What is Title Tag?
Definition
A title tag is an HTML element defining a page's title, displayed in browser tabs, search results, and social shares, and serving as a key on-page SEO element.
Why title tag matters
Title tags matter because they're often your first impression in search results. A compelling title determines whether users click your result or scroll past to competitors.
Title tags are a confirmed ranking factor. Including relevant keywords helps search engines understand your page's topic and match it to appropriate queries.
Beyond search, title tags appear in browser tabs, bookmarks, and social shares. Consistent, clear titles improve user experience and brand recognition across touchpoints.
Key concepts and types
- •Character limits
Google typically displays 50-60 characters before truncating titles. - •Keyword placement
Important keywords placed near the beginning have more impact. - •Unique titles
Each page should have a distinct title reflecting its specific content. - •Click-through optimization
Writing titles that attract clicks while accurately describing content. - •Brand inclusion
Deciding whether and how to include your brand name in titles.
Common misconceptions
- ✕Longer titles are better for SEO
- ✕Title tags should match H1 exactly
- ✕Keywords must be at the very beginning
- ✕Google always uses your title tag
- ✕Title tags alone determine rankings
Related terms
FAQs
What's the ideal title tag length?
Aim for 50-60 characters to avoid truncation in search results. Google may display up to 60 characters on desktop, fewer on mobile. Front-load important information.
Should title tags include your brand name?
Often yes, especially for brand recognition. Place brand at the end unless you have strong brand recognition that might increase clicks when prominent.
Why does Google show a different title than my title tag?
Google sometimes rewrites titles if it believes a different version better matches the query or describes the page. Clear, relevant titles that match content are less likely to be rewritten.