Title / Meta - Home and Category Landing Pages

Hibu Policy

Every home page and category landing page on a Hibu One Smart Site must include:

One unique title tag built to the approved formula for the applicable business type
One unique meta description that includes specific keyword phrases and at least one motivating factor or offer

Title tags and meta descriptions must be accurate, aligned with page intent, and written to support click-through from search results. No component may be fabricated or assumed. All content must reflect the actual business.

Definition

Title tags and meta descriptions are HTML elements that control how a page appears in search engine results pages (SERPs) and when shared on social platforms.

The title tag acts as the headline.

The meta description acts as supporting copy.

Together, they function as a mini advertisement for the page — the pre-click version of the on-page experience. If the user does not click, the rest of the page experience does not occur.

This guideline covers the approved formulas for home pages and category landing pages. Both page types follow the same formula.

Purpose / Why It Matters

Title tags and meta descriptions:

- Drive the first conversion: the click.

- Signal relevance to search engines.

- Influence click-through rate (CTR).

- Establish consistency between the search listing and on-page content.

- Support conversion-first messaging before a user ever reaches the site.

In many cases, the search result is the first and only impression a user receives. These elements must be written intentionally.

Current Display Standards

Search engines do not impose a strict technical character limit. However, they do have what is considered an optimum range. This is what informs Hibu's character-length standards.

Title Tags

Google typically displays up to ~60 characters on desktop before truncating.
Ideal performance range: ~50–55 characters.
Acceptable upper boundary: 60 characters.
Writing target: 55 characters.

Going to 57–60 characters is acceptable when necessary. The goal is clarity and control, not arbitrary enforcement.

Meta Descriptions

Desktop display typically truncates around ~155–160 characters.
Mobile truncates earlier.
-deal range: 150–160 characters.
Critical messaging should appear in the first ~110–120 characters.

Front-loading key information reduces the impact of truncation.

Rules & Guidelines

Title Tag — Location/Hybrid Business

The approved formula is: Core Business Keyword (or phrase) | City, ST | NOB

Do: Use the pipe character ( | ) to separate each component.
Do: Use the standard two-letter state abbreviation in the geo modifier.
Do: Target 55 characters; stay within the 60-character hard limit.
Do not: Use any separator other than the pipe character.
Do not: Omit any of the three required components.
Do not: Use a geo area or regional descriptor in place of a specific City, ST for this business type.

Title Tag — Service-based Business

The approved formula is: Core Business Keyword (or phrase) | Geo Area | NOB

Do: Use a regional or geographic area descriptor that reflects the business's actual service territory (e.g., South Florida, Tri-State Area, Palm Valley, CA Area).
Do: Target 55 characters; stay within the 60-character hard limit.
Do not: Use a specific City, ST format in place of the appropriate Geo Area for this business type.
Do not: Omit any of the three required components.

Meta Description — All Business Types

Do: Include a minimum of two specific keyword phrases.
Do: Include at least one motivating factor and/or offer (e.g., free estimate, no extra fees, call today).
Do: Write in complete sentences using sentence case.
Do: Place critical messaging within the first ~110–120 characters.
Do: Target a length of 150–160 characters.
Do not: Use vague or generic language that does not reflect specific services or offers.
Do not: Repeat the title tag verbatim as the meta description.
Do not: Write for search engines first. Write for humans first; search engines second.

Examples

Location/Hybrid Business

Carpet and Tile | Nishloo, TX | Big Marty's Flooring

We offer a large selection of home or office carpeting, hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and tile floors. Next-day installations. Call for a free in-home estimate.

Auto Repair Shop | Bloomfield, AZ | The Manic Mechanic

Our services include domestic and foreign repair, oil changes, brakes, and tires. AAA-certified ASE technicians. Request your appointment today.

Personal Injury Attorney | Mews, CT | Dewey, Cheatem & Howe

Our firm represents victims of auto accidents, slip and falls, and medical malpractice. You don't pay if we don't collect! Call today for a free consultation.

Italian Restaurant | Jefferson, NY | Moon Pizza

We specialize in New York-style and gourmet pizza, hot and cold subs, and salads. Dine-in, carryout, or delivery. Daily specials. Open until 11 pm every day.

Service-based Business

Landscaper | South Florida | Clark's Happy Yards

We specialize in residential and commercial landscape design, hardscaping, and lawn care. Discounts for seniors and military. Call for your free estimate.

Plumber | Palm Valley, CA Area | Speedy 24/7 Plumbers

We offer 24/7 residential and commercial emergency plumbing services. No extra fees for emergencies, nights, or weekends.

Exterminator | Tri-State Area | Anti Pest Co.

We provide residential and commercial pest, wildlife, and termite control. Monthly and quarterly maintenance plans available. Call now for a free estimate.

Edge Cases & Clarifications

Business operates in multiple cities or regions. The title tag should reflect the primary city or primary service area. Category landing pages follow the same formula and should reflect the primary city or service area unless the page is specifically geo-targeted to a different location.

Business name contains a city or geo reference. If the NOB already includes a city name (e.g., "Dallas Plumbing Co."), the geo modifier must still appear (e.g. "Dallas, TX").

Very long NOB or keyword phrase. If components cannot be reconciled within 55 characters, adjust while staying under the 60-character hard limit. If over 60 characters, remove pipes and then punctuation. If possible, reword the keyword to something similar and shorter. The NOB does not need to include extensions like LLC or Inc. If the hard limit still cannot be met, leave an assumption and leave the title tag long.

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