Creating SEO title tags and meta description cheatsheet
What Are Title Tags?
Title tags are HTML elements that define the title of a webpage. They appear as clickable headlines in search engine results pages (SERPs) and are one of the most important on-page SEO factors.
Best Practices for Title Tags:
Length:
The ideal length for a title tag is 50-60 characters, including spaces. Google typically displays the first 50-60 characters, and longer titles may get cut off in search results. Aim for a concise, relevant title that conveys the key content of the page.
Keywords:
Place the most important keywords closer to the beginning of the title tag, as search engines give more weight to the words appearing earlier. Avoid “keyword stuffing,” which means overusing keywords. Make sure the title reads naturally.
Unique for Each Page:
Each page should have a unique title tag to avoid confusing search engines and users. This helps differentiate your pages and ensures each page can rank for different searches.
Include Your Brand:
If possible, add your brand name at the end of the title tag (e.g., “Page Topic | Brand Name”). This helps with brand recognition.
Engaging Language:
Write titles that are appealing to users. A compelling title encourages more clicks from search results, which can lead to higher click-through rates (CTR).
Meta Descriptions
What Are Meta Descriptions?
Meta descriptions are short snippets that summarize the content of a webpage. They appear under the title tag in search results and serve as a “preview” to attract users.
Best Practices for Meta Descriptions:
Length:
Meta descriptions should be 150-160 characters. Google usually truncates descriptions that are longer than this, so keeping them within this range helps ensure the entire message is visible.
Use Keywords:
Include relevant keywords in the description, as they may be highlighted in bold in search results, making your listing stand out. However, like with title tags, avoid keyword stuffing.
Describe the Page’s Content:
Clearly explain what the page is about. Make sure the meta description matches the content on the page to avoid misleading users.
Include a Call to Action:
Use action-oriented language that encourages clicks, such as “Learn more,” “Discover,” or “Find out.”
Unique for Each Page:
Just like title tags, each page should have a unique meta description to avoid duplicate content issues and ensure better user experience.
Example:
Title Tag: “Affordable Debt Collection Services in Australia | Agency Name”
Length: 55 characters Keywords: “Debt Collection Services in Australia”
Meta Description: “Looking for reliable and affordable debt collection services? Our agency helps Australian businesses recover debts quickly and professionally. Contact us today!”
Length: 152 characters Call to Action: “Contact us today!”
Key Takeaway:
Title tags and meta descriptions are crucial for both SEO and user experience. Keep them concise, keyword-optimized, unique, and compelling to improve your website’s visibility and encourage users to click through to your site.