What is a meta description?
A meta description is an HTML tag that summarizes a page in a sentence or two. Search engines often show it beneath the page title in results, where a clear summary can encourage people to click.
Last reviewed .
Why meta descriptions matter
The description isn't a direct ranking factor, but it affects how appealing your result looks. A relevant, specific summary can help earn the click.
How to write a good one
Summarize what the page offers in plain language and speak directly to the searcher's need. Include the main topic naturally and keep it short enough that it isn't cut off, which often means around 150 to 160 characters.
Give each page its own description, rather than repeating the same one across your site.
When Google rewrites it
Google may show different text if it thinks another part of the page better matches the search. That's normal, and a strong description still gives it a good option to use.
Common questions
Do meta descriptions affect rankings?
Google has said they aren't a ranking factor. They can still affect click-through rate by shaping how your result looks.
How long should a meta description be?
Search results truncate by width rather than a fixed count, but around 150 to 160 characters usually displays well. Put the key message first.
Why does Google show a different description than mine?
Google picks the text it believes best answers the specific search, which may come from the page content instead of your tag.
Do I need a meta description on every page?
It's good practice for pages you want to appear in search. Without one, Google builds a snippet from the page text.
Want help putting this to work?
Tell us where your marketing stands today, and we'll show you what to do first.