November 29, 2023

How Long Should Title Tags Be?

Both Google and its users use title tags to understand what a page is about. They are a key ranking factor as they indicate what’s on your page and how relevant the content is to the user’s query. Your title tags need to be the correct length for Google to understand precisely what you are displaying on your page. But, don’t fret – our experts at Wildcat Digital are here to help you with your title tag length. So, how long should title tags be? 

Title tags should be between 50 to 60 characters long. This is because Google and other search engines will only show the first 60 characters of a title tag. It’s essential to have the right length so Google can recognise what content is on your page and index it accordingly. Likewise, so that users understand what your page is about. 

Read on to learn more about title tags and the importance of their length with Wildcat Digital. 

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What Is The Maximum Length Of A Title Tag? 

The maximum length of a title tag is 60 characters. This is because Google only displays a title tag’s first 50-60 characters. You should aim to keep it within that range so Google will display your title correctly. Good title tags will encourage users to click through to your site and improve their user experience. They should clearly tell users what your content is about, and leave them feeling confident that your site fulfils their search needs. 

Can A Title Tag Be Too Short? 

Title tags can be too sh. They ideally need to contain more than 30 characters for Google to display your title tag as intended. Title tags with less than 30 characters could lead Google to use a heading on your page rather than the title tag or make up its own title tag for your page.

Not using the maximum 50-60 characters is a missed opportunity as you won’t be able to communicate the desired message of your site to both Google and users. 

Is Title Tag Length Important? 

Title tag length is extremely important for search engines and users. It tells the user and Google what is on your page and helps search engines index your website. When search engines crawl and index your site, they will look at the appearance of your title tags to learn what is on that page. 

We recommend performing a title tag review to check the length, quality, and appeal of your title tags, before optimising them to better suit both user experience and search engines. If you’re not sure how to do this, get in touch with us today; we perform regular audits of key SEO factors like title tags as part of our SEO campaigns.

Does Google Penalise For Long Title Tags? 

Google won’t penalise you for a long title tag. It may, however, shorten the title tag or rewrite it. The result of which may not be ideal and might not even make sense for your users. As you have limited characters, deciding what to feature in your title tag is important, so it is optimal for both search engines and users. 

What Does A Good Title Tag Look Like? 

A good title tag is brief, unique, includes a keyword and is between 50-60 characters long. Crucially, it should clearly define what your page is about.

By including one keyword, you are avoiding keyword stuffing, which could hurt your site’s ranking. If you have enough characters, you should feature your website’s brand name as it will make it recognisable on search engines like Google. 

Red-toned infographic diagram explaining what a good title tag looks like.

Optimise Your Title Tags With Wildcat Digital 

If you want to optimise your title tags to help with your ranking, get in touch with our experts. Every SEO campaign we work on takes a look at your title tags early on to boost the potential of your site, right from the start. 

Contact us today for a free initial consultation to see what we can do for your website. Alongside SEO, we also offer PPC and Paid Social services for those looking to punch above their weight online. 

Post by

Lucy Walsh

Will Hitchmough

Founder

Our founder, Will Hitchmough, worked at a number of high profile Sheffield Digital Agencies before founding Wildcat Digital in 2018. He brings an extensive knowledge of all things related to SEO, PPC and Paid Social, as well as an expert knowledge of digital strategy.

Digital Marketing can be a minefield for many businesses, with many agencies ready to take your money without knowing how to deliver results. I founded Wildcat Digital to deliver digital success to businesses with smaller budgets in a transparent way.

Chloe Robinson

Content Strategist Team Lead

With a degree in Marketing and a background in more traditional, offline marketing, Chloe joined Wildcat in 2021 after deciding to move into the digital marketing industry. She joined us as a Content Specialist and quickly moved up the ranks, becoming a Content Strategist and later an SEO Team Leader.

Outside of work, Chloe is an avid creative. If she’s not knitting, you’ll likely find her behind a sewing machine or in the kitchen trying (and often failing!) to make sourdough.

Paul Pennington

SEO Account Director

Paul has a strong background in SEO, having previously founded and ran a successful eCommerce business, as well as running a personal blog that achieves an average of 17K users per month. Paul’s knowledge of SEO is extensive, with a strong emphasis on client handling and technical SEO.

Outside of work, Paul enjoys spending time with his family and staying active with weight lifting and combat sports.

Nadea van der Merwe

Head of Operations

Nadea joined Wildcat in 2021 and has since overhauled the way we work. She has a background in various administrative, operations and HR roles, which gave her the experience and skills needed to lead and organise a growing business. 

Outside of work, Nadea loves anything that keeps her active, but she especially enjoys hiking, camping and mountain biking.

Molly Sturgeon

Senior SEO Account Manager

With a background in sales, Molly is a natural Account Manager, brilliantly handling any issues that come her way. Having joined us as a Digital Marketing Executive, and working part-time through her final year of University, Molly is a shining example of how hard work pays off. She is now an SEO Account Manager with a particular interest in Content and Client Management. 

In her spare time, Molly loves to get out in nature, hiking and exploring the Peak District. She also loves cooking and likes to unwind with a bit of yoga.

Libby Oldale

PPC Team Leader

Libby joined Wildcat in 2021 as our first PPC hire. With a degree in Digital Media Production, a Master’s in Digital Media Management and previous experience in Social Media Management, Libby hit the ground running and has since climbed the ranks to Senior PPC Account Manager and has a particular interest in the eCommerce sector.

