How to fix missing page titles

The title tag is the most important on-page SEO element. A missing title means search engines must guess what your page is about, often resulting in poor snippets.

What is wrong

A page is missing a title if the <title> element in the <head> section of the HTML is empty or non-existent. You will see the URL or a generic 'Untitled' label in browser tabs.

Without a title, search engines will often pull random text or navigation labels to display in search results, which rarely attracts clicks or accurately describes your content.

Why it matters

Titles are a primary ranking factor. They tell search engines the core topic of the page. Missing titles result in lower rankings and significantly lower click-through rates (CTR).

In AEO (Answer Engine Optimisation), titles help LLMs categorise your content. A clear title increases the likelihood of your page being cited as a source for specific queries.

How to fix it

1. Write unique titles

Every page must have a unique title. Avoid using the same title for multiple pages, as this creates keyword cannibalisation and confuses search engines.

2. Optimise length and keywords

Keep titles between 30 and 60 characters. Place your primary keyword near the beginning, followed by a secondary keyword or brand name if space permits.

3. Insert the tag

Ensure the <title> tag is placed within the <head> section of your HTML code. Most CMS platforms provide a specific field for this.

Platform notes

In WordPress, use Yoast or Rank Math to set 'SEO Titles'. You can use variables like %%title%% to automate this, but manual customisation is better for key pages.