What is a meta description? A meta description is the short summary that appears under your page’s title in search results. It doesn’t directly affect rankings, but a clear, compelling one can improve your click-through rate — so it’s worth writing a unique, accurate description for each important page.
What is a meta description used for?
It’s the snippet searchers read to decide whether to click your result. Google may rewrite it, but a good description still influences click-through and sets accurate expectations for the page.
Does a meta description affect SEO?
Not as a direct ranking factor. Its value is in click-through rate — a more compelling snippet can earn more clicks from the same ranking, which is why it’s worth getting right.
How do I write a good meta description?
- Summarize what the page actually delivers
- Keep it concise (roughly 150–160 characters)
- Include the main keyword naturally
- Add a clear reason to click
- Make each page’s description unique
What should I avoid?
Duplicate descriptions across pages, keyword stuffing, and vague or misleading copy. If the snippet over-promises, visitors bounce — accuracy builds trust and lowers bounce.