Meta Description

Why It Matters

Meta descriptions are your sales pitch in search results. A compelling meta description can dramatically increase click-through rates, even if you're not ranking #1. Studies show pages with optimized meta descriptions see 5-15% higher CTR than those without.

How It Works

Search engines display meta descriptions as the snippet text below titles in search results, showing approximately 150-160 characters. While Google may rewrite descriptions based on query relevance, providing a well-crafted default gives you control over your message. Meta descriptions are defined using <meta name='description'> tag in the HTML head.

Use Cases

• An article uses action-oriented language: 'Discover 15 proven strategies to double your email open rates. Includes real examples, templates, and case studies from top marketers.'
• A product page highlights key benefits: 'Premium leather laptop bag with 15-inch capacity. Handcrafted, water-resistant, lifetime warranty. Free shipping over $50.'
• A service page addresses pain points: 'Struggling with low conversion rates? Our CRO experts have increased client conversions by an average of 47%. Get your free audit today.'

Best Practices

• Keep meta descriptions between 150-160 characters to avoid truncation
• Include a clear call-to-action to encourage clicks
• Incorporate primary and secondary keywords naturally without stuffing
• Write unique descriptions for every page to avoid duplicate content
• Match the description to page content to reduce bounce rates
• Use compelling language that differentiates you from competitors in search results