Your meta title is the first impression you get in search, and often the only one. It is the headline people read before deciding whether you are worth a click. Treat it like the ad copy it secretly is.
The short version
A meta title, also called a title tag, is the HTML element that defines the clickable headline of a page in search engine results. It tells both engines and users what the page is about.
How to write a good one
Keep it roughly under 60 characters so it does not get cut off
Put the primary keyword near the front
Make it compelling, you are competing for the click
Keep every page title unique
Why it matters
The title influences both ranking and click through rate. A page can rank well and still get skipped if the title is dull. Two jobs, one line of text, so make it earn its place.
FAQ
What is the ideal meta title length?
Aim for under about 60 characters so it displays fully on most devices. Front load the important words in case it gets truncated.