Blog Post Title Length: How Long Is Too Long?

What’s the ideal blog post title length?

Honestly, I highly recommend keeping the blog post title under 60 characters. 

That’s the sweet spot that gets seen on Google and actually clicked by humans. 

Period. 

Most small business owners either go too short and vague, or way too long and keyword-stuffed.

Your title isn’t just a name for your blog post—it’s a strategy. If it’s too long, vague, or boring, you’re literally losing traffic, visibility, and potential customers.

Search engines (aka Google) typically display the first 50–60 characters of a title tag. Any more than that, and it’ll be truncated, costing you clarity and clicks.

And your readers? 

They skim. 

You have milliseconds to grab their attention. 

That’s exactly why 6–12 words tend to be the golden zone: long enough to say something valuable, short enough to stay scannable and snappy.

I’ll break down the exact title lengths that perform best, real examples of what works (and what flops) and easy formulas and swipe-worthy tips to write better blog titles—fast.

So let’s talk about it.

Should a blog post have a title?

Yes, every blog post should absolutely have a title tag. It’s not just a label—it’s your blog’s headline, hook, and first impression all in one. A strong title tells readers (and search engines) what your post is about, why it matters, and why they should click on it. Without a title, your content is basically invisible.

How to Add the Title Tag

How Many Words Are In a Blog Headline?

Generally speaking, most blog headlines perform best when they’re between 6-12 words long. That’s the sweet spot—long enough to be clear and compelling, but short enough to be easily scannable and not cut off in search results.

Side Note: Even though we want to keep Google happy, your readers come first. Always. That means writing titles that feel natural, spark curiosity, and speak directly to your audience. SEO matters—but we write for humans, not bots. . . I’m just saying.

Why Blog Post Title Length Actually Matters

Let’s be clear: your blog post title is not the place to wing it.

This one line of text has a huge job to do.
It needs to grab attention, include keywords, and look good on Google, Pinterest, AND mobile… all while being short enough not to get cut off.

1 – Google’s Cut-Off Point Is Brutal

Search engines typically display up to 60 characters of a blog title. 

Anything beyond that? 

Gets the dreaded “…”—which can chop off the most important part of your message (or your call to action).

Side Note: Your best keywords and value? Put ‘em at the beginning.

2 – Click-Through Rate Depends on It

People scroll fast. Like, real fast. If your title is too long, cluttered, or confusing, they’re skipping it.
But when your title is punchy, clear, and fits neatly in their search results or social feed? Boom—more clicks.

 3 – It Sets the Tone for Your Content

A concise, well-crafted title signals that your post will be focused and valuable.
On the flip side, a title that rambles or feels like a keyword salad? Total red flag.

Ain’t nobody got time for that.

 3 – It Sets the Tone for Your Content

A concise, well-crafted title signals that your post will be focused and valuable.
On the flip side, a title that rambles or feels like a keyword salad? Total red flag. Ain’t nobody got time for that.

4. Social + Mobile Love Short Titles

 Whether someone’s finding you on Instagram, Pinterest, or just scrolling on their phone, shorter titles win. They’re easier to read, share, and engage with.

Side Note: Your blog title is your headline, hook, and first impression.
Get the length right, and you’re already ahead of 80% of your competition.

The Ideal Blog Post Title Length: Word Count vs Character Count

So we’ve established that your blog title needs to be short, sharp, and scroll-stopping. But here’s where most folks get tripped up:

Should you focus on the number of words or the number of characters?

The answer? 

Both. 

But for different reasons. 

Let me break it down.

Counting Characters: For SEO + Search Engines

Google typically displays the first 50–60 characters of your blog title in search results.

• Anything over 60 characters risks being cut off with “…”
• That means your message (or worse—your keyword) might not even show up
• Keep your primary keyword + hook within those first 50–60 characters
• Short enough to show up in full, long enough to pack a punch

Counting Words: For Readability + Human Clickability

While character count keeps Google happy, word count keeps your readers engaged.

• Too short (like 3–4 words) = vague or bland
• Too long (15+ words) = overwhelming
• 6–12 words give you room to add personality, power words, and clarity
• Just enough to say something meaningful without rambling

Which One Should You Prioritize?

Focus on character count first for SEO.

But use word count as a vibe-check to make sure your title flows and sounds clickable.

Think of it like this:
Character count = technical limit
Word count = style and strategy

Example Breakdown:

Too Short:
“Grow Your Blog” → 3 words, 14 characters → vague, not enticing

Too Long:
“10 Powerful Ways to Grow Your Blog Organically with Pinterest and SEO”
→ 14 words, 80+ characters → gets cut off in search + TL;DR vibes

Just Right:
“10 Easy Ways to Grow Your Blog with Pinterest”
→ 9 words, 48 characters → punchy, keyword-rich, clear AF

Side Note: Don’t waste space—every word in your title should earn its spot

How to Write a Blog Title That’s Clickable AND SEO-Friendly

Okay, so you’ve got the length down. But now comes the fun part . . .
Making your title irresistible to humans and optimized for search engines.

