Whether Google releases new updates or not, there are some evergreen SEO ranking factors. An SEO page title is one of them, alongside helpful and inspirational content. In today’s article, we’ll focus on what a page title for SEO is. Brace yourself to know everything from the placement of a keyword in the title to valuable SEO title tips.
Let’s take an example here.
Source: Content Gorilla
This Content Gorilla article is based on the primary keyword book blog names. About 1,030,000,000 results indicate that Google found approximately 1 billion web pages relevant to this search query in less than a second. Yes, the competition is that tough for getting ranked in SERPs.
As the image shows, this article is at position zero (P0, 1st search result) on Google. Is this just because the content is great? That’s part of it, but it isn’t the whole story. An inviting, number-based SEO page title played an important role in attracting visitors to this page.
So, how about we answer the question “What is the page title in SEO” and help you get your blog on P0? Let’s get started!
Understanding the SEO Page Title
Source: Content Gorilla
The SEO page title is a concise description of a web page. It is displayed on the browser tab and search engine results pages (SERPs). In an HTML blog post, the SEO page title is always kept inside the <head> section between <title> tags, like this:
<head>
<title>Your Title Text Here</title>
</head>
Its main aim is to help search algorithms of different search engines understand what the content on that particular web page is about. Moreover, searchers see page titles in SEO as a result of inputting a query in the Google search bar. Hence, it’s an important factor that could convince them to read your article further. Make the most of this golden chance and write compelling headlines that grab attention!
Why Are Page Titles Important for SEO?
Source: Freepik
Still trying to figure out why an SEO page title is so hyped? Worry not. We’re about to discover why titles are so important in boosting content visibility.
Captivate visitors as the first impression
A concise and well-crafted SEO page title creates a powerful 1st impression on the visitors, enticing them to delve deeper into the content. It’s the fine line between earning a click and being overlooked.
Increase click-through rates
The more clicks your captivating SEO title earns, the better your click-through rate will be. This signals to search engines that your content is valuable and relevant, boosting your site’s visibility and ranking.
Help search engines understand content
Search engines use your title to understand your web page’s primary topic or main focus. A clear and descriptive title helps in proper indexing and ranking, ensuring your page reaches the right audience.
Enhance relevance to search queries
SEO titles matching search queries increase your content’s relevance. This alignment improves your chances of appearing in top search results, driving more organic traffic. This is because, as Google says itself:
“We build language models to try to decipher how the relatively few words you enter into the search box match up to the most useful content available.”
Simplify browsing for the visually impaired
Screen readers rely on SEO titles to interpret a clear and concise description of the page’s content to those who are visually impaired. This simplifies the navigation experience for all users.
Boost website traffic
Attractive SEO titles draw in more visitors. This leads to increased organic site traffic and potential conversions. Higher traffic positively impacts your site’s ranking in search results. Resultantly, it enhances the visibility and authority of your website.
Improve content ranking potential
Well-optimized page titles are an important on-page SEO factor to improve search engine rankings. This results in greater website traffic and engagement. According to us, it’s a simple formula: higher rankings = more exposure.
Facilitate social sharing and bookmarking
Catchy SEO titles make it easier for readers to share and bookmark content. This amplifies your content’s reach and engagement across various platforms. It’s a great opportunity in itself to connect with a lot of like-minded individuals, or, even better, audiences.
Elements of an SEO Page Title
Here are five important elements of an effective SEO page title.
- Clickable wording – Engaging, user-focused, and descriptive wording in titles encourages readers to click and explore the content further.
- Primary keyword – Incorporating the primary keyword within the page title signals the content’s relevance to the user’s search.
- Brand name – Including your brand/ website name in the title builds trust and enhances recognition among users.
- Optimal length – Keeping titles within the 50-60 characters length range guarantees they are fully displayed in search results.
- Capitalization – Writing your title in the title case enhances readability and makes the content more visually appealing.
The SEO title is often used interchangeably with the title tag. Are you looking for title tag optimization tips? Check out our expert recommendations.
Dos and Don’ts of Writing SEO Page Titles
Source: Freepik
Under-optimized titles often receive less engagement than well-optimized ones. Here are the page title best practices you should follow to write click-worthy titles!
