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Title Tags Are Too Long

Title tags on your web pages are exceeding recommended character limits, causing them to be truncated in search engine results pages (SERPs). This can hide impo

By Seoxpert Editorial · Published · Updated

Why it matters

When title tags are too long, search engines like Google truncate them, often replacing the cut-off portion with an ellipsis (...). This can hide critical keywords, calls to action, or your brand name, reducing click-through rates and diminishing your page's relevance for targeted queries. Properly optimized title tags help search engines and users quickly understand the content of your page.

Impact

Truncated title tags can lead to lower click-through rates, reduced visibility for target keywords, and a less professional appearance in search results. Important information may be omitted, which can negatively affect both user experience and SEO performance.

How it's detected

This issue is typically detected by SEO audit tools, browser extensions, or manual review of page source code. Tools like Google Search Console, Screaming Frog, or Ahrefs can flag title tags that exceed recommended character or pixel widths.

Common causes

  • •Title templates that concatenate multiple elements (e.g., page name, site name, category) with separators, leading to excessive length.
  • •Using full product names, article titles, or other long strings verbatim as title tags.
  • •Automated CMS or plugin settings that do not account for character limits.
  • •Lack of clear title tag guidelines for content creators.

How to fix it

Edit your title tags to ensure they are concise (ideally 50–60 characters or under 600 pixels in width). Place the most important keywords at the beginning, followed by secondary information and your brand name if space allows. Test your titles using SERP preview tools to ensure they display correctly.

Code examples

Problematic Title Tag (Too Long)

<title>Buy the Best Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones with 30-Hour Battery Life and Built-in Voice Assistant | SuperAudio Electronics Store</title>

Optimized Title Tag (Fixed)

<title>Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones – SuperAudio</title>

FAQ

How can I check if my title tags are too long?

You can use SEO audit tools like Screaming Frog, Ahrefs, or SEMrush, which report title tag lengths. Alternatively, use online SERP preview tools to see how your titles appear in search results.

Does Google measure title tag length by characters or pixels?

Google primarily measures title tag length by pixel width, not just character count. While 50–60 characters is a good rule of thumb, wide characters (like 'W') take up more space than narrow ones (like 'i'). Aim for under 600 pixels.

Will Google always truncate long title tags?

If your title tag exceeds the display limit, Google will usually truncate it. In some cases, Google may also rewrite your title tag based on page content or user query.

Should I always include my brand name in the title tag?

Include your brand name if it fits within the recommended length and adds value. Prioritize important keywords and make sure the brand name does not push critical information out of view.

Can I use different titles for SEO and for users?

The <title> tag is used for both SEO and browser tabs. You can use meta tags like 'og:title' for social sharing, but the <title> tag should be optimized for both search engines and users.

Related Issues

Pages Missing Title Tags

Pages are missing the <title> tag in their HTML <head> section, which prevents search engines from displaying accurate titles in search results and can harm SEO

high
Duplicate Title Tags Detected

Duplicate title tags occur when multiple pages on a website use the same <title> element in their HTML. This confuses search engines, weakens keyword targeting,

medium

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