When you’re publishing a new blog post or page on your website, you might have noticed those seemingly random “SEO” fields in the backend of your platform. Whether you’re using WordPress with the Yoast or RankMath plugin, Squarespace’s page settings, or Shopify’s SEO settings, one of the first fields you encounter is for the SEO Title.
But what exactly is an SEO title, and do you really need it?
What Is an SEO Title?
An SEO title is the clickable headline that appears on search engine results pages (SERPs) and browser tabs. While the title on your webpage is crucial for your audience, the SEO title plays a distinct role in communicating with both Google and your potential visitors.
Remember, when someone Googles a topic, the first thing they’ll see is your SEO title. It’s also one of the first things Google uses to understand the content of your page. In many ways, this is your first opportunity to introduce yourself to both a human and a search engine audience.
Why the SEO Title Matters
You may be wondering, “Do I really need to fill out an SEO title if I already have a title on the page?” The answer is yes, and here’s why:
1. First Impressions Matter
The SEO title is like the front door to your website. It needs to be clear, concise, and compelling. A well-crafted SEO title encourages users to click on your link instead of a competitor’s. Think of it as your pitch to get the user to choose your site.
2. Boosts Search Rankings
SEO titles are a perfect opportunity to incorporate relevant keywords. These keywords help search engines understand the subject of your page and categorize it correctly, ultimately improving your search rankings. Google processes your SEO title to determine where your site should be placed in the vast library of online content.
3. Increases Click-Through Rates (CTR)
A well-written SEO title grabs attention and can significantly increase the number of people clicking through to your site from the SERPs. Even if you rank high on Google, a weak or unclear title could lead users to skip your link. Make your SEO title stand out!
4. Add Value by Differentiating Your SEO Title from Your Page Title
I recommend creating a distinct SEO title, different from your page title but related. This gives Google a richer context to understand your content. While your page title might speak directly to your audience, your SEO title should balance readability with keyword relevance.
Tips for Writing Strong SEO Titles
If you’ve never filled out the SEO title on the backend of your site, don’t worry—it’s never too late to start! Updating just 3-4 SEO titles per week can make a big difference in your website’s visibility.
Here are some of my top tips for writing SEO titles that work:
1. Include Keywords
Use keywords that are relevant to your content. These should reflect the main topic of your page and align with what your target audience is searching for.
2. Keep It Concise
Aim for around 50-60 characters. This ensures your title displays fully on SERPs without getting cut off. Remember, shorter is often more impactful.
3. Make It Compelling
Use action words and a value proposition to encourage clicks. Your title should entice users to find out more—give them a reason to choose your link over others.
4. Be Descriptive
Clearly convey what users (and Google) can expect from your page. A good SEO title is not vague; it should offer a snapshot of the value or information that your page provides.
Final Thoughts: Small Changes, Big Impact
If you’re just starting to work with SEO titles, don’t get overwhelmed. Start small by reviewing some of your most important pages and updating those SEO fields. Gradually, you’ll see how these small adjustments can make a big difference in your site’s performance on search engines.
Still have questions about SEO titles? Drop me a message—I’m happy to help guide you through this process.
