Title Tags

Title Tags

Effective Date: March 2, 2026   Last Updated: March 6, 2026

Hibu Policy

Each visible page must include one unique title tag written to:

  • Writing Target = 55 characters
  • Do not exceed 60 characters (maximum display boundary)
  • Accurately reflect page intent
  • Support click-through from search results
  • Title Tags slightly above 55 (56–60) are compliant when clarity requires it.

Definition

A title tag is the HTML <title> element that defines the official headline of a web page.


It appears:

  • As the primary clickable headline in search engine results
  • In the browser tab when the page is open
  • As the default headline for many link previews when the page is shared


Example HTML structure:

<title>Roof Repair in Austin, TX | ABC Roofing</title>


The title tag represents the page’s core topic and intent. It must accurately summarize the content while encouraging users to click.

Purpose / Why It Matters

The title tag:

  • Signals topic relevance
  • Impacts click-through rate
  • Controls search listing clarity
  • Sets expectation before page load


It is the most influential on-page SEO element for search visibility and click behavior.

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 our character-length standards at Hibu:

  • Google typically truncates after ~60 characters.
  • Best performance range: 50–55 characters.
  • Writing goal: 55 characters.
  • Absolute boundary: 60 characters.


Keeping titles closer to 55 characters reduces rewrite risk and truncation.

Structure Guidelines

1. Front-Load Keywords

Place the most important terms at the beginning.


2. Align with Page Intent

The title must match the specific page content.


3. Include Name of Business (When Required)

Include NOB on:

  • Homepage
  • Contact
  • About
  • Utility pages

Service pages may omit NOB when targeting generic queries.


4. Avoid:

  • Keyword stuffing
  • Colon-heavy formatting
  • Overuse of pipes
  • Artificial abbreviations
  • Swapping “and” with “&” in the NOB

If Over 60 Characters

If a title exceeds 60 characters:

  1. Remove unnecessary separators (pipes).
  2. Remove “Area” or redundant modifiers.
  3. Remove city/state comma when possible.
  4. Preserve clarity over rigid trimming.


If after clean-up it remains slightly above 60 but is accurate and readable, it may remain.

Page-Type Variations

Not all title tags follow the same structure. Title formatting varies based on page type, intent, and whether the page targets branded, service-based, or geographic searches.


The general 55–60 character standards apply to all pages; however, structure and ordering may change depending on context.


Examples of page-type variations include:


Each page type follows its own approved formatting pattern for:

  • Keyword placement
  • City/state inclusion
  • Name of Business (NOB) usage
  • Separator usage (pipes, commas)
  • CTA inclusion (when applicable)


Refer to the dedicated guideline for each page type before writing or editing a title tag. The formatting rules on those pages override the general structure guidance when applicable.

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