There are many tools or aspects that work together to help with your SEO rankings, including meta descriptions. While they may not be a direct link to getting your page listed at the top of search results, descriptions can help with the click-through rate and will help searchers know exactly what they will be getting through that link. Investing time in your description, despite the length, will help Google show users what they will get from your webpage.
What Is A Meta Description?
The meta description is the HTML tag that you set for a page or post on your website. This is what is shown beneath the page title when search results are listed on the results page of Google. Your meta description is what convinces Google to show your page for a specific query and will give users a brief idea of what the page is about. These descriptions with your preferred keyword is what tells Google to populate this page when someone asks that question or types in that keyword. Meta descriptions can help more users click your link, which will, in turn, boost your page rankings over time.
Recommended Length
Depending on the SEO tool you use, the recommended length of a meta description can vary. It is typically recommended that you keep descriptions under 150 characters, because this is where Google cuts off the preview, meaning some of your words will be lost. Mobile devices will also show fewer characters on search results because of the smaller screen, typically 50-70 characters. Keeping the description short and concise will help Google rank your page, keep customers informed, and avoid looking like spam.
If you want to avoid your description from getting truncated or cut off, it is best to keep the descriptions short. It is also not guaranteed that Google will show the description you write, so optimizing your title, meta description, and content is the best way to get your page ranked at the top of search results.
Can You Go Over The Recommended Length?
As previously mentioned, you can make your description longer, but Google may choose to truncate it or not show it at all. Sticking to the recommended length is one way to ensure it is shown, but you should also ensure the description is factual and similar to the on page content. Even if meta descriptions are not the deciding factor in your SEO rankings, ensuring that the title, description, and page content all work together will result in better rankings. If you do go over the recommended length for meta descriptions, you should make sure other SEO tactics are being used across the site.
Why Descriptions Are Important For SEO
Every part of an SEO strategy is important, including a quality description. Writing quality content, optimizing photos, and using the right keywords will push your content out to those who need it most.
Writing a quality meta description will encourage customers and searchers to take action. Including a CTA like “read more” or “shop now” will help encourage more clicks on your link, showing Google that your content is useful for that keyword.
When reading a description, oftentimes Google pulls the part of the content it sees as most helpful. If the description gets cut off or adjusted by Google, a user may be intrigued to read more and see what other information you have to share. Sparking curiosity about the topic or learning more about your business comes from a well-crafted meta description.
When Google can easily categorize and read your webpages, it is able to push those to customers in your target audience. Putting keywords throughout the content, in the description, and in alt text will help it rank for popular search queries. Without keyword stuffing, marketers should use the keyword in the title and description strategically to show the page to those who can benefit most.
Better Optimization From PDM
Performance Driven Marketing is constantly testing techniques and learning more about SEO strategies. We stay on top of numbers and Google trends to help our clients reach the top of search results no matter their industry. PDM has been in the marketing space for over a decade and has learned how to get clients real customers, rather than just clicks. Our company has a dedicated team of multiple professionals who can help you have the best website and content on the market. Let us help you reform your marketing strategy and set your business up for success in the coming year.
