Frequently asked questions
How long should a title tag be?
Google cuts titles by width, at roughly 600 pixels, which is usually 50 to 60 characters. Put the main keyword near the start so it survives if the end is cut.
How long should a meta description be?
Around 150 to 160 characters fits most results on desktop. Google sometimes writes its own snippet from the page instead, especially when the description doesn't match the search.
Why does Google show a different title than mine?
Google rewrites titles it finds too long, stuffed with keywords or not matching the page. A clear, accurate title that matches the main heading is the one most likely to be kept.
Does the meta description affect rankings?
Not directly. It affects whether people click, and more clicks from the same position is still more traffic.