Page Titles and Descriptions
If you want better search rankings without diving into complicated SEO jargon, start with the basics: page titles and descriptions. These two small pieces of text do a lot of heavy lifting when it comes to helping Google understand your pages – and convincing people to actually click on them.
Let’s break it down in plain English.
What Are Page Titles?
A page title (also called a title tag) is the clickable headline you see in search results and at the top of your browser tab.
Example in Google search results:
Gas Fireplace Repair in Calgary | ABC Heating
Why Page Titles Matter:
- They tell search engines what the page is about
- They strongly influence rankings
- They’re the first thing a potential visitor reads
Simple Page Title Tips
- Keep it under 60 characters, so it doesn’t get cut off
- Use your main keyword first (what people are actually searching for)
- Make it readable for humans
Good example:
Gas Fireplace Service in Edmonton | Certified Technicians
Not-so-good example:
Home | Services | Company Name
What Are Meta Descriptions?
A meta description is the short summary that appears under your page title in search results. While it doesn’t directly affect rankings, it has a big impact on click-through rates.
Why Meta Descriptions Matter
- They act like a mini ad for your page
- A clear description equals more clicks
Meta Description Tips
- 150 to 160 characters
- Include your keywords
- Add a Call to Action
Good example:
Need gas fireplace repair in Edmonton? Our licensed technicians provide fast, reliable service. Call today.
Not-so-good example:
We offer many services for your home. Contact us for more information.
Avoid using the same title or description across multiple pages. That gives your website more opportunities to be included in search engine results.
Where to Edit Page Titles and Descriptions?
- Plugins like Yoast or Rank Math make this easy
- Squarespace / Wix - Built-in SEO fields are available per page
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