Glossary of web design terms you should know
Create your website in 60 seconds with AI. Start for free!
Generate a websiteOpen graph tags
Open graph tags are snippets of code added to a webpage’s HTML to control how that page looks when shared on social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, or X (formerly Twitter). They allow you to customize the title, description, image, and more—helping your content appear polished, clickable, and more relevant in a user’s feed.
These tags follow the Open Graph Protocol created by Facebook and are now widely supported across major platforms. By defining how your content previews appear, you can improve engagement, visibility, and even your site's perceived credibility.
Why open graph tags matter in web design
In today’s visually driven digital landscape, first impressions matter. When someone shares your website, what shows up in the preview can determine whether others click or scroll past. Open graph tags give designers and developers the power to influence those previews directly.
For SEO and branding efforts, they offer a simple but powerful edge. A well-set image and headline can boost your click-through rate without needing to run ads or change the page itself.
Examples of open graph tags
Here are some common open graph tags you’ll often see:
html
CopyEdit
<meta property="og:title" content="Your Page Title Here">
<meta property="og:description" content="A quick summary of your page.">
<meta property="og:image" content="https://yourdomain.com/image.jpg">
<meta property="og:url" content="https://yourdomain.com/page-url">
``
Each tag plays a specific role in how your content looks when shared. For instance, og:image tells platforms what image to show, while og:title sets the preview headline.
How to implement open graph tags
If you're using a CMS like WordPress or a drag-and-drop AI website builder, open graph tags can often be added through SEO or social media plugins. If you’re working directly with HTML, you can insert them in the <head> section of your webpage.
For those using platforms like B12, these tags can be automatically added and managed without needing to code manually. This makes content creation and sharing more efficient and consistent across channels.
Best practices for using open graph tags
- Use high-quality images: Social media previews rely heavily on visuals. Choose clear, properly sized images to represent your page.
- Keep your description brief: Aim for under 200 characters to avoid being cut off in previews.
- Test your tags: Tools like Facebook’s Sharing Debugger let you preview how your tags display.
- Stay consistent: Align your OG tags with your brand voice and page content to build trust and engagement.
FAQs about open graph tags
What happens if I don’t use open graph tags?
If open graph tags are missing, platforms will guess what to show based on your page content. This often results in low-quality previews that may include irrelevant images or text.
Are open graph tags only for Facebook?
No, while the protocol started with Facebook, many platforms like LinkedIn, X (Twitter), and Slack now support open graph tags to enhance link previews.
Can I set different tags for each page?
Yes! Each page on your website should have its own unique set of open graph tags to reflect its specific content accurately.
Do open graph tags help with SEO?
While they don’t directly impact search engine rankings, they can improve click-through rates from social platforms, indirectly boosting your SEO performance.
Is coding required to use open graph tags?
Not necessarily. Website builders and tools like B12 AI Assist simplify the process by allowing you to add or edit tags without touching the code.
Why open graph tags deserve your attention
While they may seem like a small detail, open graph tags can make a big difference in how your content performs across social platforms. Whether you’re a small business owner, designer, or content creator, taking a few minutes to add them ensures your work looks as professional as it truly is.
They offer better control, more consistency, and an improved experience for anyone encountering your content online. When you're aiming for better client engagement, especially through channels like email marketing or online scheduling, it's smart to make every interaction—social shares included—count.
If you're ready to build a better online presence with tools that take care of the details like open graph tags, get started today.
Draft your site in 60 seconds
Get an AI website made specifically for you that's free to launch.
Start for free ✨No credit card required
Draft your website in 60 seconds
In just a few clicks, build a website with all the features you need to thrive online