The title tag is the primary page title shown in SERPs and used by search engines. Keep it clear, include a target keyword near the front, and stay within ~50-60 characters.
I get it: SEO can feel like a maze, full of technical terms and hidden rules. You have great content, but if no one clicks on your result in Google, all that hard work is wasted. I have spent 15 years learning this, and I want to tell you about the most important tiny detail on your entire website.
I will break down exactly What is a title tag (meta title)? and show you how to write titles that get clicks and boost your rankings right now. These simple, actionable tips will immediately make your website look more professional and trustworthy in search results.
What is a Title Tag (Meta Title)?
A title tag is a small piece of HTML code that acts as the official name of your web page. It is the big, blue, clickable headline you see for your result on a Google search results page. I often think of it as my page’s digital storefront sign, attracting visitors.
The title tag is one of the most important on-page SEO factors because it tells search engines exactly what the page is about. It also appears in browser tabs and when you share the link on social media. I always make sure it is unique, includes my main keywords, and makes people want to click.
Title Tag Impact Across CMS Platforms
Every website needs title tags, but the process I use to edit them changes based on the platform my client uses. Understanding the CMS helps me implement the best strategy efficiently.
WordPress
On WordPress, I rely heavily on SEO plugins like Yoast SEO or RankMath to manage my title tags. These tools give me a preview of how my title will look in Google and help me easily set custom titles for every page. I have total control over my page’s meta data, which is excellent for a large blog or business site.
Shopify
Shopify is great because it has built-in fields for editing the title tag for every product, collection, and blog post. I use a specific format here, usually putting the product name and key features first to help my customer find exactly what they want. I can quickly update hundreds of product titles to reflect seasonal sales or new inventory.
Wix
Wix makes editing the title tag very easy through its SEO panel, which is perfect for beginners. The platform guides me to include my primary keywords and keep the title concise. While I might have less advanced control, the built-in simplicity ensures every page has an optimized title quickly.
Webflow
With Webflow, I appreciate the clean code and the ability to set dynamic title tags for CMS collections. I can create a formula that automatically builds a perfect title for all my blog posts or portfolio items, saving me lots of time. Webflow’s visual interface also makes it easy to check my title and description lengths.
Custom CMS
When working with a custom CMS, I ensure the development team builds dedicated, easy-to-use fields for the title tag on every page template. I gain full control over the code, allowing me to implement highly specific title tag rules for maximum SEO benefit. This requires technical help but offers the most precise optimization.
Title Tag Application in Different Industries
I adapt my title tag strategy to match what a potential customer in that industry is actually looking for and what makes them click.
Ecommerce
For e-commerce, I make sure the title tag includes the product name, key features, and high-intent words like “Buy” or “Shop.” A good product title might be “Men’s Waterproof Hiking Boots | Free Shipping – Brand Name.” This structure helps shoppers know immediately if I have the product they need.
Local Businesses
Local SEO is all about location, so I always put the service, the city, and the brand name in the title tag. I use formulas like “24/7 Emergency Plumber in Toronto | Fast & Affordable.” This tells both the search engine and the user that I serve their immediate, local need.
SaaS
In the SaaS world, my title tags focus on the solution or the benefit my software provides, often including keywords like “Best” or “Guide.” I write titles such as “Best Project Management Software for Small Teams [2025 Guide].” This attracts users who are actively researching and comparing tools.
Blogs
For a blog, I focus on creating titles that are engaging and clearly answer a question or provide a list of tips. A strong blog title uses numbers and emotional words, like “10 Easy Ways to Make Sourdough Bread at Home.” My goal is always to entice the reader to click and start learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal length for a title tag?
I recommend keeping your title tag between 50 and 60 characters to prevent Google from cutting off your text in the search results. Anything longer will likely be truncated with an ellipsis (…).
Should I put my brand name in the title tag?
Yes, I often include the brand name at the end of the title tag, separated by a pipe (|) or a dash. This helps with brand recognition and click-through rates, especially if you have an established name.
Is the title tag the same as the H1 heading?
No, they are different, although I sometimes make them similar. The title tag shows up in Google search results, but the H1 is the main heading you see at the top of the page itself.
Does a title tag affect my search ranking?
Yes, the title tag is one of the most important factors Google uses to figure out the topic and relevance of your page. Having your main keyword at the beginning helps your ranking significantly.