Do
- Incorporate the primary keyword strategically – Use the primary keyword naturally within your title. It helps search engines understand your content’s relevance.
- Keep the title under 60 characters – Limit your title to 60 characters or less to ensure it displays properly in search results.
- Focus on delivering user value – Make titles irresistible and clear. Align them with your audience’s search intent to encourage clicks.
- Use simple language to maintain readability – Maintain readability with easy-to-understand wording. Use the pipe symbol (|) to separate important terms.
- Test and optimize regularly – Regularly review and improve page titles using performance data. A/B testing reveals what works best for driving more traffic.
Don’t
- Be vague or generic – Vague titles don’t tell users what to expect. Be specific about the content and value you offer.
- Make it extra long – Titles that are too lengthy may get truncated in search results, making them less effective.
- Use excessive punctuation – This comes across as shouty, cluttered, and unprofessional. Keep your title clear and easy to read.
- Front-load your brand name – Don’t place your brand name at the title’s beginning unless it’s highly recognizable. Prioritize compelling info to attract clicks.
- Use clickbait titles – Avoid misleading titles that increase bounce rates. Focus on accurately reflecting the content’s value to readers.
Understanding Why Some SEO Page Titles Rank Better
Source: Designed with Freepik
Mastering how to write an SEO title requires us to understand the “why” factor behind top-ranking SEO titles for web pages. The following SEO title examples will help you understand this.
What is Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Business? – IBM
This article is a top-ranked search result for the primary keywords: ‘AI in business’. The title is concise (55 characters long), brand-inclusive (IBM), and answers a common search query in modern business.
Future Technology: 22 Ideas About To Change Our World
On searching for ‘technology in the future’ on Google, this article comes up. Its title promises 22 revolutionary Ideas that could transform our world. It especially appeals to tech enthusiasts and futurists with a specific number (22) of literally “world-changing” ideas.
What Is Personal Finance, and Why Is It Important?
This article with the primary keywords ‘personal finance’ is rank-worthy for many reasons.
The title straightforwardly addresses a fundamental financial concern, combining ‘what’ and ‘why’ to attract those seeking to improve their financial literacy.
3 Inspiring Startup Success Stories – HBS Online
This title (from the #1 article on ‘startup success stories’) promises a specific number (3) of stories as motivational content, appealing to aspiring entrepreneurs and business students. Plus, it adds trust with the reputable institute name – HBS.
Marketing Strategy: What It Is and How to Create One | Coursera
This article is top-rank-worthy because its title starts with the primary keywords ‘marketing strategy’. It indicates a step-by-step guide from a trusted online learning platform. That makes it attractive for marketers and business owners looking to learn.
21 of the Best SEO Tips for Beginners in 2024
It targets newbies with a list of 21 ‘SEO tips for beginners’, appealing to a wide audience aiming to improve their online presence. This title includes the primary keyword and a number, is descriptive, and uses power words like ‘Best,’ making it attention-grabbing.
How to Succeed at Your Second Interview (With 8 Tips) – Indeed
This solution-focused title with the primary keywords ‘succeed second interview’ speaks directly to the user. It offers actionable advice (8 tips) for a critical job-hunting phase. It’s authoritative because it’s coming from a leading site that actively helps job seekers.
How to Improve Your Work-Life Balance Today
This how-to title focuses on ‘work-life balance’. It addresses a common concern that many working professionals have. It highlights a clear benefit (improved work-life balance) and a sense of urgency (today).
Top 30 Productivity Hacks & Tips That Actually Work in 2024
This 2023 ‘productivity hacks’ article, updated for 2024, ranks top in SERPs with a substantial list of proven tips. It uses attention-grabbing power words like ‘top’ and ‘actually work’. This way, it appeals to individuals striving for efficiency + productivity.
10 Tips On How To Study Effectively | Victoria University
This actionable title offers 10 effective ‘study tips’. It draws students and lifelong learners addressing a common question. On top of this, its expert-backed educational advice from a trusted academic source (Victoria University) ensures quality and trust.
