Set the title text in your SEO plugin or theme settings so search engines read a clear, concise page title.
Want control over the clickable headline that shows in search results? You can set it in minutes inside WordPress. This guide shows core settings, popular plugin workflows, and checks that keep your pages looking sharp in results and on the browser tab.
What An SEO Title Is And Where It Shows
The SEO title (often called the meta title or title tag) lives inside the <title> element of your page. Search engines often use it as the blue link in results, and browsers display it on the tab. Systems can replace that line when it’s vague or mismatched, so write a clear, page-level title that matches the content.
Ways To Set Title Text Across WordPress
WordPress can print title text through your theme, through the Site Title setting, and through SEO plugins. Use this map to find the right editor for each page type.
| Location | How To Edit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single post or page | Open the editor → find your SEO plugin panel → fill the SEO title field | Yoast, Rank Math, and AIOSEO include a live preview bar |
| Homepage (shows latest posts) | SEO plugin settings → Homepage section | Write a one-off line or use a template |
| Homepage (static page) | Edit that page → SEO box | Template applies unless you override it |
| Category/Tag archives | SEO plugin → Taxonomies | Use variables to insert the term name |
| Custom post types | SEO plugin → Content types | Enable and set a template per type |
| Site-wide default | SEO plugin → Global title template | Fallback when a field is empty |
Add An SEO-Friendly Title In WordPress: Step-By-Step
Method 1: Using Yoast SEO
Open a post or page. Scroll to the Yoast box. In the “SEO title” field, type a clear line that matches the content. You can combine text with variables like %%title%% and %%sitename%% to build a pattern that stays consistent across posts. Keep the length inside the green bar in the preview. To set a default for all posts, go to Yoast → Settings → Content types and adjust the template. For archives, set patterns under the Taxonomies section.
Method 2: Using Rank Math
Edit the post or page and open the Rank Math panel. Click “Edit Snippet,” then enter the Title. Pick a separator you prefer. Mix static words with variables such as %title% and %sitename%. To set a default for a whole content type, visit Rank Math → Titles & Meta, choose the section (Posts, Pages, Products), and update the Title field. The preview helps you trim extra words before they get cut off.
Method 3: Using All In One SEO
Open your content and scroll to AIOSEO Settings. In “Title,” write your line or insert smart tags such as Post Title and Site Title. AIOSEO shows a SERP preview with a counter so you can fit the text neatly. Use AIOSEO → Search Appearance to roll out templates for posts, pages, products, and taxonomies.
Method 4: Without A Plugin (Theme Handles It)
Modern themes add title-tag support and let WordPress print the <title> element. In that case the page title is built from the post title and site name. You can still add a plugin for per-page control and previews. If an older theme hardcodes the tag, add support in a child theme or switch to a supported theme.
Set Your Site Title And Tagline
Your Site Title and Tagline feed into many template patterns. Set them once and your templates stay clean. Go to Settings → General to update these fields, then save. Keep the Site Title short; use the Tagline only if it adds real clarity for new visitors.
Write Titles That Win Clicks (Without Spam)
Match the content, keep it honest, and write like a human. Lead with the topic, not the brand. Put the unique hook near the start so it survives truncation. Use simple separators (dash, pipe, or bullet). Avoid ALL CAPS. Numbers help when they reflect real structure, such as “7 Ways to …”.
Length And Truncation
There isn’t a fixed character limit because search results use pixels. A working range near 50–60 characters fits most layouts. Trust your plugin’s preview bar and trim until it looks right.
Words That Clarify Meaning
Add plain terms that set the page apart: product model, region, year, or method. If it’s a comparison, name both items with a short “vs”. If it’s a guide, a short noun like “Guide” or “Checklist” helps users pick your result faster.
Control Special Cases
Homepage Titles
If your front page shows latest posts, edit the title in your SEO plugin’s Homepage section. If the front page is a static page, edit the SEO box on that page. Either way, write a clear line for people meeting your brand for the first time in search.
Archive Pages
Categories, tags, and custom taxonomies need titles too. Use variables to pull in the term name and a short descriptor. This helps users understand the collection and keeps your templates tidy. Most plugins label this area “Taxonomies.”
