Meta description

What is meta description?

A meta description is the short HTML summary of a page that Google often shows beneath the title in search results. It is not a direct ranking factor, but a clear, compelling description improves click-through rate, which can indirectly help performance. Aim for about 150 to 160 characters.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the ideal meta description length?

Around 150 to 160 characters. Google truncates longer descriptions, so front-load the most important information and your keyword. On mobile the visible limit is shorter, so make the first 120 characters count. Every page should have a unique, hand-written description.

Do meta descriptions affect SEO?

Not directly — they are not a ranking factor. But they influence click-through rate from the results page, and higher CTR can indirectly improve rankings. Google also frequently rewrites descriptions, but a strong one increases the odds it uses yours.

How do I write a good meta description?

Summarize the page’s value in 150 to 160 characters, include the target keyword naturally, match the search intent, and add a subtle call to action. Make each one unique — duplicate meta descriptions waste the chance to earn clicks and confuse search engines.

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