Outside of work, Libby likes gaming, and cooking and likes to keep active by lifting weights.

Jasmine Savery

SEO Account Manager

Jasmine joined Wildcat in 2022 with a strong background in SEO and Account Management. At the time, she was finishing up a Level 4 Apprenticeship in Digital Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing, and has since worked her way up to SEO Account Manager. Jasmine excels at content writing and promotion, and particularly enjoys finding creative ways to join the dots on multi-channel campaigns.

In her spare time, Jasmine volunteers at a charity, helping combat loneliness & social isolation experienced by older neighbours. Outside of Wildcat, she owns a catering company, Savery Grazing, creating delicious grazing tables & platters for a range of events. She also loves skiing and exploring the Peak District.

Braden Godley

Senior PPC Executive

Prior to joining Wildcat, Braden founded and ran his own Social Media Management agency where he gained valuable skills in growing brands’ online presence, which has since proven invaluable in his role at Wildcat. 

Outside of work, Braden is a big football fan, regularly travelling to Pride Park to support Derby County. He also enjoys watching and playing snooker, hiking in the Peak District, and attending air and car shows.

Jon Herdman

Senior SEO Executive

After spending ten years managing businesses, restaurants, cafes and event spaces across Sheffield, Jon decided to change careers and joined Wildcat as an SEO Executive in 2022. He especially enjoys the client management side of the job, helping them to understand digital marketing and ways in which they can build their business’s presence online. 

Outside of work, Jon likes to keep fit with running, badminton and football, and also loves music. 

Rachel Davies

Senior SEO Executive

Rachel joined us as a graduate, having recently graduated from Sheffield University with a degree in English Literature. Since joining, Rachel has proven herself to be a Content Queen, and particularly enjoys getting stuck into projects that allow her to explore her creative side. 

Outside of work, Rachel enjoys a wide range of hobbies, including rugby, singing, reading, and spending time with her family and three labradors.

Dariusz Baczyk

Team Lead & Technical SEO Account Manager

With a degree in Computer Science and SEO experience dating back to 2017, Dariusz has a wide range of SEO skills and knowledge. His specialist knowledge of Technical SEO has firmly landed him the title of Wildcat’s Technical Wizard, and he has recently taken on the responsibility of Team Leader for the Panthers Team.

In his spare time, Dariusz loves hiking, experimenting and trying new coffees and loves learning new things. He is currently learning more about CRO and AI and how this could benefit our clients.

Jamie Stowe

Senior SEO Account Manager

With a degree in Film and TV production, and a varied career history, Jamie made the move to marketing with a Masters degree in Digital Media Management. He has since worked in SEO at Agencies across Sheffield, before joining Wildcat and working his way up to SEO Account Manager. Jamie has a particular interest in backlinks and Digital PR and has recently gained a client a valuable backlink from Forbes!

In his spare time, Jamie is an avid foodie and loves trying new restaurants and cuisines. He also loves to travel and spent a year travelling to Australia after university.

Andy Blanchard

SEO Executive

Andy joined Wildcat in 2023 after starting his digital marketing career in-house for a local Sheffield company. Since joining, he has developed a strong interest in Technical SEO and has strong skills in Account Management. 

Outside of work, Andy loves music and plays in a couple of bands. He also enjoys rock climbing, cycling, photography and good food.

Siena Russell

Client Success Coordinator

Siena joined us in 2023 with a background in sales and digital marketing. She leads on client relationships across the company, ensuring that our customers are happy throughout their journey with us, from their initial consultation through to onboarding and beyond. 

Outside of work, Siena enjoys travelling and getting stuck into the local culture. She likes to make the most of her experiences and particularly enjoys watching sunrises and sunsets from beautiful locations around the world.

Thea Chapman

Senior SEO Executive

Thea has a wealth of experience in SEO, having previously worked for other Digital Marketing Agencies in Sheffield. She has a particular interest and skills in Technical SEO, but is more than willing to get stuck in and give anything a go. 

Outside of work, Thea spends most of her time with her children, but also loves reading, photography and gardening. 

Tom Brookes

PPC Executive

Before joining Wildcat, Tom worked across different industries, building skills in sales and customer service. He later developed a passion for digital marketing whilst working on personal marketing projects and freelance ventures, and gained numerous certifications in PPC and Social Media. 

Outside of work, Tom enjoys staying active by going to the gym and hiking. He also loves travelling and motorbiking.

Rich Ayre

Head of Growth

Rich joined us in May 2024 to head up our growth team. With years of experience helping other agencies to grow, Rich joins us at an exciting time as Wildcat is working on a five-year plan to become one of the biggest agencies in the UK.

Outside of work, Rich is a father to three children, which keeps him very busy! He’s also recently started running again to keep fit and loves a bit of DIY.

Kezia Humphries

SEO Executive

Kezia joined us in July 2024 after completing a CIM Certificate in Digital Marketing and gaining experience in Content SEO at another Sheffield agency.

In her spare time, Kezia loves to get outdoors, bouldering, hiking and travelling.

Amy Varley

SEO Executive

Amy joined Wildcat in 2024 with a background in journalism, having worked as a News Editor and Editor-in-Chief at The Sheffield Tab. She is naturally interested in Content SEO and research, so will no doubt prove to be a content power-house.

In her spare time, Amy loves watching crime shows, listening to music and hanging out with her dog, Eddie!

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