a simple guide for small business owners who want to get found on google
understanding the basics
so you’ve built your website or maybe you’ve had someone do it for you. you’ve added your services, uploaded some photos and written a bit about what you do. but then someone says something like “you should update your meta titles” and you’re left wondering… what exactly is a meta title?
well, you’re in the right place. this guide will walk you through what a meta title is, why it’s so important for your website, and how to write a great one. all in plain english. no techy jargon.
what exactly is a meta title
think of a meta title as the headline for your web page. it’s the title that appears in search results when someone googles something. it’s also what shows up in your browser tab when you open a page.
for example, if you google “best bakery in bristol,” you’ll see a list of page titles. each one is a meta title. it gives you a quick idea of what that page is about and why you might want to click it.
meta titles aren’t always visible on the page itself, but they play a huge role behind the scenes. they help search engines understand what your page is about and help people decide if they want to visit your site.
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why meta titles matter
first impressions count – and your meta title is your first impression in search results. it’s what convinces someone to click your link instead of someone else’s.
plus, google and other search engines use meta titles to figure out what your page is all about. if your title clearly mentions your service and your location, you’ve got a better chance of showing up when someone nearby searches for what you offer.
so not only does a good meta title help people find you, it also helps the right people find you.
how to write a great meta title
now that we know what a meta title is and why it matters, let’s get into the good stuff – how to write one that actually works.
keep it clear and simple
your meta title should describe what’s on the page in just a few words. avoid fluff. be direct. if the page is about your cleaning services in leicester, say exactly that.
example: “affordable home cleaning in leicester”
include your keywords
keywords are the words people type into google when they’re looking for something. try to include your main keyword in your meta title. that might be your service name and your location.
example: “friendly dog grooming in manchester”
stay within the right length
if your meta title is too long, google will cut it off. try to keep it under about sixty characters so the whole thing shows up in search results.
make it appealing
remember, you’re writing for humans too – not just search engines. your title should make someone want to click. use words like “friendly,” “trusted,” “expert” or “affordable” to add a bit of personality.
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common mistakes to avoid
it’s easy to get meta titles wrong, especially if you’re new to it. here are a few things to watch out for:
using the same title on every page
each page on your website should have its own unique meta title. if every page says “smith and sons ltd,” you’re missing a big opportunity to rank for different search terms.
stuffing in too many keywords
sure, keywords matter. but cramming in too many makes your title look spammy. it also makes it harder to read. keep it natural and clear.
forgetting your location
if you’re a local business, always mention your town or city. that helps your site show up in local searches.
leaving it blank
some website builders will auto generate a meta title if you don’t set one. usually it’s not great. so take the time to write it yourself.
where to update your meta titles
if you’re using a platform like wordpress, wix or shopify, you can usually set your meta titles pretty easily. look for a section called “seo” or “search engine settings” when editing a page.
there are also plugins and tools that make it even easier. for wordpress, a plugin like yoast or rank math lets you update meta titles and see a preview of how it will look in search results.
and if you’re working with a web developer, just ask them to show you where to update it. once you know, it’s really not that scary.
final thoughts
meta titles might seem like a small thing, but they have a big impact. they help search engines understand your site and help people choose you over your competitors.
the best part? they’re one of the easiest seo fixes you can do yourself. just spend a little time updating them with clear language, relevant keywords and your local area – and you’ll be in a much stronger position to get found online.
seo doesn’t have to be complicated. sometimes, it’s just about doing the basics well.