WooCommerce Product Pages
Set a template that includes product title and brand. For bundles or seasonal sets, write a one-off line on the product page to match demand.
Check Your Work The Right Way
Use the plugin preview to spot truncation and odd breaks. Then view page source to confirm the <title> element prints as intended. After indexing, search a few sample queries and see how the line appears. If a system swaps in different words, compare that line to your headings and tighten the phrasing.
Troubleshooting Common Snags
The Preview Looks Good, But Search Shows A Different Line
Search engines can replace your text with a line from the H1 or anchor text from links. Sharpen meaning, remove boilerplate that looks generic, and keep the H1 and the <title> closely aligned in topic. That reduces rewrites.
The Title Is Missing Or Duplicated
If the browser tab is blank or repeats the site name twice, the theme may be printing the tag alongside the plugin. Ensure only one source renders the tag. In a child theme, add add_theme_support('title-tag'); and remove any hardcoded <title> from header.php.
My Homepage Ignored The Custom Line
Check whether the front page is a posts list or a static page (Settings → Reading). Edit the correct location: the plugin’s Homepage field for posts lists, or the SEO box on the static page.
Tested Patterns You Can Reuse
Plug these into your template fields and tweak to taste.
- Posts:
[Post Title] — [Site Name] - Pages:
[Page Title] — [Site Name]or just[Page Title] - Products:
[Product Name] | [Brand] — [Site Name] - Categories:
[Category Name] Articles — [Site Name] - Local pages:
[Service] in [City] — [Brand]
Quick Checklist Before You Publish
| Check | Why It Matters | Where To Verify |
|---|---|---|
| Title matches page intent | Alignment reduces rewrites | Post editor + live page |
| Length sits in a safe range | Fewer cut-offs in results | Plugin preview bar |
| Template set for each type | Saves time and avoids gaps | SEO settings → Content types |
| No duplicate title tags | Prevents blank or doubled lines | View source |
| Homepage handled | Front door looks clean in search | SEO settings → Homepage |
Where Official Guidance Fits In
Google states that title links in results are created automatically and can draw from your <title> element and headings. That means you set the signal, but the final line may change when a clearer phrase helps users. Keep your wording specific, match the page scope, and avoid repeating the brand at the start.
Step-By-Step: Set A Default Template In Your Plugin
Yoast SEO Template
Go to Yoast → Settings → Content types. For Posts, place %%title%% %%sep%% %%sitename%% into the SEO Title box. Repeat for Pages and any custom type. For taxonomies, open the Taxonomies section and add a line such as %%term_title%% Articles %%sep%% %%sitename%%. Save. New content now picks up the pattern automatically.
Rank Math Template
Visit Rank Math → Titles & Meta. Under Posts, enter %title% %sep% %sitename%. Do the same for Pages and Products. In the Taxonomies tab, set %term% Articles %sep% %sitename%. Save. Override any page when needed from the post editor.
AIOSEO Template
Open AIOSEO → Search Appearance. Under Content Types, choose Posts and fill the Title box with tags such as Post Title and Site Title separated by your symbol. Repeat for other types. Use the SERP preview to trim extra words.
Practical Examples
Blog Post
Template: [Post Title] — [Site Name] → “How To Make Focaccia — Baker’s Table”
Service Page
Template: [Service] in [City] — [Brand] → “Roof Repair in Boise — Peak Homes”
Product Page
Template: [Product Name] | [Brand] — [Site Name] → “Aurora Desk Lamp | Lume — Loft Living”
Keep Titles Fresh As Content Changes
When you update a page, check the title again. If the year, price, or feature list changed, reflect that update so the result still earns the click. A quarterly sweep across high-traffic pages keeps snippets aligned with search intent.
Avoid These Pitfalls
- Stuffing keywords or locations that don’t match the page.
- Starting with the brand on every page. Lead with the topic instead.
- Copying the same line across many pages. Templates are fine, duplicates aren’t.
- Letting themes and plugins both print the tag. Pick one source.
- Writing vague lines like “Home” for the front page. Give people a reason to click.
FAQ-Free Final Notes
Everything here fits standard WordPress flows. Start with a template, write clear lines, and verify output in source and in search. That’s all you need to place strong, reliable titles across your site.
Further reading: Google’s guidance on title links and Yoast snippet variables list.