Meta Descriptions – What are they?

27 May 2016 | | Search Engine Optimisation

Search engine optimisation (SEO) is a huge subject. Part of SEO is carrying out on-page optimisation (SEO that is carried out on the website itself). And part of on-page optimisation is writing meta descriptions for each webpage.

There are many questions asked about meta descriptions. And below are the most asked questions, and their answers:

What are Meta Descriptions?

As part of on-page SEO we optimise the meta tags of each webpage.

Meta tags are what search engines, like Google, use to understand each webpage and this is what they present in their search results.

A meta description is what is displayed below the title tag (blue clickable bit in Google search results), and gives a description of the webpage that visitors will see when they click on the search result.

Are meta descriptions used as a ranking signal?

As far as we are aware they are not. Google have stated that they do not use them as a ranking factor.

However, a well written meta description can persuade the searcher to click on your website over others listed in the search results.

How to write a good meta description

  • Use keywords where possible – if you are optimising your teeth whitening page use teeth whitening in the meta description. When searchers are typing “teeth whitening” into search engines, the keywords in your meta description will be highlighted in bold, making your listing stand out.
  • Do not spam your meta description – writing the same keywords over and over again in the meta description, or having a description that doesn’t read well, will make users think that the website might be spammy.
  • Stick to around 135-160 characters for your meta description.
  • Do not duplicate your meta descriptions – don’t write exactly the same meta description for multiple pages of your website.
  • Make your meta description as compelling as possible – it is an advert for your webpage.

If you would like help with your online marketing, please feel free to give Dental Design a call on 01202 677277.

 

Inspiration taken from – Search Engine Watch

More posts from our team


Previous Post:
Next Post:

Back to all news

Reviews2024
Five Star
Reviewed Marketing
5 gold stars
google review logofacebook review with 5 stars
"Excellent service from James at Dental Design, thank you very much for your prompt attention whenever I get in touch! Would definitely recommend to a friend" Alison Tarmey View Full Testimonial
Google reviews logo "Would definitely recommend to a friend"
5 gold stars
"As a dental practice manager I cannot recommend Dental Design highly enough. They are just brilliant at what they do. Lucy and her colleagues are just an email or a phone call away...." Emma Smith View Full Testimonial
Google reviews logo "I cannot recommend Dental Design highly enough"
5 gold stars
"Really great company to deal with. They always respond quickly and are truly reliable. I would 100% recommend, the staff are so friendly and helpful." Michelle Molloy View Full Testimonial
Google reviews logo "Really great company to deal with"
5 gold stars
"I got increased traffic and new patients applying to my surgery, once Dental Design upgraded my website. They are very professional, efficient & adaptive to new situations..." Joanna Gallop View Full Testimonial
Google reviews logo "Very professional, efficient & adaptive to new situations"
5 gold stars
"Lucy has been a star, responding to and acting upon our requests in a prompt, efficient and professional manner, as well as the rest of the Dental Design team..." Abhay Shah View Full Testimonial
Google reviews logo "I cannot recommend them highly enough"
5 gold stars
"...Since the website has been up and running Lucy Mander has been our point of contact. She has been invaluable and gone out of her way to help us, especially during COVID-19 lockdown... " Lucy Jones View Full Testimonial
Google reviews logo "Has been invaluable and gone out of her way to help us"
5 gold stars
"Thank you for all your help and support, and the provision of valuable learning aids for our patients and staff alike in these difficult times. We love the look of our practice website. Very professional!" Sandra Luck View Full Testimonial
Google reviews logo "We love the look of our practice website. Very professional!"
5 gold stars
"Dental Design stood out both in their knowledge of the industry and their professionalism and can-do attitude. All of their staff are exceptionally competent and knowledgeable..." Harvey Rook View Full Testimonial
Google reviews logo "Dental Design stood out both in their knowledge of the industry and their professionalism"
5 gold stars
"Having done extensive research into all the dental website companies, the team and package offered at dental design was unrivalled..." Neil Shah View Full Testimonial
Google reviews logo "The team and package offered at dental design was unrivalled"
5 gold stars
"The team at dental design (especially Rosie) are absolutely fantastic and are always on hand to help. They are professional, friendly and extremely efficient. Rosie always gets back..." KiKi Wilmot View Full Testimonial
Google reviews logo "absolutely fantastic and are always on hand to help"
5 gold stars
"Dental Design are fantastic to work with, our website is amazing and the support they provide is second to none. Our account manager Rosie L is a fabulous point..." Luke Lucas View Full Testimonial
Google reviews logo "Dental Design are fantastic to work with"
5 gold stars
"Having worked with the Dental Design team for the last six months, I've found them not only helpful, but friendly and approachable too. I bombard Marcus with regular..." Sophie Harper View Full Testimonial
Google reviews logo "always met with a swift and professional response"
5 gold stars
desk with branded documents