Meta description

Meta description

Definition

The meta description is an HTML attribute that summarises a page’s content. It sits in the <head> and appears below the title in Google’s results. Unlike the title tag, it is not a direct ranking factor, but it strongly influences the click-through rate (CTR).

Best practices

  • Recommended length: 140 to 160 characters
  • Deliver a clear promise and a user benefit
  • Include the main keyword so it appears bold in the SERP
  • Add a subtle call to action (learn more, request a demo, compare)
  • One unique meta per page, aligned with the search intent

When Google replaces it

Google often rewrites the meta description using content from the page (usually a passage close to the keyword). The behaviour has grown more frequent since 2023. To reduce rewrites:

  • Keep keyword density natural inside the content
  • Stay consistent between title, meta and H1
  • Use Schema.org markup to enrich the snippet