How to write title tags and meta descriptions

The first thing people see in search results is the page title and meta description. Even with a good ranking, weak ones get no clicks.

The limit is pixels, not characters

On desktop Google shows titles about 580–600 pixels wide. Wide letters such as “W” and “M” take more room, so of two titles with the same character count one may be cut and the other not. Descriptions get about 920 pixels on desktop, roughly 150–160 characters.

Important words first

Put the phrase people search for near the start of the title and the brand name at the end; if the title is cut, the brand should be lost, not the topic.

A unique title for every page

Reusing one title across pages blurs which page is about what. Write a unique title saying what the page offers and what sets it apart.

A description is a summary, not a promise

The description is not a direct ranking factor but influences clicks. Summarise in 1–2 sentences what the page really contains. Hype and all caps do not inspire trust.

Google may rewrite it

Google can replace a title or description with other text from the page when it fits the query better. You cannot prevent this entirely; a title that accurately reflects the content makes it less likely.

The SERP preview and meta description checker measures your title in pixels and shows what will be cut.