← Back to Index

Meta Description

FigureAnatomy of a Google Search Result. The Meta Description is your "Ad Copy" to win the click.

What is a Meta Description?

While technically a ranking factor of "zero" (Google doesn't use the keywords in it to rank you), the meta description is one of the most critical elements for SEO success. It is your "ad copy" in the search results. A good description convinces the user to choose your link over the nine others on the page.

Why it Matters for SEO

1. Click-Through Rate (CTR)

Ranking #1 is useless if nobody clicks. A compelling description that addresses the user's intent can steal clicks from higher-ranking competitors. Higher CTR is a strong signal to Google that your result is relevant.

2. Bolded Keywords

When a user searches for "best pizza in NY," and your description says "We have the best pizza in NY...", Google bolds those words. This visual cue draws the eye and increases click probability.

3. Social Snippet Fallback

If you forget to define Open Graph (OG) tags for Facebook/LinkedIn, these platforms will often default to using your meta description.

Code Implementation

html
<head>
  <meta name="description" content="Learn how to optimize your meta descriptions for higher CTR. Includes code examples, length limits, and 5 expert tips for 2024." />
</head>

Common Pitfalls & How to Fix

The "Snippet Truncation"

The Mistake: Writing 300 characters. Google usually cuts off text after ~155-160 characters (desktop) or ~120 (mobile).

The Fix: Keep the most important information and keywords in the first 120 characters. Use a checker tool to preview the length.

Duplicate Descriptions

The Mistake: Using "Welcome to our website" as the description for every page.

The Fix: Every page is unique; its description must be unique. If you have thousands of pages (e.g., e-commerce), use programmatic templates: Buy {Product Name} at the best price. Rated {Rating} stars by {Count} users.

Missing the "Hook"

The Mistake: Just listing keywords. "Shoes, red shoes, buy shoes."

The Fix: Write for humans. Use active verbs ("Buy," "Learn," "Discover") and offer a benefit ("Save 20%," "Free Guide").

How to Audit with Mygom

Mygom analyzes:

  1. Presence: Is the tag there?
  2. Length: Is it between 50 and 160 characters?
  3. Content: Does it exist but only contains whitespace?