Meta Descriptions: What Are They? And Why You Should Pay For Them?

Meta descriptions are tiny—no more than 200 characters long—explanations of certain web pages. Majority of developers and website owners incorrectly perceive them to be inconsequential to the bigger scheme of things.

However, the truth is that Meta descriptions have a strong influence on the amount of visitors a website gets straight from search results. There is a particular format to them. This ensures that search engines are able to read the Meta easily and display correct information as requested by a particular search query.

However, creating Meta descriptions is tricky. Because humans read them too, it important to ensure readability and smooth flow of text.

So when writing Meta descriptions, it is imperative you get the keywords right in order to ensure attention from search engines. In addition to that, sentence structuring matters too.

What are Meta Descriptions, Really?

Meta description tags aren’t an important factor when determining search results rankings. However, they are good at getting users to click through the SERPs and onto the website.  These present a brilliant opportunity to attract and advertise to searchers, giving them accurate info on what they’ll find on a page if they click on the accompanying link.

Good Meta descriptions employ keywords intelligently, are no longer than 160 characters long, and must provide a snippet of the page it’s representing.

Fundamentals of a Persuasive Meta Description

Learning how to write Meta description can be tricky. So practice is a must. Here are the 3 basic elements of a compelling Meta tag.

The Devil’s In the Details!

Use the Meta tag and let the reader know exactly what they will get when they click. If you are selling shoes, use the space to tell them about the sizes, colors, materials and offers. Mention details!

Sell Your Benefits in 160 Characters or Less!

Don’t just talk about the features; sell them. Help your webpage ad product stand out from the crowd and tell the readers its benefits. Talk about “the best damn shoes made from the finest leather, available in the colors they are looking for!”

Give A Clear Call To Action!

Click here, find out, learn more, shop now – and any other action verbs relevant to your content should be added to the Meta description. Make it powerful enough so it can’t be ignored and compels the reader to follow through, NOW!

Importance of Meta Description for SEO Purposes

To tell you the truth, Google entirely dismisses Meta descriptions, saying they are inconsequential for a website's rankings in search engine results. Here’s how the relationship between Meta tags and search engines can be understood quickly:

1. It is true that a Meta description does not affect the results of the search ranking algorithm.
2. It is however a factor in affecting user behavior, which is factored into the results of search algorithm.
3. Well-written Meta tags lead to better click-through rate (CTR), which also play a part in influencing ranking algorithm.

So you need killer Meta descriptions to attract users, enhance click through rates and improve your standing with Google!

If you aren’t confident in your ability to write succinct, compelling Meta descriptions, it’s time to call in the pros. As a part of our website optimization services, we create compelling Meta descriptions for you. Visit us at www.searchberg.com to learn more.