A meta description is an HTML attribute that provides a short summary of a webpage’s content and appears under the title tag in search results. While it does not directly influence rankings, a well-written meta description improves click-through rate (CTR).
Quick Overview of Meta Description in SEO
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Definition | An HTML snippet summarizing page content for search results. |
| Purpose | Attract clicks by giving users a preview of the page. |
| Key Elements | 150–160 characters, target keyword, clear value. |
| Tools | Yoast SEO, Rank Math, Google SERP Preview Tool. |
| Benefit | Higher CTR and better user engagement. |
How Meta Description Works (With Example)
The meta description acts like an ad copy for your page in Google search results. It tells users what they can expect before clicking.
For example, suppose you publish an article on “What is Technical SEO?”
A good meta description would be:
“Technical SEO is the process of optimizing your site for crawling and indexing. Learn meaning, example, and FAQs in this beginner-friendly SEO guide for 2025.”
This works because:
- It includes the keyword (“Technical SEO”).
- It’s within 150–160 characters.
- It highlights the value (“example and FAQs”).
If no meta description is added, Google may pull random text from your page, which might not be compelling. Writing custom descriptions increases CTR, which indirectly boosts rankings.
FAQs on Meta Description in SEO
Q1. How long should a meta description be?
Ideally 150–160 characters. Longer ones may get cut off in search results.
Q2. Does a meta description affect rankings?
Not directly. But higher CTR from a well-written description can improve search performance.
Q3. Should every page have a meta description?
Yes. Each page should have a unique meta description to stand out in search results.