Nayan Dhumal
A good blog post title tells the right reader exactly what they will get, in words they would actually search for. This guide covers what Google says about titles, simple formulas that work, how long a title should be and the mistakes that cost you clicks.
Your title does three jobs. It tells Google what the page is about. It appears as the clickable headline in search results. And it is the first thing a reader sees when you share the post.
A clever title that hides the topic fails all three. A clear one does all three at once.
Key takeaways
- Google says a good title is “unique to the page, clear and concise, and accurately describes the contents of the page.”
- Put the main topic near the start of the title.
- Use the words your reader would type into Google.
- Keep titles short enough to read at a glance. Long titles get cut off in results.
- Do not repeat keywords or stuff the title.
- Promise only what the post actually delivers.
What Google says about titles
Google’s SEO starter guide says that “a good title is unique to the page, clear and concise, and accurately describes the contents of the page.” That is a useful checklist on its own.
Google’s guidance on title links adds a few more points:
- Write “descriptive and concise text” for your titles.
- “Avoid repeated or boilerplate text” across pages.
- There is “no reason to have the same words or phrases appear multiple times.”
- “Brand your titles concisely,” for example by adding your site name at the end.
Google also notes there is no fixed limit on how long a title can be, but long titles are cut off in search results. So keep the important words early.
Post title vs SEO title
In WordPress, there are often two titles:
| Title | Where it appears | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Post title (H1) | At the top of your post | Clear and readable for visitors |
| SEO title | In search results and the browser tab | Set in your SEO plugin, can be slightly shorter |
They can be the same. Many bloggers use the same wording in both and let the SEO plugin add the site name at the end. If you use Rank Math, my Rank Math setup guide shows where to set the title format.
6 title formulas that work
- How to + result: “How to Write a Meta Description That Earns the Click”
- What is + topic: “What Is a Focus Keyword? A Simple Guide for Bloggers”
- Question: “How Long Should a Blog Post Be?”
- Number list: “12 Ways to Find Blog Post Ideas”
- Comparison: “Hostinger vs Bluehost: Which Is Better for a New Blog?
- Problem and fix: “Why Is My Blog Not Showing on Google? 6 Causes and Fixes”
Each formula puts the topic first and tells the reader what kind of answer to expect.
Pro tip
Before you finalise a title, search the topic on Google and read the top results. If every result uses the word “beginner” or “step by step”, that tells you what searchers expect. Use the same plain words, then make your title more specific or more honest than the rest.
How to write your title, step by step
- Start with the main phrase. Write down the words a reader would type, such as “how to change WordPress theme”.
- Add what the reader gets. A benefit or detail, such as “safely” or “step by step”.
- Check it matches the post. If the title says “10 tips”, the post needs 10 tips.
- Read it on a phone. Does the meaning come through in the first few words?
- Cut extra words. Remove words like “ultimate” or “amazing” unless they truly add meaning.
How long should a blog post title be?
There is no exact number. Google says there is no limit on title length, but long titles are shortened in search results to fit the screen.
In practice:
- Put the main topic in the first few words.
- Aim for a title you can read at a glance.
- If your SEO plugin warns that the title is long, check that the important part is still at the start.
Should you add the year?
Only when the content is genuinely tied to a date, such as a sale, a price list or a review that you update. A year in an evergreen guide, such as how to write a meta description, adds little and makes the post look out of date next year.
If you do add the year, update the post when the year changes, not just the title.
Common title mistakes
- Clever but vague: “The Secret Sauce” tells nobody what the post is about.
- Keyword stuffing: “SEO Tips SEO Guide Best SEO 2026” looks spammy.
- Clickbait: promising something the post does not deliver loses the reader immediately.
- Same title pattern everywhere: Google warns against boilerplate titles that vary by only one word.
- Burying the topic: “Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Choosing a Theme” puts the topic last.
How to test your titles
Once a post is indexed, open the Performance report in Search Console and look at the click-through rate for that page. If a page gets many impressions but few clicks, try a clearer title and check again after a few weeks.
My Search Console guide shows where to find these numbers. And because titles and descriptions work together in search results, see my guide on how to write a meta description too.
Frequently asked questions
Should my title include my focus keyword?
Usually yes, near the start, as long as it reads naturally. See my guide to what a focus keyword is for how to choose it.
Can I change a blog post title after publishing?
Yes. Changing the title is fine. Be careful about changing the URL, because that needs a redirect from the old address.
Why does Google show a different title for my page?
Google sometimes rewrites title links when it thinks another version better describes the page. A clear, accurate title makes this less likely.
Are numbers in titles good?
They can help when the post really is a list, because they set clear expectations. Do not add a number just for effect.
Should I use capital letters in every word?
Either title case or sentence case is fine. Pick one style and use it consistently across your blog.