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Title Tags

Intermediate 7 min read Lesson 8 of 31

The title tag is the clickable headline shown in search results and browser tabs. It is one of the most important on-page ranking and click factors.

What is a title tag?

The title tag is an HTML element (<title>) that tells search engines and users what a page is about. Google shows it as the blue clickable link in results. A strong title improves both rankings and click-through rate.

How to write a great title

  • Keep it under about 60 characters so it does not get cut off.
  • Put your main keyword near the front.
  • Make it compelling — give a reason to click.
  • Include your brand at the end where it fits.
  • Make every title on your site unique.
Title tag examples

Good: Buy Running Shoes Online | Free Delivery — Nike

Bad: Home

The good title has the keyword, a benefit and the brand. “Home” tells Google and users nothing.

Pro tips

  • Write for the click, not just the keyword — curiosity and benefits win.
  • Check how it looks in the SERP; Google sometimes rewrites weak titles.
  • Use numbers and power words for blog titles (e.g. “7 ways to...”).

Common mistakes

  • Duplicate titles across many pages.
  • Titles longer than 60 characters that get truncated.
  • Keyword-stuffed titles that read like spam.
Summary

The title tag is your page&rsquo;s headline in search. Keep it under ~60 characters, lead with the keyword, make it compelling, add your brand, and keep every title unique.

Quick quiz

1. Roughly how long should a title tag be?
2. Where should the main keyword go?
3. What is wrong with the title “Home”?