Many SEOs seem to get worried if their titles are "too long". Too long means that the end of a title is cut off by an ellipse (....) when displayed in the SERPs. The concern is that Google won't consider any of the text that has been cut off.
According to MOZ, Google will display 50-60 characters in a title in a SERP.
When we did this test a couple of years ago, we found that Google will index a page based on the clipped - meaning not visible - text in the SERPs test.
We decided to give this test a re-run and see if any of the recent Google updates have influenced its result.
Will Google read all the text from the title that is too long or will it read just the visible part of the title? Let's find out!
Hypothesis: Google reads everything a in a title even if some of the title text is clipped by an ellipse (...) and the text is not visible in the SERPs
As a test setup, we created a page with a title containing 128 characters. That title is "too long" for all of it to be displayed in the SERPs. A fake keyword was put at the end of the title. That keyword will cut off. The fake keyword only exists in the title and nowhere else on the page.
Crafting effective title tags is a critical aspect of SEO, as they significantly impact click-through rates and search engine rankings. Here are some guidelines to help you create optimized and engaging titles:
1. Keep Titles Between 50–60 Characters
- Why? Search engines typically display the first 50–60 characters of a title in SERPs. Titles longer than this may get truncated with an ellipse (...).
- Tip: While it's acceptable to go beyond this range if needed, ensure that the most important information is within the visible portion.
2. Place Primary Keywords at the Beginning
- Why? Search engines and users prioritize the first few words of a title. Including your target keywords early increases the likelihood of ranking and grabbing attention.
- Example: Instead of “10 Ways to Save Money on Your Next Vacation,” try “Save Money: 10 Ways for Your Next Vacation.”
3. Write Compelling and Descriptive Titles
- Why? Titles that are engaging and informative are more likely to attract clicks. Avoid overly generic titles and focus on creating something that matches user intent.
- Tips:Use action words or phrases (e.g., “Discover,” “Learn,” “Top”).Highlight benefits or unique selling points.Consider adding numbers or brackets for clarity, such as “5 Easy Steps to Optimize Your Website [2025].”
4. Avoid Keyword Stuffing
- Why? Overloading your title with keywords can make it look spammy and lead to penalties or lower click-through rates.
- What to Do: Focus on natural language and prioritize readability over keyword density.
5. Customize Titles for Different Pages
- Why? Unique titles help search engines differentiate between pages and improve relevance for users.
- What to Do: Avoid duplicating titles across multiple pages; tailor each one to reflect the specific content.
6. Optimize for Both Users and Search Engines
- Why? A good title balances user engagement with SEO optimization.
- Tip: Use language that resonates with your target audience while incorporating SEO best practices.
7. Consider Branding in Titles (Optional)
- Why? Adding your brand name at the end of titles can help with brand recognition and trust.
- Example: “How to Build a Business Website – YourCompany.”
By following these best practices, you can create titles that not only rank well but also capture users’ attention, driving more traffic to your website.
Yes, Google often rewrites titles displayed in search engine results pages (SERPs). The rewritten title may differ from the one specified in the HTML title tag. Understanding when and why this happens can help you create title tags that Google is less likely to modify.
1. Circumstances Under Which Google Rewrites Titles
Google rewrites titles to improve relevance, clarity, and user experience. Here are some common reasons for rewrites:
a. Keyword Stuffing
- What Happens: If the title is overloaded with keywords or appears spammy, Google may rewrite it to better match the content and user queries.
- Example: A title like “Best Shoes, Cheap Shoes, Shoes for Sale” may be rewritten to something simpler, like “Affordable Shoes for Every Occasion.”
b. Poor Context or Generic Titles
- What Happens: Titles that are too vague, generic, or don’t adequately describe the page’s content may be replaced with a more descriptive alternative.
- Example: “Home” or “About” as titles might be rewritten to include additional context, such as “About Us – ABC Company.”
c. Misaligned Titles
- What Happens: If the title doesn’t align with the content of the page or the user’s search intent, Google may rewrite it for better relevance.
- Example: A title like “10 Tips for Gardening” on a page about houseplants might be rewritten to “How to Care for Indoor Plants.”
d. Overly Long Titles
- What Happens: Titles that exceed the recommended length (50–60 characters) and are truncated in SERPs might be shortened or rephrased by Google for clarity.
e. Missing or Duplicate Titles
- What Happens: If no title tag is provided or if multiple pages use the same title, Google may generate a title from other elements of the page, such as headings or anchor text.
2. Importance of Aligning Titles with Content and User Intent
a. Better User Experience
Titles should accurately represent the content of the page to help users find what they’re looking for. Misleading or unclear titles result in a poor user experience and higher bounce rates.
b. Improved Click-Through Rates (CTR)
A well-crafted title that aligns with user intent increases the likelihood of users clicking on your link. Google rewrites titles to better match the queries and improve CTR when the original title fails to do so.
c. Enhanced Search Relevance
Titles that resonate with user intent and match the page content are less likely to be rewritten, ensuring your preferred title appears in the SERPs.
3. How to Minimize Title Rewrites by Google
a. Focus on Relevance
Ensure your title reflects the main topic and intent of the page.
b. Avoid Spammy Practices
Keep titles natural and avoid overusing keywords.
c. Stay Within Recommended Lengths
Aim for 50–60 characters to avoid truncation or rephrasing by Google.
d. Use Descriptive Language
Write titles that clearly convey what users can expect to find on the page.
e. Include Structured Data
Use schema markup to help search engines better understand your content and reduce the likelihood of rewrites.
By understanding when and why Google rewrites titles, you can create optimized, user-focused title tags more likely to remain intact in search results. This ensures your intended message reaches your audience effectively.
Google rewrites titles in SERPs to enhance clarity, relevance, and alignment with user intent. While these changes aim to improve the user experience, they can sometimes differ from the title you originally crafted. Titles are often rewritten when they are too long, keyword-stuffed, vague, or misaligned with the page’s content.
To minimize rewrites, focus on creating concise, descriptive, and user-focused titles that accurately reflect the content and match search intent. By following best practices—such as avoiding spammy tactics, using relevant keywords, and staying within recommended character limits—you can increase the likelihood that your titles remain intact and impactful in search results.
Ultimately, a thoughtful and well-optimized title not only helps your page rank better but also encourages more clicks, driving meaningful traffic to your website.
"Just recently, I was able to take a pretty competitive keyword from #12 (page 2), up to #5 on page 1 in 14 or 15 days."
