Here is the definition of a meta-description : A meta-description is a text excerpt that summarizes the content of a web page and is placed in the header of the HTML file. For full display on Google, the size of this tag generally does not exceed 158 characters (920 pixels). It is visible on the results page of a search engine and should be optimized.
How does the meta description appear in search engines?
The meta description appears below the title of your content (meta title tag) in search engine results pages. Although they have been confirmed to be of lesser importance, adding a keyword or key phrase to a meta description is a good on-page SEO practice.
A positioning factor
Having a meta description associated with each page on your site increases your chances of appearing in the Asia Pacific Lead Telemarketing top results . However, Google clarified that as of September 21, 2009, the meta description and the meta-keyword tag will no longer be considered by its ranking algorithms. [1]
Still, it has an indirect effect on your SERP positioning ! In fact, that’s what I’ll explain in the next point.
Increase your click-through rate
Although it is no longer a ranking factor, a quality meta description can help improve your click-through rate (CTR) on search engine results pages (SERPs), which is an excellent ranking signal.
In fact, the more users click on your link, the higher your CTR will be. This shows Google that your result is highly relevant to the query .
If a large number of people click on your link, then Google will tend to show your link more when certain phrases and keywords are used in the query. That’s why it’s important to include a well-optimized meta description on every page .
How to find the meta description?
Meta tags should appear in the part from an HTML document. So, to add it, you’ll need to access your site’s source code . In Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, you can right-click > View Source (or press CTRL+U). Once the source code is displayed, look in the source for the meta name=description tag . See below:
