What Is a Title Tag? (And Why It Matters for SEO)
The title tag is a critical on-page SEO element located in the section of your webpage’s HTML. It’s what Google displays as the clickable headline in search results and what users see on browser tabs and when bookmarking a page. Google uses the title tag to understand your page’s topic and determine its relevance for searcher intent. A well-crafted title tag can improve click-through rates (CTR), rankings, and overall SEO performance. Best practices include keeping it under 60 characters, placing keywords at the front, and making it compelling enough to entice clicks.
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Use Cases
Search engines rely heavily on title tags to grasp the core topic of your page. Including your target keyword early in the title tag signals relevance, improving your chance to rank for that term.
A compelling title tag creates curiosity, urgency, or highlights value, making users more likely to click. Higher CTRs can also boost rankings—a win-win for SEO.
When your title accurately reflects the page content, users are more likely to find what they expect—keeping them on your site longer and reducing bounce rates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many characters can a title tag have?
Aim for 50–60 characters. Google typically displays up to 60 characters in search results, though it uses pixel width, not a strict character count.
Should I include my brand name in the title tag?
Yes, especially if brand trust is important or if you’re targeting branded searches. Place it at the end after your keywords for maximum SEO impact.
Can duplicate title tags hurt SEO?
Yes. Duplicates confuse search engines and users. Each page should have a unique title tag that clearly reflects its content and target keyword.
Is the title tag the same as the H1 tag?
You can set the title tag in your HTML’s <head> section or through your CMS (like WordPress, Shopify, or Wix) using SEO plugins or settings.
Where do I edit my title tag?
Revisit them during major SEO audits, content refreshes, or any time your keyword strategy shifts. Testing different titles can also improve CTR over time.
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