The Meta what?
Yes, been there done that.
Honestly, I was confused about meta description as you are right now, not only I am going to help you understand it better but also share some of the tips that helped me.
Let’s jump right into it!
What is a Meta Description?
A meta description is a brief snippet you see underneath a site’s headline in Google’s search results furthermore, it is a mark within your meta tags that helps describe your page. Here’s an example of what it usually looks like:
Here is the “formula”:
<meta name="keywords" content="meta description,google meta description,meta name description" /> <meta name="robots" content="index,follow" />
Is it really necessary? It absolutely is!
The meta description will not improve your website ranking, but it can help with the CLICKS and the clicks will, unquestionably, help you rank better.
Keep in mind that the search engines won’t automatically use your meta description, alternatively search engines might pull a different meta tag from your content. If this happens, there must be something wrong with your meta. It might be too long (over 160 characters) or isn’t representing your page or topic to fit the query.
Furthermore, every meta description must be unique, as well as the title.
If you are using a plugin, be meticulous, avoid duplicating your meta descriptions and titles
But wait there is more! Here is the 5-step guide to writing your perfect meta.
STEP 1 – How to add a meta description to your page?
You are probably new to the world of SEO, obviously, you need a simple explanation! I understand because I was there!
If you are using Word Press, you’ll need Yoast SEO Plugin because it analyses your content, helps you rank your website better.
This plugin analyses your content and helps you write better SEO content as well.
Yeah, I know, it is a lifesaver, and it is so easy to use.
STEP 2- How long should the meta description be?
Firstly, keep it between 150-158 characters because Google shortens excerpts that are longer than 158 characters.
Google has a new meta description length of 920 pixels, which means up to 158 characters on your computer and 620 pixels, up to 120 characters on a mobile device.
Secondly, try not to pre-truncate your meta description because “…” is an unreliable indicator. Look at this:
Delete a few words, to avoid this.
What’s more, I am going to show you some of the great meta description examples:
As you can see here,
As you can see here, meta is short and unique!
One more:
Again, short, simple, and unique.
Step 3 – What is the page about?
Put the most important information first. Every meta description needs to quickly show your reader what to expect from your article. Look at this example:
They started their meta with “savings”, informed readers what to expect, and BOOM, people all over the world are using Booking to find a hotel. I use it too!
Simply stated, keep it natural, you are writing for people!
Note: Sleep on it. Write your meta description, leave it, and read it again in an hour or two. You’ll see better ways to fit more benefits.
STEP 4- Never deceive searchers.
Create something click-worthy—not clickbait.
Writing irrelevant descriptions, titles, or keywords into your tags, will, undoubtedly, cause a high bounce rate.
You don’t want your website to have a high bounce rate.
But wait, bounce rate?
Good news! I will explain everything about the bounce rate in the next part of my SEO for Beginners.
STEP 5- How to write better Meta Descriptions?
- Make it easy to read. Stuffing your keywords doesn’t help, it will, definitely, make searchers think it is spam.
- Include a call to action. Call your readers to visit the website. Give them a reason to click on your website among 10 other websites.
- BOLD your main keywords to draw attention.
- Do not use quotation marks.
- Use active voice, not passive.
CONCLUSION
You are all set! This post helped you understand the meta description better. As I said, I was confused at first. I did my research, and, hopefully, this post will have the same effect on you! You might think you are not the right person to do this, but, believe me, you are!