Simply put, a title tag is a portion of HTML code that resides on a webpage. This HTML title tag tells search engines, such as Google, what the page features. Think of it like a regular headline for a page, but it can be refined for SEO purposes – making it more appealing for both search engines and users.

Unless you’re the one person on the planet that hasn’t performed a Google search, you will have seen an SEO page title before. This tends to be the text that appears within search engine results, the title that draws people in. Here’s an example:

click intelligence meta

As you can see, the “A Simple Guide to Local SEO | Click Intelligence” title is, if we don’t mind saying it ourselves, short, snappy, and grabs the attention of a web browser. It also features the brand name, which is another important aspect of producing a polished SEO title tag. We’ll explain why later in this guide!

Due to its prevalence in bringing people to your website, it’s essential you don’t overlook the importance of page title optimization. Yet not only is it the first impression for visitors, but it also helps the search engines to know what the page is actually about. This means if you want your website to top the Google search results, you require a high-quality SEO title.

How to add title tags to website pages

Fortunately, it is a simple process to add title tags to your webpages. There are two main routes you can go down: directly edit the HTML title tag code, or you have the option to change the title tag via your website building platform.

Regarding the former, you first have to start by going into the editor section of the page’s HTML code. At this point, you want to find the section with the opening and closing <head> tags. In this section, you want to add the title in between <title> tags. Here’s an example:

<head>

<title>Add a compelling meta title tag example here</title>

</head>

In between the <head> tags, you would also add the meta description – aka the portion of text which is found underneath the title tag.

As for adding the page title in a website builder, let’s take WordPress as an example. In WordPress, when you create a new post or page, the headline will typically become the title tag. If you want to circumvent the headline, however, you can utilise a plugin such as Yoast. With this plugin, you are free to add a title tag which is its own separate entity from the page’s main headline.

Of course, the process of adding or editing the title tag is dependent on the platform your website is based on.

Tips for SEO title tag optimization

As part of any managed SEO campaign, title tag optimisation is an essential component. You want the title to appeal, as much as possible, to both users and search engines. There are, thankfully, several different methods available to enhance the SEO tags.

Use your target keyword

What’s an SEO title without including your target keyword? Simply put, the title tag should be built around the main keyword for each page. Your webpage is more useful to searchers if they come across it due to inputting the right term, which is what happens when you utilise keywords. Title tag keywords are also essential for Google’s algorithm to identify what your page is about.

Another tip is to feature the target keywords towards the start of the title tag. This instantly displays to searchers – and Google – what the page includes.

Watch the length

In addition to placing the keywords towards the front of the title, it’s also important that you watch the overall length of the tag. In Google search results, a page title will generally display between 50 and 60 characters. At this point, the title is cut off.

While titles will naturally be long, try and aim for a length of 55 characters. You don’t want it to be too long or too short. If it’s the latter, Google might even decide against ranking the page at all.

Write for your audience

Yes, your title has to appeal to the search engines. However, the primary focus should be on writing title tags that entice your audience.

When writing SEO headlines that generate high click-through rates, consider the following list:

Add a call to action. ‘Must-see tips’, ‘Try this now’, ‘Why you NEED to learn this’, etc. A call to action is one of the most effective ways to entice the curious into clickers.
Include an impressive stat. If your business has a stat that’s worth showing off – think about aspects such as ‘1# rated in the city’ or ‘award-winning service’ – place this in the title when applicable.
Use your brand in the title. If you have a recognisable and reputable brand, it can pay off to use it as part of your title. People will immediately recognise your site is one that’s worth visiting.

Receive assistance

Not sure if your title website SEO is right? Failing to find inspiration for an eye-catching title? If you said ‘yes’ to either of these questions, you’re in luck: there are plenty of online tools available that can supply assistance.

For a start, you can use a title tag checker tool. This tool allows you to enter your title, receive a quick analysis, and see what areas can be improved. If you’re not sure where to start, you even have the option of utilising an SEO title tag generator. Although when doing this, remember to keep the aforementioned tips in mind!

From link building to image optimisation, there are many different elements for an effective SEO plan. Incorporating an SEO title tag is one of the most important elements. The next time you’re optimising a web page, ensure you don’t miss the title tag.