Titles and Meta Descriptions

Title tags and meta descriptions are the first elements users see in Google search results. Writing them well is essential for attracting clicks.

What is a title tag and a meta description?

When your site appears in Google search results, two elements are displayed prominently: the title (title tag) and the description (meta description).

  • The title tag — This is the blue clickable link displayed in Google results. It also appears in your browser tab. It is the first element users read.
  • The meta description — This is the gray text displayed below the title in search results. It summarizes the content of your page and encourages (or discourages) clicking.

These two elements are invisible on the page itself. They only appear in search results and in the browser tab.

Why is it important for SEO?

Title tags and meta descriptions play a dual role in your search rankings.

  • Google ranking — The title tag is a direct ranking factor. Google uses the words in your title to understand the topic of your page and determine its position.
  • Click-through rate (CTR) — A compelling title and a convincing description increase the number of people who click your result instead of a competitor's. A higher CTR sends a positive signal to Google.

Even if your site ranks well, a poor title or unengaging description can significantly reduce the number of visitors you receive.

How do you modify titles and meta descriptions?

On Madra, title tags and meta descriptions are automatically generated by the AI when your site is created. If you want to customize them, you can contact the Madra team through support to request a change.

When making your request, specify:

  • The page concerned (home, contact, services, etc.)
  • The new title you want
  • The new description you want

Our team will update the tags and republish your site. Changes are typically reflected in Google within 1 to 4 weeks.

What are the best practices?

Here are the rules to follow for writing effective tags.

For the title tag

  • Ideal length: 50 to 60 characters — Beyond that, Google truncates the title with an ellipsis.
  • Place your main keyword at the beginning — Google gives more weight to the first words of the title.
  • Add your business name — At the end of the title, separated by a dash or pipe (|).
  • Be specific — Avoid generic titles. Indicate what the visitor will find on the page.
  • Each page must have a unique title — No duplication across pages.

For the meta description

  • Ideal length: 140 to 160 characters — Too short and it lacks information. Too long and it gets truncated.
  • Include a call to action — "Discover", "Contact us", "Get a quote" encourage clicks.
  • Mention your keywords — Google bolds them in results when they match the search query.
  • Describe the actual content of the page — Do not make promises your page does not deliver.

What are some concrete examples?

Here are examples for different types of businesses.

Restaurant

  • Title: The Fine Plate Restaurant | French Cuisine in Downtown London
  • Description: Discover our traditional French cuisine menu in the heart of London. Online booking, daily specials, and themed evenings.

Plumber

  • Title: Martin Plumbing | Fast Emergency Service in Manchester
  • Description: Plumber in Manchester with response times under 2 hours. Repairs, installation, and renovation. Free estimates. Available 7 days a week.

Coach

  • Title: Sophie Dupont, Professional Coach | Career Coaching in London
  • Description: Professional coaching and career guidance in London. Skills assessment, career change, and personal development. First session free.
Good to know

Google may sometimes choose to display a different title or description than the ones you set, if it considers its alternative a better match for the user's search. This is normal behavior and cannot be prevented.

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