The Title tag defines the Web page's name, which will be displayed in the top bar of a Web browser. This tag is one of the most important page elements in terms of search engine optimization.
When producing search results search engines pay particular attention to keywords found in Web page Title tags. The Title tag is a critical element in most search engines' site ranking procedures. As well, a Web page's Title tag contents are generally displayed as headings in search engines' search result listings.
Ideally, the Title tag should mirror its site's contents, provide an appealing lead-in and, help boost the site's search engine ranking — all achieved in a few, easily-read words. Therefore, a Title tag should include a few, carefully selected keywords, yet remain readable as a headline.
Excessive keyword usage might be considered spamming (keyword stuffing) by some search engines. There are no clear rules that define how and to what extent keywords can be weaved into titles without being perceived as spamming. The rule of thumb is that the page title must read as a headline.
Search engines' limitations vary, but generally, Title tag content should not exceed 80 characters, including spaces. In particularly long page titles, main keywords should, if possible, be located toward the front to avoid being cut if the title exceeds a search engine's title-length limit. If applicable, each page on of Web site should be equipped with its own, unique Title tag, whose keywords reflect that page's specific content.
Example:
<head>
<title>Hogwarts Express — A Harry Potter Fan Site</title> ;
<meta http-equiv="content-style-type" content="text/css">
<meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html">
<meta name="rating" content="general">
<meta name="distribution" content="global">
<meta name="description" content="The ultimate Harry Potter site. Features a wealth of Harry Potter resources, including news, rumors, message boards, reviews, multimedia, and the very latest on J.K. Rowling's best-selling book series.">
<meta name="keywords"< content="Harry Potter, Potter, Potter fans, Potter news, Potter Merchandise, Potter T-shirt, Potter reviews, Potter images, Potter downloads, Hogwarts, Hogwarts Express, JK Rowling, Rowling, muggle, wizards, children's books, lightning bolt.">
</head>