimization with user engagement, serving as a model for crafting your own titles. Here are a few examples to illustrate this balance:

  • “5 Easy Vegetarian Recipes for Busy Weeknights – FoodieBlog”
    • This title clearly states what the reader can expect (easy vegetarian recipes) and specifies the context (for busy weeknights), making it highly relevant to a specific audience. The inclusion of “FoodieBlog” adds brand recognition.
  • “How to Maximize Your SEO Rankings: 2024 Guide | TechSavvy”
    • By including “How to Maximize Your SEO Rankings,” the title targets a specific keyword while also promising valuable information. The addition of “2024 Guide” suggests that the content is up-to-date, and “TechSavvy” incorporates brand presence.
  • “Top 10 Budget-Friendly Vacation Destinations in Europe | Wanderlust Travel”
    • This title targets users looking for budget-friendly vacation options, with “Top 10” suggesting a curated and easy-to-digest list. “Wanderlust Travel” enhances brand visibility.
  • “Mastering the Art of French Cooking: A Beginner’s Guide”
    • This title is enticing, suggesting that the reader can learn something complex (French cooking) in an accessible way (“A Beginner’s Guide”). It’s optimized for keywords like “French Cooking” and “Beginner’s Guide.”
  • “Increase Your Home’s Value with These 5 Renovation Tips”
    • The title directly addresses the reader’s potential desire (“Increase Your Home’s Value”) and offers a clear benefit (“with These 5 Renovation Tips”), making it both engaging and informative.

Why Each Example Is Effective

  • Relevance and Clarity: Each title clearly communicates the content’s focus, making it easy for users to understand the value of clicking through.
  • Keyword Inclusion: Keywords are naturally integrated, enhancing SEO without sacrificing readability.
  • User Engagement: The titles are crafted to pique interest, promising specific benefits or insights, which encourages clicks.
  • Branding: When brand names are included, they’re integrated at the end, maintaining focus on the content’s value proposition while still building brand recognition.

These examples demonstrate how to craft page titles that are not only SEO-friendly but also compelling to potential readers. By analyzing what makes these titles effective, you can apply similar strategies to your own content, ensuring your titles attract both search engines and human readers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When crafting page titles, there are several pitfalls that can negatively impact both SEO performance and user engagement. Being aware of these common mistakes can help you refine your approach and create more effective titles.

  1. Keyword Stuffing: Overloading your title with too many keywords can make it unreadable and may trigger search engines to perceive it as spammy. Aim for a natural integration of your primary keyword and possibly a secondary keyword if it fits naturally.
  2. Being Too Vague: Titles that are overly broad or vague fail to communicate the specific value of the content to the reader. Titles should be clear and specific about what the user can expect to find on the page.
  3. Ignoring Brand Presence: Neglecting to include your brand name, especially if your brand is well-recognized, can be a missed opportunity for reinforcing brand recognition and trust. However, ensure the brand name does not overshadow the main message of the title.
  4. Overly Long Titles: Titles that exceed the optimal length can be truncated in search results, potentially losing critical information or keywords. Keep titles concise and within the recommended pixel width to ensure the entire title is visible in SERPs.
  5. Failing to Match Search Intent: Your title must accurately reflect the content of the page and match the search intent of your target audience. Misleading titles can lead to high bounce rates as visitors quickly leave the page upon realizing it doesn’t meet their needs.
  6. Not Using Action Words: Titles that lack action words or a clear value proposition may not be as compelling to users. Using verbs and clear benefits can make titles more engaging and encourage more clicks.
  7. Skipping A/B Testing: Not testing different title variations can mean missing out on discovering what works best for your audience. A/B testing allows you to refine your titles based on actual performance data.

Tips on How to Avoid These Mistakes

  • Focus on Clarity and Relevance: Ensure your title clearly describes the content of the page and aligns with the keywords your audience is searching for.
  • Integrate Keywords Wisely: Use your primary keyword naturally within the title, avoiding the temptation to add too many keywords.
  • Incorporate Your Brand Strategically: Include your brand name in the title if it adds value and recognition without compromising the message.
  • Keep It Concise: Aim for a title length that stays within the optimal pixel width, ensuring it won’t be truncated in search results.
  • Align with User Intent: Craft titles that accurately reflect the content and intent of your page, meeting the expectations of users who click through.
  • Use Actionable Language: Incorporate action words and clear benefits to make the title more engaging and clickable.
  • Test and Refine: Utilize A/B testing to experiment with different titles, allowing data to guide your optimization efforts.

By avoiding these common mistakes and applying these tips, you can create page titles that are both SEO-friendly and appealing to your target audience, driving more traffic and engagement to your site.

Testing and Revising Your Page Titles

The process of optimizing page titles doesn’t stop after publication. Continuous testing and revision based on performance metrics are crucial for maintaining and improving your SEO rankings and user engagement.

Importance of A/B Testing

A/B testing, or split testing, involves comparing two versions of your page title to see which one performs better in terms of click-through rate (CTR), search engine rankings, and other relevant metrics. This method allows you to make data-driven decisions about which title elements resonate most with your audience and search engines.

  • Start Small: Test one change at a time (e.g., different keywords, title structures) to clearly understand what impacts performance.
  • Use Tools: Utilize SEO and A/B testing tools that can integrate with your website to track the performance of different title variations.
  • Analyze Results: Look beyond just CTR and rankings; consider engagement metrics like bounce rate and time on page to gauge the quality of traffic each title variation attracts.

Encouraging Ongoing Revision

The digital landscape and user behaviour are always evolving, making it necessary to revisit and update your page titles regularly.

  • Monitor Trends: Stay informed about changes in search engine algorithms, competitor strategies, and trending topics within your niche that could influence the effectiveness of your titles.
  • Respond to Performance Data: Regularly review your page’s performance analytics. If you notice a decline in traffic or engagement, it might be time to revise the title.
  • Refine for Relevance: Update titles to keep them relevant. This could mean incorporating new keywords, adjusting to current trends, or making them more specific to user intent.

Leveraging SEO Trends

Keeping an eye on SEO trends can provide insights into how page titles should be optimized for current and future search engine algorithms.

  • Embrace AI and Machine Learning: Search engines are increasingly using AI to understand and rank content. Titles that are clear, concise, and directly relevant to the content of the page are more likely to be favoured.

Testing and revising your page titles is an ongoing process that plays a critical role in your website’s SEO success. By embracing A/B testing, responding to performance data, and staying abreast of SEO trends, you can ensure that your titles continue to attract and engage your target audience effectively. Remember, the goal is not just to drive traffic but to attract the right kind of traffic that will engage with your content and convert.