Optimizing Title Tags & Meta Descriptions
You'll learn:
- •Write effective title tags
- •Create compelling meta descriptions
Title Tags: Your First Impression
The title tag is the blue clickable link in search results. It's the most important on-page SEO element. A great title tag can dramatically increase your click-through rate (CTR).
Title Tag Best Practices
- Length: Keep under 60 characters to avoid truncation
- Include primary keyword: Near the beginning of the title
- Match search intent: Reflect what the user is looking for
- Be compelling: Use numbers, power words, or benefits
- Include brand: Add at the end if space allows (e.g., " | Your Brand")
Example
Examples of good title tags: • "SEO Crash Course 2026: Learn SEO in 1 Hour" (clear, timely) • "How to Tie a Tie: 5 Easy Knots for Beginners" (specific, promises value) • "Best Coffee Maker 2026 | Tested & Reviewed" (authoritative, current)
<title>Your SEO-Friendly Title Here | Brand Name</title>Meta Descriptions: Your Ad Copy
The meta description is the two-line text snippet below the title in search results. While not a direct ranking factor, it heavily influences whether people click.
Google sometimes rewrites meta descriptions based on page content. Write a clear, accurate description that matches your page to reduce the chance of this happening.
Meta Description Best Practices
- Length: Keep between 150-160 characters
- Include keywords: Naturally woven in
- Write compelling copy: Treat it like ad copy
- Include a call-to-action: "Learn more," "Discover," "Get started"
- Match content: Don't mislead searchers
Example
Example meta description: "Master SEO fundamentals in just 60 minutes. Learn keyword research, on-page optimization, link building, and technical SEO with our free beginner-friendly course."
<meta name="description" content="Your compelling description here that makes people want to click." />