When Google cuts off long titles in SERPs (usually beyond ~60 characters).
Have you ever noticed that your perfectly written page title gets cut off in the Google search results? I know that feeling when your best words disappear behind an ellipsis (…). I want to tell you why that happens and why it is a huge problem for getting clicks.
I am going to explain exactly What is Title Tag Truncation? and show you how to write titles that look great every single time. I will give you simple, actionable tips for writing click-worthy titles across every platform and industry. This focus on display quality will immediately boost your page’s visibility and organic traffic. ✂️
What is Title Tag Truncation?
Title Tag Truncation happens when the page title you wrote is too long to fit within the space Google allocates on the search results page (SERP). Google limits the title based on pixel width, not character count, but it is roughly around 600 pixels, or about 50–60 characters. When your title exceeds this width, Google cuts it off and replaces the missing part with three dots, like this: “Best Waterproof Hiking Boots…”
I view truncation as a major SEO problem because it often hides my most important keywords or my brand name, reducing the organic click-through rate (CTR). A truncated title looks incomplete and unprofessional, making users less likely to click on my result. My goal is to always write a title that fits perfectly on the SERP without losing any valuable information.
Impact of Truncation Across CMS Platforms
While truncation is a Google issue, my CMS platform can either help me manage the length or make the problem worse.
WordPress
On WordPress, I rely on SEO plugins like Yoast or RankMath because they provide a visual pixel-width preview of my Title Tag. This feature is essential for avoiding Title Tag Truncation, as I can see exactly where the cut-off will happen. I always prioritize putting my main keyword and a strong call-to-action right at the beginning of the title.
Shopify
For my Shopify stores, I am extra careful with product titles that include many attributes like color, size, and model number, as these get very long. I focus on keeping the core commercial phrase concise, and I use a Title Tag preview tool to ensure my main product name is never truncated. The brand name usually goes at the end where it is okay if it is cut off.
Wix
Wix users should know that the platform provides clear SEO fields for editing the Title Tag. I make sure I am concise and descriptive, treating the character limit as a firm boundary to avoid truncation. I focus on getting the most important words—the keyword and the benefit—into the first few words of the title.
Webflow
Webflow’s excellent control over its CMS allows me to create dynamic Title Tag formulas that automatically enforce a specific, safe length. I can set the title to pull only the product name and a concise attribute, ensuring the resulting length avoids truncation. This technical discipline is highly effective for large numbers of pages.
Custom CMS
With a custom CMS, I enforce a maximum pixel-width limit in the content management fields to prevent writers from accidentally creating overly long titles. I program the system to alert content creators if their Title Tag exceeds 600 pixels. This technical constraint ensures all pages meet the best practice for display.
Title Tag Truncation Application in Different Industries
I focus on ensuring my most important, click-worthy words are never lost to truncation in any industry.
Ecommerce
In e-commerce, I prevent truncation by prioritizing the product name and main benefit term, and placing them at the very start of the title. I always keep the brand name or model number until the very end. The key buyer words must be fully visible to maximize the click-through rate.
Local Businesses
For local businesses, I ensure the service and location appear as an uninterrupted phrase at the beginning of the title. I write titles like “Emergency Plumber Chicago | 24/7 Service.” Cutting off the service or the city is an immediate fail because it hides essential information the local searcher needs.
SaaS (Software as a Service)
With SaaS, I focus on putting the benefit or core solution, along with the keyword, right at the start. I write titles like “Best Project Management Software for Teams | Free Trial.” I ensure the most compelling information is visible, as it is key to convincing a user to click on my result.
Blogs
For my blogs, I prioritize the number, the core topic, and the unique hook in the first half of the title. I write titles like “10 Best Ways to Make Coffee at Home | Ultimate Guide.” I make sure the compelling part is fully visible before any three dots appear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Title Tag Truncation based on characters or pixels?
Title Tag Truncation is primarily based on pixel width (about 600 pixels). Since wider characters take up more space, a short title with many wide letters (like ‘W’ or ‘M’) can truncate faster than a longer title with many narrow letters (like ‘i’ or ‘l’).
What is the safe character limit for a Title Tag?
I recommend keeping the Title Tag between 50 and 60 characters as a safe general rule. Staying within this range is the simplest way to ensure your title does not exceed the 600-pixel limit and avoids truncation.
Why is Title Tag Truncation bad for SEO?
It is bad because it can lower your organic Click-Through Rate (CTR). If the title is cut off, it hides your main selling point, making your result less compelling and causing users to click on your competitor instead.
Does Google ever rewrite my Title Tag?
Yes, Google may rewrite my Title Tag if it is too long, if it is keyword-stuffed, or if it does not accurately reflect the content of the page. This is why I always focus on writing a concise, clear, and relevant title.
