A meta description is an HTML meta tag that provides a brief summary of a web page's content. It appears below the title tag in search engine results and is typically 150-160 characters long. Google has confirmed meta descriptions are not a direct ranking factor.
Why Meta Description matters for SEO
While not a ranking factor, meta descriptions directly affect click-through rate (CTR) from search results. A well-written meta description can increase CTR by 5-10%, driving more traffic from the same ranking position. Google may rewrite your meta description if it doesn't match the search query.
Pro tip on Meta Description
Write unique meta descriptions for every page. Keep them under 160 characters. Include a call to action. Include your primary keyword naturally (Google bolds matching terms). Treat them as ad copy for your search listing.
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