Previously, I talked about the basics of on-page SEO. Now that you know, content is the number 1 priority in every website. Let’s proceed to another lengthy topic, which is the page title and meta description. These on-page SEO elements are also as important as the content you publish.

Below, I have listed some tips and tricks in order to optimize your page titles and meta descriptions for the better.

MacBook Pro near an open notebook and a writing pen

Before users can assess your actual content, they will have to look at the page title and meta description on the search results page. Not only that, there are also other websites on the SERPs vying for their attention. In this area alone, there’s a stiff competition among websites.

Your goal is to have a page title that will stand out from the rest. Also, you need to provide a meta description that will help users know contents of the web page. Without a clear page title and meta description, people will not even click your website. So, you gotta be inviting!

For page titles, here are the things to do:

You only have around 60 characters for the title. Providing more than that will just end up being cut out by an ellipsis. So, there is no need to add your brand or domain name to the title. Usually, Google will provide the URL below the page title. Adding a domain name will just eat up the space. If people can recognize, your brand easily, you might as well put it up on the title. If you think that there’s a strong brand recall, then go ahead and add it.
Add important keywords to the title – If you add keywords, this will signal search engines like Google that a page is about this keyword. You are aiming for this keyword on your page. Remember to not add too much though! Keyword stuffing is a bad habit. Too much of anything is generally not good.
Keep it short and simple – Like I said earlier, you only have around 60 characters. If you exceed, Google will not fully display the title in the search results. So, do not make title excruciatingly long.
Choose your adjectives carefully – The right words will make your titles interesting for the audience. Moreover, when you can, add numbers to the page titles. Numbers – like 1, 3, 5, and so on – make the wandering eyes stop. If you have it in the title, people will surely stop at your page title.

For meta descriptions, remember to:

Make your own – As much as possible, do not rely on the auto-generated meta descriptions. Yes, there will be one provided for you when you are writing your post. However, it is best to use your own words to appeal to your audience. Give them a brief overview of the page.
Add certain keywords – People search because they are looking for something. Once you add that keywords in the meta description, they will have a “light bulb” moment. This what I am looking for!
Remember, the meta description is your chance to advertise your website. Convince people to choose your page over the other pages in the same SERP. Thus, you have to make it as descriptive as you can. Utilize the ideal length of 160 characters well.

Next? Content Keywords and Content Formatting