On-page SEO · Beginner

Title tag

The title tag is the HTML element that names a page. Search engines usually show it as the clickable headline of the result, which makes it one of the most important on-page signals and a big factor in who clicks.

By Thryv StudioUpdated

Category
On-page SEO
Level
Beginner
Element
<title> in the page's head
Shown up to
About 600 pixels on desktop (roughly 50 to 60 characters)

What is a title tag?

The title tag sits in the page's <head>:

<title>Trail Running Shoes for Wide Feet | Acme</title>

Browsers show it in the tab, and search engines use it, usually, as the headline of the result. Google may rewrite titles it finds too long, stuffed with keywords or unhelpful.

How to write a good one

  1. Describe the page accurately and specifically.
  2. Put the main keyword near the start.
  3. Keep it within about 600 pixels so it isn't cut off.
  4. Make it unique on every page.
  5. Add the brand at the end if there's room.

Common mistakes

  • The same title on many pages.
  • Keyword lists ("SEO, SEO Agency, SEO Services").
  • Titles that promise something the page doesn't deliver.

Frequently asked questions

Title tag or H1: what's the difference?

The title tag appears in search results and browser tabs; the H1 is the headline on the page. They can match or differ slightly.

Why did Google change my title?

Google rewrites titles that are too long, repetitive or don't describe the page well. A clear, accurate title is rewritten less often.

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