How Long Should A Meta Description Be

“Meta descriptions are an essential element of on-page SEO as they provide a concise summary of a webpage’s content to search engine users. When done correctly, meta descriptions can help improve click-through rates and ultimately drive more organic traffic to a website. However, one common question that often arises is: how long should a meta description be?

In the past, Google recommended keeping meta descriptions under 160 characters to ensure that they were fully displayed in search engine results. However, in recent years, Google has increased the character limit for meta descriptions to around 320 characters. This change has led to some confusion among SEO professionals and website owners about the optimal length for meta descriptions.

While Google now allows for longer meta descriptions, it is important to remember that search engine results pages (SERPs) still only display a limited amount of text. This means that even though Google may show longer meta descriptions in some cases, it is not guaranteed that the entire description will be visible to users. In fact, research has shown that most search engine users only read the first 150-160 characters of a meta description before deciding whether or not to click on a link.

Given this information, it is still advisable to keep meta descriptions concise and to the point. Aim to include the most important information about the webpage in the first 150-160 characters to ensure that users can quickly understand what the page is about. This includes using relevant keywords and a compelling call-to-action to entice users to click on the link.

That being said, if you have more to say about the webpage’s content and feel that a longer meta description is necessary to accurately convey the information, it is okay to exceed the 160-character limit. Just keep in mind that the additional text may not be displayed in search engine results, so prioritize the most important information in the first 150-160 characters.

In conclusion, while Google now allows for longer meta descriptions, it is still best practice to keep them concise and focused on the most important information. Aim to include relevant keywords, a compelling call-to-action, and key details about the webpage’s content in the first 150-160 characters to optimize click-through rates. If more information is needed, it is okay to exceed the character limit, but prioritize the most critical details in the beginning of the description. By following these guidelines, you can create effective meta descriptions that drive more organic traffic to your website.”