Website Page Titles: 6 Checks for Clearer Search Results
Does every page have a useful title? A clear title helps people understand the destination.
1:47 · No narration: the video shows each step as text on screen, and every step is written out below, with buttons that jump the video to it.
Prefer YouTube? Watch this video on our YouTube channel (opens in a new tab).
The six points in the video
This is a silent video. The headings, explanations and labels below reproduce the information on screen.
-
Step 1: Name the specific page
Describe the main subject accurately and clearly.
On-screen labels: Main subject; Clear purpose; Useful wording.
-
Step 2: Make important titles distinct
Different services deserve names that distinguish them.
On-screen labels: Specific service; Relevant location; Distinct page title.
-
Step 3: Keep wording concise
Avoid long repeated phrases that bury the useful detail.
On-screen labels: Main detail first; Natural wording; Brief branding.
-
Step 4: Avoid keyword lists
A readable title should make sense to a person.
On-screen labels: Normal language; Accurate description; No repeated phrases.
-
Step 5: Align title and page content
Prominent headings should reflect what the page covers.
On-screen labels: Page title; Main heading; Matching content.
-
Step 6: Expect search presentation changes
Google can generate a different title link from page signals.
On-screen labels: Search title may vary; Review the page; Keep details current.
A practical check for your business
Check that each important page has a useful, accurate title of its own. Read it beside the visible heading and page content. Search engines may choose different result wording, so a title is an input rather than a promise of exact display.
Sources and further detail
Common questions
Does every page have a useful title?
A clear title helps people understand the destination. Describe the page people will actually find.
Go further
More video tips
All 205 videos →
Meta Descriptions Explained: Writing a Useful Search Summary
Search snippets, explained.
Canonical URLs Explained: Choosing the Main Version of a Page
Canonical links, explained.