What Is Meta Description?
A meta description is a short summary of a web page. It usually appears under the page title in search results. It tells people what they will see if they click.
Definition
A meta description is a short piece of text in the HTML code of a web page. It is usually around 50 to 160 characters long. Search engines may show this text under the blue link in search results to help users decide if the page is useful.
Why Meta Description Matters
- Helps people choose It quickly shows what the page is about.
- Can increase clicks A clear and interesting description can make more people click your result.
- Helps with keywords When the searched words appear in the description, they are often bold in search results which can catch the eye.
- Improves user experience It sets the right expectation so visitors know what they will get.
How Meta Description Works
You add the meta description inside the <head> part of your web page code using the <meta name="description" content="..."> tag. When search engines crawl your page, they read this text. If they think it matches the search, they may show it in the search results. Sometimes, if the meta description does not match the search very well, search engines may choose their own text from the page instead.
Meta Description vs Title Tag
- Title tag Is the main clickable blue link in search results and also shows in the browser tab.
- Meta description Is the short gray text under the title in search results.
- Both should work together. The title grabs attention. The meta description explains and invites the click.
Example of Meta Description
Imagine you have a page about making chocolate chip cookies.
Good meta description example
Easy chocolate chip cookie recipe with simple ingredients and step by step instructions. Learn how to bake soft and chewy cookies in under 30 minutes.
This is clear, uses simple words, and tells the main benefit.
FAQs
Is meta description a ranking factor in SEO?
Meta descriptions usually do not directly change rankings. However, a strong description can get more clicks, and better click rates can help your page perform better over time.
How long should a meta description be?
Try to keep it between 100 and 160 characters. This is usually long enough to explain the page but short enough to show in full on most screens.
Should every page have a meta description?
Yes, it is best if every important page has its own unique meta description. This helps search engines and users understand each page clearly.
What should I include in a meta description?
- Main topic or keyword of the page.
- Clear benefit or reason to read the page.
- Simple call to action like Learn more or Find out how.
What happens if I do not add a meta description?
If you do not add one, search engines usually pull some text from your page and show that instead. This text may not be as clear or persuasive as a written meta description.
