Lesson 9.2
Writing Better Titles & Introductions
You have two types of titles to optimize for your blog: the blog title and the SEO title.
Otherwise, the SEO title will pull automatically from your blog title, and it's not always the most optimized for SERPs.
- Blog title: what appears on your post/page for readers.
- SEO title: what appears in search results; should be under 60 characters, keyword-focused, and clickworthy
- This is what will show in SERPs
- Your blog title will remain as displayed for blog readers
In short, they're similar, but your SEO title must be shorter and more keyword-rich.
SEO title rules:
- Include your primary keyword close to the beginning
- Aim for 50–60 characters to avoid it getting cut off
- Make it clear what the post is about
- Use 1–2 "power words" if they fit naturally (amazing, magical, essential, complete, honest, detailed)
- Match search intent!!!! If the keyword is "3 days in Marrakesh itinerary", the title should clearly promise an itinerary (not things to do).
How to modify your SEO title:
- Inside the post, click on your top bar's SEO plugin (Yoast, RankMath or AIOSEO)
- Edit the metadata: Title and Description
- Close window
- Save post
Examples:
Keyword: "things to do in Marrakesh"
- Weak: "What to Do in Marrakesh: Weekend Adventures"
- Stronger SEO title: "21 Best Things To Do in Marrakesh (First-Timer Guide)"
Keyword: "Paris winter itinerary"
- Weak: "Freezing in Paris: My Trip"
- Stronger SEO title: "5 Days in Paris in Winter: Cozy Itinerary for First-Timers"
Next, spending more time crafting good blog introductions will help you rank. Well-written intros set expectations, build trust, and keep people from bouncing early.
Intro checklist (aim for 150–250 words):
1. Hook: Open with something specific, vivid, or relatable!
2. Clarity: State the keyword/topic in the first 1–3 lines
3. Reassurance: Show that you have done this and can guide them! (E-E-A-T)
4. Snapshot: Briefly outline/promise what the post will cover
5. Orientation: Naturally highlight who this post is for and what it solves
Before vs after optimization example:
Weak intro:
"Marrakesh was one of the craziest places I have ever visited. In this post, I will tell you about my trip there and everything we did in a week."
Stronger intro:
"Planning your first trip to Marrakesh and feeling a little overwhelmed? You’re not alone — the medina can feel like a maze until you understand how to navigate it. In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to spend 3–5 days in Marrakesh: where to stay, how to navigate the souks without feeling lost, and which experiences are worth your time and money!
I’ve returned to Marrakesh several times over the years — as a solo female traveler and later with my partner — and each visit has taught me something new about how to make the city feel exciting instead of chaotic. In this post, I’ll share the riads I trust, my go-to food spots, and the practical tips I wish someone had told me before my first visit."
I’ve returned to Marrakesh several times over the years — as a solo female traveler and later with my partner — and each visit has taught me something new about how to make the city feel exciting instead of chaotic. In this post, I’ll share the riads I trust, my go-to food spots, and the practical tips I wish someone had told me before my first visit."
- Demonstrates E-E-A-T (i.e., "I've been here multiple times, I know what I'm talking about)
- Outlines what the reader can expect
- Feels personal and trustworthy
- Includes the keywords naturally
- Promises a solution to the reader's intent