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Head Title

The head title is the HTML element inside a page's <head> that names the page for both users and search engines.

Level: BeginnerRead: 1 minUpdated: 27 Jul 2026By Vera Lindqvist

Key facts

  • The page title is an HTML element placed in the page’s <head> section.
  • It often appears as the clickable headline in search engine results pages.
  • A good title should succinctly describe the page’s content and purpose.
  • Google can rewrite or truncate titles in search results.

Also called

title tag, meta title, SEO title, page title

Use it for

Labeling a page in search results and browser tabs.

Applies to

All search engines

How the Head Title Appears in Search Results

The head title is the clickable headline people see in search results. It also appears in the browser tab. It works together with the meta description to form the snippet.

Google may not always use the exact head title you write. It might rewrite it based on the user's query or device. This is different from the title tag you set, which is the original code.

  • Query context
  • Device width
  • Page relevance

Writing an Effective Head Title

A good head title is unique to the page and describes its content clearly. Keep it concise to avoid truncation. Use a title checker to preview how it looks in search results.

Include your main topic or keyword naturally. For blog posts, refer to SEO Blog Titles for specific guidance. Avoid stuffing keywords.

  • Make each title unique
  • Keep it under 60 characters as a guideline
  • Place important words early
  • Consider adding your brand name at the end

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Vague titles like 'Home' or 'Products' don't tell users what the page is about. Tools like how yoast seo title works can help you craft descriptive titles.

Using the same title on multiple pages confuses search engines. If you use WordPress, check the SEO Title Wordpress field to ensure each page has a unique title.

Keyword stuffing makes titles look spammy. On Squarespace, use the squarespace seo settings to set a natural title.

  • Vague title → lower click-through rate
  • Duplicate title → poor page differentiation
  • Keyword stuffing → reduced user appeal

Common mistakes

  • Writing vague or generic titles Makes the page less understandable and can reduce clicks.
  • Using the same title on multiple pages Creates ambiguity and weakens page differentiation.
  • Stuffing too many keywords into the title Makes it look unnatural and less appealing to users.

Questions

What is the use of head tag in HTML?

The head tag is a container for metadata about the page, such as the title, character set, and stylesheets. The head title is one element inside the head that names the page for search engines and users.

How long should a head title be?

There is no strict character limit, but Google typically displays up to 600 pixels. As a rule of thumb, aim for 50–60 characters to reduce the chance of truncation. However, focus on clarity rather than exact length.

Does Google always use the head title I write?

No. Google may rewrite your head title in search results if it thinks another version better matches the query or device. This is documented in Google Search Central.

See also

Sources

  1. Google Search Central: Title links developers.google.com
  2. Moz: Title Tag moz.com
  3. Screaming Frog: Page Title screamingfrog.co.uk

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Vera Lindqvist

Vera Lindqvist has worked in SEO since 2014 — first in-house at an ecommerce retailer, then freelance for small teams that could not afford an agency. She writes GrowthPedia in her own time and pays for the hosting herself.

Written and maintained by one person. No ads, no affiliates, nothing for sale. Found an error? Tell me and I will log the correction publicly.