Guide
How to write title tags that rank and get clicked
Your title tag is the blue link in Google. It helps you rank, and it decides whether people click. Small changes here can move traffic within days.
5 min read · Updated September 2026
The rules
- —Keep it under about 60 characters so it isn't cut off.
- —Put the main keyword near the start.
- —Make every page's title unique.
- —Add your brand at the end if there's room.
- —Match what the searcher wants: a list, a price, a how-to.
Formulas that work
- —[Keyword]: [Benefit] | Brand
- —[Number] [Keyword] for [Audience] (2026)
- —How to [Task] in [Timeframe] | Brand
- —[Service] in [City] — [Proof] | Brand
Examples
- —Before: Home | Smith Plumbing
- —After: Emergency Plumber in Leeds — 60-Min Callout | Smith Plumbing
- —Before: Blog post 14
- —After: How to Fix a Leaking Tap in 10 Minutes (No Plumber)
Test before you publish
Paste your title and description into our free SERP preview tool to see how it looks in Google and whether it gets cut off.
Frequently asked questions
Does Google rewrite title tags?
Sometimes, when it thinks your title doesn't match the page. Clear, accurate titles get rewritten less.
Should the title match the H1?
They should be close, but the title can be shorter and more click-focused.
How often should I change titles?
Test a change, wait 2–4 weeks, and compare clicks in Search Console.
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