Is it important to have a catchy title for your blog post?

Yes, a catchy blog post title is super important. It’s the first thing people see, and it helps them decide whether to click or keep scrolling. A good title grabs attention, makes your post sound interesting, and shows the value inside. It also helps with SEO by including keywords and boosting clicks. Bottom line? If your title doesn’t hook them, they won’t read it.

Here’s how to hit that perfect balance:

 1. Start With a Focus Keyword

Your title should include a phrase your ideal audience is actually typing into Google.
This helps your blog post show up in search and tells readers exactly what the content is about.

Example:
✅ “SEO Tips for Beginners: How to Get Found Online”
❌“How to Get Found Online with These Beginner SEO Tips”

Pro tip: Put the keyword as close to the beginning as possible.

2. Make the Benefit Clear

People don’t click vague titles. They click because they see what’s in it for them.
Spell out the value they’ll get—results, shortcuts, solutions, clarity.

Example:
✅”10 Blog Title Hacks That Drive More Traffic”
❌ “10 Ways to Write Titles”

3. Use Power Words That Spark Curiosity

Power words add emotion and urgency—two things that boost clicks.

Words like:

• Easy
• Proven
• Secret
  
• Powerful
  
• Quick
  
• Mistakes
  
• Ultimate
  
• Step-by-Step
  

Example:
✅“The Ultimate Guide to Blog Post Titles That Actually Convert”
❌“Tips for Writing Blog Post Titles”

4. Keep It Clean, Not Clickbait

You want curiosity, not confusion or deception. If your headline overpromises and your content under-delivers, you’ll lose trust (and traffic).

Example:
✅“7 Mistakes That Are Killing Your SEO (and How to Fix Them)”
❌“This One Trick Will Explode Your Blog Overnight”

5. Test It for Readability + Mobile Friendliness

Read your title out loud. Does it flow? Can someone instantly get the point?

Also, preview it on mobile. Most of your audience is on their phone, and if your title’s too long or clunky, they’re scrolling right past.

Chat GPT Prompt

The easiest way I suggest writing blog post titles that rank and actually get your audience to click is with this Chat GPT prompt:

You are a [insert your title/niche]. You are writing a blog to [insert the user intent]. [insert the main keyword] is the main keyword. Your task is to create a list of creative, enticing and click-worthy blog post titles. It must include the exact keyword/phrase, a power word and under 50-60 characters. Use numbers if and when it makes sense (provide a variation of title with and without numbers). And lastly, make sure you keep in mind . . . We write for humans not bots.

Side Note: If you want a title that gets clicks and ranks, you need a combo of a focus keyword, a clear benefit, power words that pop, and a title that sounds good and fits everywhere.

Common Blog Title Mistakes to Avoid

Even the best blog content can flop if the title’s off.
So let’s talk about the common mistakes that quietly kill your SEO, your traffic, and your vibe.

Avoid these at all costs:

1. Too Long = Truncated and Confusing

If your title’s a whole paragraph, Google’s cutting it off—and readers are peacing out.
Stick to 50–60 characters max and 6–12 words so your full message shows.

Bad: “Here Are 15 Strategies I Used to Grow My Pinterest Account to 100K Monthly Viewers and You Can Too”
Better: “15 Pinterest Strategies That Grew My Blog to 100K Views”

2. Being Vague or Boring

“Tips for Blogging” is not the move.
If your title doesn’t say what the reader will get out of it, they’re not clicking.

Bad: “Marketing Ideas”
Better: “10 Marketing Ideas to Get More Clients This Week”

3. No Keyword in Sight

If your title doesn’t include a clear keyword, Google won’t know what it’s about.
And neither will your ideal audience.

Bad: “Crush It Online”
Better: “How to Get Found Online: Beginner SEO Tips”

4. Clickbait-y and Overhyped

If your title sounds like a late-night infomercial, stop. Don’t promise the moon unless your content delivers.

Bad: “You’ll Never Believe This Blog Hack That Makes You Rich Overnight”
Better: “7 Blog Writing Tricks That Boost Traffic (Fast)”

5. Keyword-Stuffed Word Salad

Trying to rank for 5 keywords in one title? That’s a no from me, dawg.
It sounds robotic and repels real people.

Bad: “Best Blog Post Title Ideas for SEO Google Pinterest Readers Blogging”
Better: “How to Write SEO-Friendly Blog Titles That Get Clicks”

6. Too Clever, Not Clear

Clever is cute. But clear is what converts.
If you have to explain your title, it’s not working.

Bad: “Spin to Win: Blogging Edition”
Better: “How to Write Better Blog Titles (That Actually Work)”

Next Steps

Even the best blog post needs a solid title to get seen. Getting your blog post title length right—between 50–60 characters —is one of the simplest SEO wins you can claim. Keep it keyword-rich, reader-friendly, and straight to the point.

When your title’s on point, Google notices, your audience clicks, and your traffic starts to glow up. 

If you’re ready to write titles that actually get you found online, join the Marketing Ecosystem Society™ and start turning clicks into clients, without the guesswork.