What is Post Title in SEO? Complete Guide

Published: 3 Sep 2025

Have you ever noticed that every blog or article starts with a title but still felt confused about how it matters in SEO?

Many beginners mix it up with the meta title or think it’s just a heading on the page. In this guide, we’ll clear that confusion and explain what is post title in SEO, where it is shown, how it is added, and why it plays an important role for both readers and search engines.

Table of Content

What is Post Title?
Where is Post Title Displayed?
Difference Between Post Title and Meta Title
1. Post Title
2. Meta Title
Role of Post Title
1. For Readers
2. For SEO
How to Write Best Post Title?
Where to Add Post Title?
Conclusion
FAQs

We’ll also look at the difference between post title and meta title, its SEO value, and some tips to write strong titles that actually work.

What is Post Title?

A post title is the main name or headline of a blog post. It is the text that appears at the very top of the article and is usually marked as the H1 tag in HTML. Each post can only have one post title, and it represents the subject of the entire content.

In simple words, the post title tells readers exactly what the post is about before they start reading. It’s the first thing people notice when they open your blog, making it both the identity and the introduction of your content.

Where is Post Title Displayed?

A post title is the main H1 heading of your blog post. It is used only once per page and always appears at the very top of the content.

You will see the post title in these places:

At the top of the blog post page → The big headline (H1) that introduces the content.
On your blog homepage or archive pages → Shown as a clickable link leading to the full article.
In related posts or internal widgets → Many themes use the post title when displaying article lists.

Important: The post title (H1) is not the same as the meta title. Search engines and social media usually rely on the meta title, not the post title, for previews outside your website.

Difference Between Post Title and Meta Title

Although they sound similar, a post title and a meta title are not the same. Both serve different purposes and appear in different places.

1. Post Title

The main headline (H1) of your blog post or article.

Shown at the top of the content when someone opens your post.
Only one per page, and it’s mainly for users and on-page SEO.
Example: On your blog page, you see “How to Change Font in WordPress” as the big heading at the top — that’s the post title.

2. Meta Title

The title that appears in search engine results (Google, Bing, etc.).

Added separately, often through an SEO plugin like Yoast SEO or Rank Math.
Can be different from the post title, usually written with keywords to improve SEO and CTR.
Example: The same post might have the meta title “How to Change Font in WordPress (Beginner’s Guide)” in Google results.

In short:

Post Title = H1 heading inside your content (for readers).
Meta Title = SEO title in search results (for search engines).

Role of Post Title

A post title has two main roles — one for readers and one for SEO.

1. For Readers

The post title gives visitors a quick idea of what the article is about before they even start reading.

It sets the expectation of the content — if your title is clear, users know exactly what they will learn.
A strong, engaging title grabs attention and encourages people to stay on the page.

2. For SEO

The post title is usually the H1 tag, which strengthens the on-page SEO structure.

A well-written title with relevant keywords helps search engines understand the main topic of the page.
By making the title clear and relevant, you improve the overall readability and SEO value of the content.

In short, the post title guides users with clarity and supports on-page SEO by defining the subject of your post.

How to Write Best Post Title?

Guys, here are the best practices to follow to make the best post title for your webpages:

Keep it Clear and Simple
Use Keywords Naturally
Make it Engaging
Keep the Right Length
Match the Content
Make it Unique

1. Keep It Clear and Simple

Your readers should understand the topic at first glance. Avoid confusing or fancy terms.

Use easy words that anyone can read.
Say exactly what the post is about.
Avoid long and complex phrases.
Write in a way that feels natural.

2. Use Keywords Naturally

Keywords help search engines know the topic of your post, but they must be used wisely.

Add your main keyword once in the title.
Place it near the start if possible.
Try to use the main keyword variation or a secondary keyword too in the post as well.
Don’t repeat the same word many times.
Make sure it still reads smoothly for humans.

3. Make It Engaging

A strong post title should make people want to click and read more.

Use action words like How to, Guide, Tips.
Add numbers if useful (e.g., “5 Easy Steps”).
Keep it interesting but not misleading.
Make it feel helpful or valuable.

4. Keep the Right Length

Both short and very long titles can create problems. Aim for a balanced length.

Ideal range: 50–70 characters.
Short enough to scan quickly.
Long enough to explain the topic.
Avoid stuffing extra words just to make it longer.

5. Match the Content

The post title should reflect the actual content inside the article.

Never use a misleading title.
Deliver that the headline promises.
Keep it focused on one main idea.
Ensure the content supports the title fully.

6. Make It Unique

Every post needs its own unique title to avoid confusion.

Don’t copy the same title for multiple posts.
Give each article its own identity.
Helps search engines differentiate posts.
Makes your site look more professional.

Where to Add Post Title?

In most content management systems (CMS) like WordPress, you add the post title in a fixed place before writing the content.

In WordPress → When you create a new post, the very first field at the top says “Add title”. This is where you type your post title.
In other CMS platforms → Like Blogger, Medium, or Wix, the title box is always at the top of the editor, above the content area.
Once added, the system automatically sets it as the H1 tag of the page.

Important: Each post can only have one post title. It is different from the meta title, which you usually add separately using an SEO plugin or settings.

Conclusion

Now you know exactly what is post title in SEO and why it matters. A post title is the main H1 heading of your article that gives readers a clear idea of the content. It also improves on-page SEO by helping search engines understand the topic. Writing a strong, clear, and unique post title not only guides your audience but also supports better rankings.

So always invest time in crafting the right title, it’s the first impression of your content for both users and search engines.

FAQs

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions related to the SEO post title:

Is a post title necessary?

Yes, every blog post needs a post title. Without it, readers won’t know what the article is about. It also acts as the H1 heading, which is important for on-page SEO. A missing title can confuse both users and search engines.

Can I change post title after publishing?

Yes, you can edit your post title anytime after publishing. Just keep in mind that changing it may also update the post URL if your site uses the same post title in the slug. If the URL changes, set up a redirect to avoid broken links. Small edits for clarity or SEO are usually fine.

How long should post title be?

The best length for a post title is between 50–70 characters. This range is long enough to explain the topic but short enough to read easily. Very short titles may look incomplete, while very long ones can be hard to follow. Balance clarity with brevity.

Does post title have to be unique?

Yes, every post on your website should have a unique title. Duplicate titles confuse search engines and may hurt SEO. Unique titles also help readers easily tell one article from another. Think of it as giving each post its own identity.

Is a post title the same as a meta title?

No, they are different. A post title is the H1 heading shown at the top of the article, while the meta title appears in search results. Sometimes they can be the same, but many websites write them differently for SEO. Both are important and serve separate purposes.

Does a post title affect SEO directly?

Yes, but in a limited way. The post title improves on-page SEO by signalling the main topic to search engines. A clear, keyword-rich title also improves user experience, which indirectly supports rankings. While not the only factor, it is still an important one.

What makes a post title strong?

A strong post title is clear, keyword-friendly, and engaging. It should set the right expectation for readers without being misleading. Using numbers, power words, or “how-to” formats can make it more attractive. The key is to balance readability with SEO value.