Optimize Shopify Product Titles and SEO Titles

How to Optimize Shopify Product Titles and SEO Titles for Maximum Impact

When it comes to Shopify, every product page has two “titles”: the on-page product title (the H1) and the SEO title (meta title). Many store owners wonder if they should make the on-page title “cool and short” and save keywords for the SEO title. The short answer is yes — but there’s a smart way to do it so both users and search engines win.

1. Understanding the Difference

On-Page Product Title (H1)

• This is the main heading of your product page, usually displayed at the top.
• It’s an H1, which is critical for SEO because search engines use it to understand what your page is about.
• Users also see it first — so it should be clear, readable, and on-brand.

Example:

Product title (H1): Astra Hoodie

• Short, clean, and easy for shoppers to read.
• Works well visually on your page.

SEO Title (Meta Title)

• Found in the Shopify “Edit SEO” section at the bottom of the product page.
• This title appears in Google search results and browser tabs.
• It doesn’t have to be exactly the same as your product title — you can make it longer and keyword-rich to improve search visibility.

Example:

SEO title (meta): Astra Hoodie – Premium Cotton Zip-Up Sweatshirt for Men & Women | BrandName

• Includes keywords like “premium cotton,” “zip-up sweatshirt,” and target audience.
• More descriptive for search engines, while the H1 stays clean and stylish.

2. How to Use Both Titles Effectively

Short, stylish H1 for users.
Keyword-rich SEO title for Google.
Consistency matters: Make sure the H1 and meta title are related so search engines see a clear match.

Example:

ElementTextH1 (on-page)Eclipse Running ShoesSEO title (meta)Eclipse Running Shoes – Lightweight Trainers for Men & WomenMeta descriptionDiscover Eclipse Running Shoes — ultra-lightweight, breathable, and designed for maximum comfort on every run. Free shipping and 30-day returns.

Notice how the H1 is short and clean, while the SEO title is optimized for search.

3. Optimized Formula for Shopify Product Titles and SEO Titles

Here’s a simple formula to make your product pages stylish and SEO-friendly.

On-Page Product Title (H1) Formula

[Brand/Collection Name] + [Product Name/Type] + Optional Short Descriptor


Examples:

• Astra Hoodie
• Eclipse Running Shoes
• Luna Backpack – Compact Daypack

SEO Title (Meta Title) Formula

[Product Name/Type] – [Key Features or Benefits] | [Target Audience] | [Brand Name]


Examples:

• Astra Hoodie – Premium Cotton Zip-Up Sweatshirt for Men & Women | BrandName
• Eclipse Running Shoes – Lightweight Breathable Trainers for Men & Women | Free Shipping
• Luna Backpack – Durable, Water-Resistant Daypack for Students & Travelers | BrandName

Tip: Keep meta titles under 60 characters to prevent truncation in search results.

Meta Description Formula

[Product Name/Type] – [Primary Benefit] + [Secondary Benefit or Feature]. [Call-to-action or offer]


Example:

Discover Astra Hoodie — soft, breathable, and designed for everyday comfort. Free shipping and 30-day returns.

Key Takeaways

1. H1 (on-page title) = readable, user-friendly, brand-focused.
2. SEO title = keyword-rich, descriptive, optimized for search.
3. Keep some keyword consistency between the H1 and SEO title.
4. Don’t sacrifice UX for SEO — Google values clarity and user experience.

By following this method, your Shopify store can have beautiful product pages that rank well without compromising style or usability.

‍