Title tags and meta descriptions should be of an optimal length to ensure they display correctly on search engine results pages (SERPs).
For title tags, the general guideline is to keep them between 50-60 characters in length. This includes spaces. If a title tag exceeds 60 characters, search engines may truncate the excess, resulting in a cut-off title on the SERP.
For meta descriptions, the recommended length is approximately 150-160 characters. Similarly, if a meta description is too long, it may be cut off on the SERP.
To verify that your title tags and meta descriptions are of an appropriate length, you can use various online SEO tools. These tools allow you to input your title or meta description and then provide a visual representation of how it may appear on a SERP. Some popular options include Moz’s Title Tag Preview Tool.
Remember, while staying within these character limits is a good practice, it’s equally important to focus on making your titles and descriptions clear, relevant, and engaging to encourage users to click on your link. Google and other search engines prioritise user experience, so creating descriptions and titles that align with user intent is key to improving your SEO performance.