You’ve just finished crafting the perfect webpage—your content is polished, your keywords are optimized, and your meta description is irresistible. But then, you pause. That little space between your brand name and the page title stares back at you, demanding a decision:
Should you use a hyphen (-), a pipe (|), or a colon (:) as your website title separator?
It may seem like a tiny detail, but the right (or wrong) separator can impact readability, SEO, and even how users perceive your site. Let’s break down each option, explore examples, and figure out which one deserves a spot in your title tags.
Practical Use Cases with Examples
|
Title Use Case
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Hyphen (-)
|
Pipe (|)
|
Colon (:)
|
Examples
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|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Multi-Keyword Title (SEO Optimization)
|
✔️
|
|
|
|
|
Broad Audiences (Readability)
|
✔️
|
|
✔️
|
|
|
Separate Brand Name
|
|
✔️
|
|
|
|
Separate Extra Info (Dates, Categories)
|
✔️
|
✔️
|
|
|
|
Question + Answer
|
|
|
✔️
|
|
|
Emphasize Specific Part
|
|
|
✔️
|
|
|
Combine Related Ideas
|
✔️
|
✔️
|
|
|
|
Product + Features
|
|
✔️
|
|
|
Quick tip: Stay consistent with your chosen separator, keep titles concise, and test to see what works best for your audience.
1. The Humble Hyphen (-): Classic and SEO-Friendly
Hyphens are the workhorses of title separators—neutral, unobtrusive, and universally understood. They don’t distract from the content, making them a safe choice for most websites.
SEO Bonus: Google treats hyphens as word separators (unlike underscores), which can help with keyword clarity.
Best for
✔️ Multi-keyword SEO titles
✔️ Blog posts
✔️ Dates, locations, or simple lists
✔️ News websites
✔️ E-commerce product titles
Examples
- “The Best Coffee Mugs – Morning Brew Essentials” (A clean, straightforward separation)
- “Summer Sale – Up to 50% Off – Home & Living” (Works well for layered information)
Tips
- Use for Google-friendly parsing (hyphens > underscores).
- Avoid overloading: Max 2-3 hyphens per title.
- Pair with title case for scannability (“Budget Travel – Top Destinations”)
2. The Bold Pipe (|): Structured and Professional
The pipe separator is a favorite for its elegant, modern look. It’s also commonly used, SEO-friendly, and creates a minimalist style. It’s best for brands that prioritize clarity, hierarchy, and technical precision.
Best for
✔️ Brand + descriptor separation
✔️ Feature-heavy product titles
✔️ Menus/breadcrumbs (Services | Pricing)
✔️ SaaS/tech specifications
Examples
- NovaTech | 24/7 IT Support Solutions
- SmartFit Watch | Heart Rate Monitor | 10-Day Battery
- Blog | Resources | Contact Us
- Explore the World with Us | Travel Brand
Tips
- Add spaces around pipes (
A | B) for legibility. - Avoid for casual brands (pipes can feel cold).
- If you use a pipe, make sure not overdo it. Long, complex titles can make it harder for people to read what the article is about.
3. The Expressive Colon (:): For Storytelling & Emphasis
Colons introduce a pause—a slight dramatic effect that says, “Here’s what’s coming next.” They work well when the second part of the title expands on the first. It’s well-liked by storytellers, marketers, and professional writers. Colons add drama—perfect for storytelling, CTAs, and editorial content.
Best For
✔️ FAQs or Q&A formats
✔️ Step-by-step guides
✔️ Limited-time offers
✔️ Emotional/humorous hooks
Examples
- Home Renovation: How to Stay on Budget
- Flash Sale: 50% Off Today Only!
- Cat Fails: When Curiosity Wins
Tips
- Place the most important words after the colon.
- Avoid overuse (can feel repetitive).
- Works best with sentence case.
Title Separators Decoded: How to Choose Like a Pro
Wow, that’s a lot of interesting facts about a little separator! Here’s the secret: There’s no “perfect” separator—only the perfect match for your goals. While separators influence perception, what truly matters is great content. Choose what aligns with your brand voice, test it, and move on to more impactful optimizations.
The Decision Framework
Who’s my audience?
- Developers? → Pipes (
|) - Lifestyle readers? → Colons (
:) - Shoppers? → Hyphens (
-)
What’s my goal?
- Sell? → Be direct (
Deal: 50% Off Today) - Educate? → Use hierarchy (
SEO 101 – Keywords | Backlinks) - Entertain? → Add flair (
Oops: My DIY Disaster Story)
How can I test it?
- Try A/B tests with different separators.
- Check heatmaps to see where eyes linger.
Just one rule: keep it simple and clear. Always. Your choice of separator should align with your goals, audience, and brand personality. Are you minimalist and modern? Fun and quirky? Professional and polished? Your title can reflect that! So go play around, see what clicks, and remember—there’s no wrong answer, just your answer. Now go make those titles shine! ✨
Curious about other real websites titles? Feel free to save any websites you like to Focus Page to check them out! 🧐
