Definition
The title tag is a fundamental HTML element placed in the <head> section of a web page. It serves three essential functions: it displays as the clickable title in search engine results (SERP), appears in the browser tab, and serves as the default title when sharing on social media. It is one of the most important on-page factors for SEO as it tells search engines the main topic of the page. An optimized title tag should contain the main keyword, be unique for each page, be between 50 and 60 characters to avoid truncation in SERPs, and be attractive enough to encourage clicks.
Key Points
- The title tag is the most influential on-page factor for keyword ranking
- Should be between 50 and 60 characters to avoid truncation in Google SERPs
- Each page must have a unique, descriptive title tag containing the target keyword
Practical Examples
Optimized product page title tag
An e-commerce site replaces the generic title 'Shoes - MySite' with 'Nike Air Zoom Running Shoes | Free Shipping - MySite', integrating the main keyword, an attractive attribute, and the site brand.
A/B testing title tags
A blog tests two title versions for an article: 'SEO Guide 2026' vs '10 SEO Techniques to Double Your Traffic in 2026'. The second, more specific and engaging version generates a 35% higher click-through rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ideal title tag length is between 50 and 60 characters (about 600 pixels wide). Beyond that, Google truncates the title with ellipsis in search results, which can reduce click-through rate. Place the most important keywords at the beginning of the title so they're always visible, even if truncated.
Yes, since 2021, Google can replace or modify your title tag in SERPs if it deems it doesn't well describe the page's content. Google may use H1 tags, anchor text from incoming links, or other page elements. To limit this risk, write descriptive, relevant titles consistent with the actual page content.
Go Further with LemmiLink
Discover how LemmiLink can help you put these SEO concepts into practice.
Last updated: 2026-02-07