Title Tag

Definition

Title Tag - The HTML element that specifies a page's title, shown as the blue clickable link in search results. The most influential on-page SEO element. Should include the target keyword, ideally near the start, within ~60 characters.

In more depth

The title tag (<title>Your Page Title</title> in the page's <head>) serves two purposes: it tells Google the topic of the page (an on-page ranking signal), and it's displayed as the clickable blue link in Google's search results (influencing whether users click). It's generally considered the single most important on-page SEO element - and also one of the easiest to get wrong.

For ranking, the title tag's primary job is to clearly indicate the page's topic. Including the target keyword, particularly near the beginning of the title, sends a clear topical signal. Google's algorithms are sophisticated enough to understand synonyms and related phrases, but an exact or near-exact match of the search query in the title tends to correlate with strong rankings and CTR - users scanning search results look for confirmation that the result matches their query.

Google displays approximately 50-60 characters of a title tag in most SERPs (it's actually measured in pixel width, around 600px). Titles longer than this get truncated with "..." - which can cut off important words and reduce CTR. Use our free Title Tag Checker to measure your title in pixels and see exactly how it renders. Best format: Primary Keyword - Brand Name, or Primary Keyword: Supporting Benefit - Brand Name.

Related terms: Meta Description - CTR (Click-Through Rate) - Keyword - SERP (Search Engine Results Page)

Frequently asked questions

Does Google rewrite title tags?

Yes, frequently. Google rewrites title tags when it believes the provided title doesn't accurately represent the page content, is too long, or is keyword-stuffed. Google may substitute text from the H1 heading, the page's main navigation link, or anchor text used by other sites linking to the page. Writing an accurate, concise, keyword-informed title tag reduces the likelihood of rewriting.

How do I write a good title tag?

Include your target keyword, preferably near the start. Keep it under 60 characters (or 600 pixels - use a pixel-measuring tool). Make it descriptive and compelling enough to generate clicks. Include your brand name at the end if space allows. Avoid keyword stuffing - 'SEO SEO Sydney SEO Agency SEO Services' helps nothing. Write for users first, with keywords as the natural description of the page's content.