Title tags & meta
In one line
The title tag is the clickable headline in search results (and a ranking factor); the meta description is the summary beneath it that influences click-through, not ranking.
How to write them
- Title: under ~60 characters, primary keyword near the front, compelling and specific
- Description: under ~155 characters, expand on the title, include a reason to click
- Both: unique per page, match the content and intent, avoid clickbait
Why they matter
Titles influence rankings and are the first thing searchers judge. Descriptions don't rank but strongly affect click-through, and higher CTR on a good listing can lift the page. Fixing weak titles/descriptions is a classic quick win.
Frequently asked
Does the meta description affect ranking?
Not directly, but it affects click-through, which matters. Google may also rewrite it if it doesn't match the query.
How long should a title tag be?
Around 50–60 characters so it isn't truncated in results, with the key term near the front.
Put this into practice
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