Meta title is an HTML tag that defines a webpage’s title and appears as the clickable headline in search results.
What Is a Meta Title?
A meta title (also called a title tag) is an HTML element that specifies the title of a webpage. It’s displayed as the clickable blue link in search engine result pages (SERPs), and also appears in browser tabs and when sharing links on social platforms.
Meta titles are one of the most important on-page SEO elements, as they directly impact rankings, click-through rates (CTR), and user perception.
Why Meta Titles Matter in SEO:
- Influence search engine rankings by signaling the page’s topic and relevance
- Affect user click-through rates—a well-crafted title draws more attention
- Appear in browser tabs and bookmarks, aiding user navigation
- Impact social sharing previews, especially if no Open Graph tags are present
Best Practices for Writing Meta Titles:
- Keep it under 60 characters
Longer titles may get truncated in SERPs, especially on mobile. - Include primary keywords near the beginning
This helps with relevance and may be bolded in search listings. - Use unique titles for each page
Avoid duplication to maintain clarity and improve indexing. - Add your brand name, especially on important pages like home or services.
- Use clear, engaging language that reflects the page content and encourages clicks.