How to write SEO-friendly title tags that get clicked

Title tags are the #1 on-page SEO factor and your highest-impact CTR lever. The 6 rules for writing titles that rank AND get clicked.

5 min read beginnerUpdated Jun 10, 2026
BI
Reviewed by the editorial team · Jun 10, 2026
Before you start
  • A target keyword for each page

Step by step

  1. 01

    Keep it under 60 characters

    Google truncates titles longer than ~580 px (roughly 60 chars). Use a SERP preview tool (Mangools, Yoast) to check.

  2. 02

    Lead with the primary keyword

    'How to install a WordPress theme' beats 'Install a theme | Step-by-step guide for WordPress'. Keywords near the start get more weight.

  3. 03

    Add a modifier that boosts CTR

    Numbers ('7 ways'), year ('in 2026'), or qualifier ('beginner', 'free') consistently lift CTR 15-30%.

  4. 04

    Don't keyword-stuff

    'Install WordPress theme, WordPress themes guide, theme install WordPress' is a Google penalty. One keyword + one related variation, max.

  5. 05

    Add your brand at the end

    ' | Billionideas Academy' or ' – BrandName'. Adds authority and helps return visitors recognize you in the SERP.

  6. 06

    Make every title unique

    Run a Search Console → Pages report. Duplicate titles compete with each other. Each page = one unique title.

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