A meta title is a short, descriptive title that appears in search engine results pages (SERPs) and in browser tabs
A meta title is a short, descriptive title that appears in search engine results pages (SERPs) and in browser tabs

All you need to know about the web page meta title tag

Written by Daily Fix - Published 04-Jul-2023, last updated 21-Jun-2024

A meta title is a short, descriptive title that appears in search engine results pages (SERPs) and in browser tabs. It is one of the most important factors in determining whether a user will click on your website link.

A meta title is added to the <HEAD> section of a web page and should accurately describe the content of your page in an engaging and persuasive. This will encourage users to click on your link and visit your website.

tldr; A title tag should be less that 60 characters as Google will only show the first 60 characters of your meta title in SERPs.

How do you add a meta title to a web page?

To add a meta title to a web page, you need access to the HTML code of that particular page. Within the head section of the code, you can insert the title tag followed by your desired meta title text. It's important to keep your meta title concise and relevant while incorporating targeted keywords that accurately represent your content.

The title tag will look something like this:
<title>5 family attractions in Cornwall</title>

If you don't have access to the web page source code, because you are using a websote builder such as Wordpress, then look for the 'meta title' section in the web page builder.

Meta title tips

A well-written meta title should be:

  • Short and concise: Meta titles should be no more than 60 characters long, including spaces. This is because Google will only show the first 60 characters of your meta title in SERPs.
  • Descriptive: Your meta title should accurately describe the content of your page. This will help users understand what your page is about and whether it is relevant to their search query.
  • Keyword-rich: Your meta title should include the main keywords that you want your page to rank for. This will help Google understand what your page is about and show it to users who are searching for those keywords.
  • Engaging: Your meta title should be engaging and persuasive. This will encourage users to click on your link and visit your website.

How to write a good meta title

Crafting an effective meta title involves striking a balance between making it appealing to users and search engines alike. Avoid using generic titles and instead opt for unique and descriptive ones that entice visitors to click on your link when displayed in search results. Remember, having an informative and attention-grabbing meta title can significantly impact your click-through rates and overall SEO performance.

Here are some tips for writing a good meta title:

Use keywords throughout your meta title

This will help Google understand what your page is about and show it to users who are searching for those keywords.

Craft clear and concise meta titles

Avoid using jargon or technical terms that your target audience may not understand as this is likely to have a negative impact on click throughs.

Use descriptive meta titles

Your meta title should accurately describe the content of your page is a consise and engaging way.

Keep meta titles short

Meta titles should be no more than 60 characters long, including spaces. This is because Google will only show the first 60 characters of your meta title in SERPs.

Use engaging meta titles

Your meta title should be interesting and persuasive enough to encourage users to click on your link.

Examples of good meta titles

Here are some examples of good meta titles:

Meta titles - Conclusion

Meta titles are an important part of SEO. By following the tips in this post, you can write meta titles that are short, descriptive, keyword-rich, and engaging. This will help you attract more visitors to your website and improve your search engine rankings.