16 Ways to Motivate Yourself to Lose Weight – Healthline
This article, for the primary keyword ‘weight loss motivation’, ranks high in search engines. The numbered title (16 ways) from a trusted health source offers practical, psychological support for a popular fitness goal.
What Is the Best Homemade Hair Treatment? 13 Home Remedies
This question-based title with the primary keyword ‘homemade hair treatment’ addresses a specific concern with multiple (13) homemade solutions. It attracts readers interested in natural beauty treatments and DIY solutions.
9 Steps to More Effective Parenting – Kids Health
This title offers 9 manageable steps for ‘more’ effective ‘parenting tips’, targeting parents directly with reliable strategies from a trusted health source (Kids Health) to improve their parenting skills.
15 Repurposed Furniture Ideas That Will Give Your Pieces a Fresh Look | Architectural Digest
This #1 ranked SEO page title combines creativity and sustainability by suggesting ‘repurposed furniture ideas’. It directly appeals to DIY enthusiasts and eco-conscious readers. A trusted design expert, Architectural Digest, shares refreshing home decor ideas in it.
Note: Despite being an excellent SEO title, it exceeds the character limit (89 characters). That’s why it gets truncated in search results, though it front-loads the important stuff (keyword).
Fail-Proof Homemade Mayonnaise Recipe
This title promises a fail-proof method for a specific recipe, ’homemade mayonnaise’. It appeals to home cooks of all levels seeking reliable, easy-to-follow recipes with a guaranteed successful outcome.
Check out our all-inclusive guide on writing SEO blog titles that drive traffic and retain readers.
[Bonus] How to Set an SEO Page Title
Source: Content Gorilla
Follow these simple steps to set an SEO page title using Yoast SEO.
- If not already installed, download and activate the Yoast SEO plugin on your WordPress site.
- Open the page or post you want to optimize.
- Scroll down to the Yoast SEO metadata section, below the post editor.
- Click on ‘Edit Snippet’ in the Yoast SEO meta box.
- Enter your page title in the ‘SEO Title’ field. Make sure it’s descriptive, concise, and includes your focus keyword.
- Ensure your title is within the optimal length; Yoast will indicate this with a green bar below the title field.
- Click ‘Save’ to update the changes, and your new SEO-friendly title will be live.
FAQs
Is the SEO site title the same as the SEO page title?
No, the SEO site title represents the name of the entire website. On the other hand, the SEO page title is a unique title for each page or post within that site.
Why does Google sometimes change the SEO page title in search results?
Google sometimes changes the SEO page title in search results to better match the users’ search intent and improve relevance. This adjustment aims to enhance the click-through rate by making titles more descriptive and accurate.
How to write a click-worthy SEO page title?
To write a click-worthy SEO title, focus on making it descriptive, attention-grabbing, and under 60 characters. Include relevant keywords and a compelling reason to click through. Aim to entice users to click on your title over others in search engine results!
Is it possible to edit the SEO page title in WordPress?
Yes, you can change a page title in WordPress by using plugins like Yoast SEO or All in One SEO. These plugins ensure easy title customization so you can make it SEO-optimized.
Does changing a page title affect SEO?
Yes, changing a page title can affect SEO. It causes temporary ranking drops during re-indexing. It could potentially improve long-term rankings and click-through rates, but only if the new title is accurate and well-optimized.
Is it good to add the brand/company name in the page title SEO?
Of course, adding your brand/company name to the page title is beneficial for branding and recognition. However, only include it if it’s relevant to the page’s content and doesn’t make the title too long or spammy.
Conclusion
To wrap up, it’s clear that a well-crafted SEO page title is a crucial element to ranking your content better in search engines. It’s basically a bridge that connects users with the content they’re searching for.
In today’s SEO title guide, we discussed how to sum up your content in 50-60 characters. Include a keyphrase and keep it catchy enough to attract readers so they click it and start reading your content.
To write catchy titles, you need exciting ideas! Here’s our Free Blog Post Idea Generator to skyrocket your creativity. It generates unlimited, 100% customizable ideas for you in a few seconds. Try this now and get SEO-friendly titles for articles with the click of a button.
I am a full-time online marketer, for over a decade now. Helped over 100,000+ people & generated well over $12M in online sales.