The title tag is an HTML element that defines the title of a webpage. It appears in browser tabs, search engine results, and when pages are shared on social media. Title tags are one of the most important on-page SEO elements, directly influencing both search rankings and click-through rates.
Why Title Tags Matter
Title tags are often the first thing users see in search results. They’re a significant ranking factor for search engines. Click-through rates are heavily influenced by title quality. They appear when pages are shared on social platforms. Browser tabs use titles to help users navigate multiple open pages.
Title Tag Best Practices
Keep titles between 50-60 characters to avoid truncation in search results. Include primary keywords near the beginning. Make each page’s title unique. Write for humans first, search engines second. Include your brand name, typically at the end. Accurately represent the page content. Create compelling titles that encourage clicks.
Title Tag Formula
A proven formula is: Primary Keyword – Secondary Keyword | Brand Name. For example: “Responsive Web Design – Mobile-First Development | Mapletree Studio”. This structure prioritises keywords while maintaining readability and including branding.
Title Tags for Different Page Types
Homepage - Brand name and primary value proposition. Product pages - Product name, key feature, and brand. Blog posts - Compelling headline with keyword. Category pages - Category name and relevant keyword. Local pages - Service + location + brand.
Common Title Tag Mistakes
Keyword stuffing makes titles unreadable and can trigger penalties. Duplicate titles across multiple pages waste SEO opportunities. Generic titles like “Home” or “Products” don’t attract clicks. Missing titles mean search engines generate their own, often poorly. Titles too long get truncated, hiding important information.
Optimising for Click-Through Rate
Use numbers when relevant (“5 Ways to…” or “2025 Guide”). Include power words like “ultimate,” “complete,” or “essential”. Add brackets or parentheses to break up text [like this]. Create curiosity while remaining accurate. Test different title formats to see what your audience responds to.
Technical Implementation
Title tags go in the HTML head section using the
Monitoring Title Tag Performance
Check Google Search Console to see which titles appear in search. Monitor click-through rates for pages in search results. Use A/B testing on important pages when possible. Review which titles Google rewrites, indicating potential issues. Track rankings for keywords you’re targeting in titles. Update underperforming titles based on data.