Any company that wants to improve its website’s SEO rankings has probably seen or heard the terms “title tags” or “meta descriptions” thrown around. But what are they? And how do they improve your search engine ranking? 

Title tags + meta descriptions are short snippets of information that inform + entice the reader about the link they are about to click on. They often appear in a Google search result or an embedded link on a Facebook post. Companies need to pay special attention to both their title tags + meta descriptions for all pages of their website, as they directly influence their click-through rates. The higher the click-through rate, the more likely it will improve in organic search rankings. 

Ready to learn how to make your title tags and meta descriptions stand out? The top Pittsburgh web design agency, Responsival, is here to show you how.

Why Professional Pittsburgh Web Design Agencies Pay Attention to Title Tags + Meta Descriptions

Title Tags + Meta Descriptions are Critical for Maximizing Your Company’s Online Presence

So, why are title tags and meta descriptions so important? First, let’s get the two terms straight:

• Title Tag: A title tag is an HTML tag that functions as a heading for a webpage. Title tags are featured on search engine results pages (SERPs), where visitors can click on it to direct them to the page. 
• Meta Description: A meta description is also an HTML element. Most search engines include them in their search engine results pages. Meta descriptions are displayed under the title tags on a SERP. 

So while they are two different terms, they are closely tied to each other. A captivating title tag can complement an informative meta description. However, a boring title can dull a sparse meta description. Together, they help search engines understand what content + information a particular webpage contains. Title tags and meta descriptions are also the first impressions that most people have of your company. So make them memorable + attractive. 

How to Write an Exciting Title That People Want to Click On

Pittsburgh Web Design Experts Give Advice on Crafting Enticing Title Tags

Title tags are displayed on SERPs, the top of your web browser, and links on social media sites. Most of the time, these places will cut off the tag at 50-60 characters. So keep the titles snappy + enlightening. As you write out your title tags, remember these tips from the Pittsburgh web design group Responsival for creating titles that people want to click on. 

• Keep it short + sweet. In general, your titles should be no longer than 60 characters. Because some characters naturally take up more space, such as “W” or “B” some titles might cut off shorter than others, even if they are shorter in length. 
• Avoid putting your titles in all caps. Titles in all caps are difficult for users to read. They may also limit the number of characters Google will display. 
• Don’t overstuff it with keywords. Stuffing your titles full of keywords can alienate potential visitors. Don’t sacrifice readability for the sake of a few extra keywords. 
• Make sure every page has a unique title. Each page on your website should be distinguished from one another. Your page titles don’t have to differ from each other dramatically. Just make sure each one has a unique identifier, such as a “Product Page” or a “Services Page.” 
• Place the most important keywords in the front. According to multiple studies by Moz, the keywords located closest to the front of the title have the largest impact on the page’s search rankings. Many users also scan just the first two or three words of a headline, so keep the unique identifiers close to the front. 
• Don’t forget your brand identity + style. Is your brand image formal + serious? Sharp + clever? Make sure this is reflected in your title tag. 

Tips for Creating an Effective Meta Description

Write Something Makes People Want to Keep Reading

Meta descriptions are typically found in SERPs + link descriptions. They can be a little longer than title tags, but companies should still keep their meta descriptions succinct + informative. To help improve your click-through rate, try tweaking your meta descriptions for each of your webpages. Keep these tips in mind as you begin to write + revise:

• Write between 50 to 160 characters. Google search results usually cut off meta descriptions at 155 to 160 characters. However, not all pages need descriptions as long as 160 characters. 
• Make it interesting + grounded. Your meta descriptions should give a short but informative overview of the website pages they are linked to. However, that doesn’t mean you have to let the copy become boring or dull. Spruce it up with some exciting verbs and long-tail keywords.
• Avoid making duplicate meta descriptions. Each meta description for your website should be unique + distinguishable. If you don’t edit each meta description, you will end up with a SERP full of duplicates. 

Are you ready to elevate your company’s Pittsburgh web design + SEO presence? It might be time to give your title tags + meta descriptions a little makeover. Contact the team at Responsival today to get started.