Write Title Tags Like an SEO Pro
When it comes to how to write title tags for SEO (search engine optimization), writing clickable titles makes all of the difference.
It goes by many names: meta title, meta tag, page title, title tag. It’s all the same thing. Just like the title of a movie or book, this is the first thing that users see. It needs to reach out through all of the Google noise, grab their chin and give it a gentle jerk toward your incredible website.
What is a Title Tag?
Don’t be freaked out by the resounding importance of optimizing your titles. At its most basic level, it is simply the title of your page. This piece of code tells search engines what your page is all about, so it can give users the best results. When you Google something, this is the blue link that shows up on the SERP (search engine results page).
Why Do They Matter?
Google uses tons of signals to make up its ranking algorithm. Your title tag is one of the most important factors. Simply put, a great title tag will get you closer to the top of the SERP and give you a prime spot in coveted results real estate.
Ok, you’ve made it to the first results page on Google. Now that user has a whole page of websites to choose from. A catchy yet informative title ups your chances of being chosen. Your SEO strategy is not just appearing in search results (only a newbie digital marketer stops there,) but getting as many clicks as you can. This increases the odds of new customers.
Let’s Write Some Title Tags
Know your keywords.
Keywords are the words a consumer would use when searching for a business like yours. Get into their head. Think like the consumer. Do some Googling, check the results, check the related phrases and browse the results you’re getting. There are tons of tools out there that you can use that claim to have the ability to find you the best keywords and this is an option too.
Where your keywords go.
It is of collective opinion that having keywords close to the beginning of the title will get you better results (Google will never tell us exactly how their algorithms work). On the other hand, your title should also flow naturally and have good readability for the user. So don’t go out of your way to create an awkward title just to put a keyword first.
Rein in your length.
It’s tempting to try and throw a bunch of information and keywords into your title but Google will only show a certain number of characters and we’ve moved well past keyword loading and search engines. Ideally, keep your title below 60 characters.
Mix it up.
Each of your pages should have their own unique title. Google hates repetition and it’s confusing for the user and the search engine. Mix up your keywords. This gives you a better shot at showing up in multiple, related searches. Add an accurate description of what the page is and you are good to go.
Hook the user.
The final step is using words that appeal to a user. Add in unique descriptors. Use action words such as learn, discover, try. Make sure that the user can actually do the things you’re describing on that particular page. Nothing frustrates a user more than not being able to find what they’re looking for and they will abandon your website completely, for website navigation that makes sense.
Now that you understand a little more how titles can affect your click through rates, take a stag at rewriting your title tags, and watch your traffic increase. Your title tag is an important SEO tool. Don’t waste it.