When putting together an effective on-page SEO strategy, the title tag plays an important role in the process. There’s just one question: What is a title tag?
In short, the title tag is a snippet of HTML code, which is found on a website page. The HTML title tag spotlights what the page features within a few short words. Consider it as a standard headline for a webpage, except it can be molded specifically with SEO in mind – which in turn makes it more attractive for both users and search engines.
When you perform any type of Google search, you are faced with several different SEO page title examples. This is because the title tag is, naturally, the title for each search engine result. Below is an example:
If you’re still unsure, the title tag is “A Simple Guide to Local SEO | Click Intelligence”. As I’m sure you agree, this title works on many levels. It is straight to the point, snappy, and is enticing for those browsing through their search results for a local SEO guide. Oh, and there’s another important facet: the inclusion of the brand name. This is a key component for a refined SEO title tag – more on that later.
Page title optimization is essential for two reasons. We’ve already touched upon the large role it plays when creating a positive first impression for visitors. In addition to this, the title tag needs to be optimized for the search engines. Simply put, a quality SEO title is required if you want to land on the first page of Google search results.
How to add title tags to website pages
You’ll be happy to know it is easy to include title tags on your webpages. Two routes are available, and these are:
- Editing the HTML title tag code directly
- Using your website building platform to change the title tag
As for editing the HTML code, you need to start by visiting the page’s HTML editor section. Once done, locate the section that contains the <head> and </head> tags. In between these tags, you want to add your own <title> tags – this is where your title tag will go. Here’s an example of how it looks:
<head>
<title>A meta title tag example</title>
</head>
As an aside, the meta description is also inserted between the <head> tags.
The process is typically even easier when taking the website builder path. Say your site is built with WordPress. Whenever you produce a new post or page in WordPress, the headline is duplicated for the title tag. This means you don’t necessarily have to do anything different. Yet if you do want to alter the title tag, simply install a plugin like Yoast. This plugin allows you to include a title tag on a page that’s separate from the main headline.
Strategies for SEO title tag optimization
Title tag optimization is an important element for all managed SEO campaigns. The title needs to have maximum appeal – for both users and the almighty Google. To make this a reality, here are a few tips to improve the SEO tags.
Build around your main keyword
What’s an SEO title if you don’t utilize your main keyword? Any effective title tag is built around the foundation of your target keyword. After all, potential visitors are only going to find your webpages if they turn up in relevant search queries. This happens by utilizing the right keywords and search terms. Furthermore, title tag keywords are integral, so Google understands what your page contains.
Note: try and place your main keywords at the beginning of the title tag. This instantly tells both Google and searchers what the page is about.
Avoid being too wordy
Title tags need to be concise and snappy. This isn’t just to appeal to searchers, either. You have to factor in the restrictions put into place by Google. In search results, a title tag will typically display a maximum of 60 characters. Beyond this, and the rest of the headline is cut off.
Titles are often long by nature. Even so, attempt to trim it down to approximately 55 characters. You want it to be neither too long nor short. In fact, if it falls in the latter category, your page may even miss out on being ranked altogether by Google.
Speak to your audience
You’re writing title tags for search engines, yes. Yet the main focus needs to be on producing these titles for your target market. When writing SEO headlines which appeal to your audience, take into account these tips:
- Use an eye-catching stat. If your business is fortunate enough to have any impressive stats or facts, try and include this in the title. Something like ‘award-winning service’ is going to instantly grab the eye of potential customers.
- Add your brand. Do you possess a respected brand name? If so, add it to your title tags. If people recognize and like your brand, they’ll be much more inclined to visit your website rather than the competition.
- Include a call to action. ‘Try this now’, ‘Must-see tips’, ‘Why you NEED to read this’, and so on. A call to action is built to entice people to visit your website.
Receive a helping hand
Unsure if your title tag works? Struggling to find a creative spark for an effective title? Even with these stumbling blocks, there’s no need to worry. There are tools available that can provide a helping hand.
You have the option to utilize a title tag checker tool, for example. Simply enter your title, and the tool will supply an analysis, spotlighting areas you can improve. There’s also an SEO title tag generator available. This is a useful tool for those who don’t know where to start with their title tags.
From video production to link building, a successful SEO strategy incorporates many different elements. For on-page SEO, one of the most important is the title tag. With this guide offering assistance, you can now produce quality title tags with ease.
