What is a meta description in SEO?
A meta description is an HTML attribute that provides a brief summary of a web page. Search engines often display this summary in search results (SERPs) to give users an idea of what the page is about before they click. While it is not a direct ranking factor, it is critical for Click-Through Rate (CTR).
Why Google Rewrites Your Descriptions
I’ve seen studies showing Google rewrites meta descriptions over 70% of the time. This usually happens because the original description is too short, too long, or doesn’t match the user’s specific query. To prevent this, make your description highly relevant to the primary keyword on the page.
The "Sales Pitch" Mindset
Think of the meta description as your 160-character elevator pitch. You have one chance to tell the user why your page is the best answer to their problem. Don’t waste it on fluff like "Welcome to our website."
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a meta description help you rank higher?
No. Google has officially stated that meta descriptions are not a ranking signal. However, a high CTR tells Google your page is relevant, which can indirectly help your rankings over time.
