Understanding the Terminology: Why Do SEOs Refer to the Page Title as the “Meta Title”?
In the world of Search Engine Optimization (SEO), terminology can often lead to confusion, especially when communicating with cross-functional teams such as designers, developers, and content creators. One such point of confusion revolves around the terminology used for the primary heading that appears in search engine results: the “Meta Title.”
The Clarification: The Title is an HTML Element, Not Metadata
Many SEOs and digital marketers refer to this element as the “Meta Title.” While this term has become commonplace within SEO circles, it’s important to understand that the “Title” is actually an HTML element — specifically, the <title> tag within the <head> section of a webpage’s code.
This distinction matters because, technically, the <title> element is part of the document’s HTML structure, rather than metadata in the traditional sense. Metadata generally refers to data that describes other data, such as meta tags—like <meta name="description" content="...">—which provide additional context about the page’s content.
Why Do Professionals Call It the “Meta Title”?
Despite its technical classification, the term “Meta Title” has persisted for several reasons:
-
Consistency with Meta Tags: Combining “Meta” with “Title” creates a simple, memorable phrase that clearly distinguishes it from other page elements, like headings (
<h1>,<h2>, etc.). -
SEO Context: In the realm of SEO, the
<title>tag is often considered a “meta” element because it influences search engine snippets, rankings, and click-through rates, aligning it conceptually with other metadata. -
Practical Communication: For many teams, referencing it as the “Meta Title” simplifies discussions about search engine listings, snippets, and ranking factors, without delving into HTML specifics.
Why Not Call It the “HTML Title”?
Interestingly, while “Meta Title” is widely used, few professionals simply call it the “HTML Title” in everyday SEO or marketing communications. This might be because:
- Simplicity: “Meta Title” is more concise and aligns with existing terminology in SEO tools and documentation.
- Industry Convention: Over time, “Meta Title” has become the standard phrase, creating a shared language that facilitates communication across teams.
- Focus on Optimization: The emphasis is often on how this element appears in search results, rather than