A <title> tag is required in HTML documents. This is because the <title> tag defines the title of the document and describes the meaning of the page. Added to this, it’s also used by search engines as the clickable headline in search results.
A <title> tag must be text-only and it will always be shown in the browser’s title bar. It’s important to note that you cannot have more than one <title> element in a HTML document.
Why is it Important to have a Title Tag in HTML?
It’s important to have a title tag in HTML for Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) purposes. This is because the page title is partially used by search engine algorithms in order to decide whether the page should be listed in search results.
Overall, the <title> element of the page:
- Defines a title in the browser toolbar
- Provides a title for the page when it is added to favourites
- Displays a title for the page in search-engine results
How do I Create Good Title Tags in HTML?
Creating good title tags in HTML is very important if you want your content to rank well in search engines such as Google. Here are our top tips for creating the best possible title tags:
- The best title tags describe the content and the meaning of the page
- A title tag should be text-only
- Search engines like Google only display about 50-60 characters of a title tag. If you exceed these limits, it’s likely your title tag will be cut off or won’t rank well
- Do not just use a list of words or keywords in the title, as this will likely reduce the page’s rankings in search results
- Try to make your title both detailed and descriptive, and avoid only using one or two words wherever possible
- Include the brand name if character limits allow
Overall, you should try to make the title as meaningful, accurate and descriptive as possible. This will increase your impact with users (who will be more likely to click and stay on the page) and with search engines, who will have a good idea of what the page is about.
Title Tag in HTML FAQs
Where Should I Place the Title Tag in a HTML Document?
Your <title> tag should be inside the <head> section of the HTML document. It should be the first element within the <head>.
Can I Use Special Characters in a Title Tag?
Yes, you can. However, you must be cautious of how they display. It’s common for people to use characters like |, & and – in title tags.
Should I Use the Brand Name in my Title Tag?
Yes, especially for homepages and landing pages. You should add your brand name to the end of the title tag, using a separator like | or – beforehand.
What is the Character Limit for a Title Tag?
There is no strict character limit on title tags. However, it’s best practice to keep the title tag between 50 and 60 characters. This is because it’s best for SEO and ranking purposes. Plus, the title will then display well on the search engine results page.
