Part 2: How To Optimize the Meta Description Tag for Google and Other Search Engines

In my previous article, Part 1: How To Optimize the Meta Description Tag for Google and Other Search Engines I discussed there, why it was important to have a well written Meta Description tag. Today, I am going to tell you about some best practices in writing a Meta Description.

Here are some best practices in writing a Meta Description:

1. Do not use the same Meta Description in all of your pages. Each page should have a different Meta Description. Think about the unique purpose of that particular page.

2. Most search engines use 160 characters, but it is best to keep it to 150 because sometimes Google displays a date, which will cut off your Meta Description. See example below:

Figure 1

3. Your Meta Description must be relevant to your web page and should contain your keywords. People’s eyes focus on the left so aim to show your keywords there. Also, because the search query words will be in bold, placing them on the left will help your listing stand out more. Consequently, the searcher will be more likely to perceive your page as relevant to what they are looking for.

4. Do not overpopulate the Meta Description with keywords. It should be informative and enticing. Remember, searchers will be reading this. If they find the description interesting and believe it summarizes what they are looking for, they will visit your web page.

I will be explaining in my next article where you can find and edit your Meta Description. I will also share with you the WordPress plugins you can use to easy insert Meta Tags.

If you do not have a website, but created an account with a blogging directory like MyWorkButterfly.com, you can still optimize your search summary description by optimizing your content. Remember I mentioned in my previous article that Google will use a snippet, if your Meta description tag is not optimized. You can do the following:

• In the first 50 words of your blog post, make sure to include your keyword and bold it.
• If the blogging directory provided a space where you can write an excerpt or a short summary of your post or article, make sure you include your keywords in it.

Remember to watch out for the next article in these series where you can find and edit your Meta Description out next Tuesday.

Posts in the series How To Optimize the Meta Description Tag for Google and Other Search Engines
Part 1: Why the Meta Description is Important
Part 2: Best Practices in constructing a Meta Description
Part 3: How to Optimize the Meta Description