A meta description is a brief and concise summary of the content of a web page. It is a snippet of text is typically displayed on search engine results pages (SERPs) below the title of the page. Meta descriptions serve as a preview for users to understand what a particular web page is about before they click on the link to visit the page.
The main purposes of a meta description are:
- Providing Information: Meta descriptions offer a concise overview of the content on a web page, helping users quickly determine whether the page is relevant to their search query.
- Attracting Clicks: Well-written meta descriptions can entice users to click on the link, as they provide a glimpse into the value and relevance of the page’s content.
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO): While meta descriptions do not directly impact search engine rankings, they can indirectly influence click-through rates. Higher click-through rates can signal to search engines that a page is relevant and engaging, which could potentially lead to improved rankings over time.
Meta descriptions should be carefully crafted to accurately represent the content of the page while also being engaging and compelling. They are usually limited to a certain character count (typically around 150-160 characters) to ensure they are concise and fit within the space provided in search results. Including relevant keywords and a clear call-to-action can further enhance the effectiveness of a meta-description.