Hi @malka22 ,
Thanks for reaching out!
Here’s the short version: the global title format is a solid baseline for most posts, but custom titles are worth writing for your most important ones.
How the global format works
When you set a global title format in AIOSEO (for example, %post_title% | %site_title%), that template applies automatically to every blog post that doesn’t have a custom title set. It keeps your titles consistent and ensures nothing gets left blank, which is great for a large blog.
When to write a custom title
For posts where you really want to drive clicks or rank for a specific keyword, a custom title gives you more control:
- High-priority pages (homepage, service pages, top landing pages) almost always benefit from a hand-crafted title.
- Cornerstone or pillar posts where you’re targeting a competitive keyword: a custom title lets you front-load that keyword and write something more compelling.
- Posts already ranking on page 1 where improving the click-through rate (CTR) could move the needle without needing more backlinks.
For the rest of your content, the global format does the job well and saves you time.
A practical rule of thumb
Use the global format as your default. Then go post by post on your most important content and write custom titles that are specific, keyword-focused, and under 60 characters so they don’t get cut off in search results.
You can set or override the SEO title directly in the AIOSEO meta box below the post editor, under the General tab. The character counter there will show you when you’re in a good range.
For a walkthrough of how the title field works in the editor and with smart tags, this doc covers it well: Setting the SEO Title and Description for Your Content.
I hope this helps.
Thanks.
