What Is a Meta Description?
A Meta Description is an HTML summary that describes a webpage for search engine results. Search engines may display the summary beneath the page title and URL. The text helps people judge whether a result matches their search, although search engines can replace it with page content when another extract better fits the query.
Quick Facts About Meta Description
Category
On-page SEO element
Used for
Search result summaries
Common confusion
Not the page title
Also called
Meta Description Tag
Often discussed with
On-Page SEO
Key Takeaways About Meta Description
- It appears in search results, not as the main page heading.
- Clear wording helps people assess a result before visiting.
- A Meta Description is not the same as a Title Tag.
How Meta Description Works
A Meta Description sits in a webpage's HTML and gives search engines a written summary of the page. Search results may show that summary below the Title Tag, giving searchers context before they select a result. The wording should reflect the page content and the search intent it serves.
Related glossary terms: Title Tag, Search Engine Results Page, Click-Through Rate.
Search engines decide whether to display the supplied text or create a different extract from the page. On-page SEO work checks each important page for a distinct, accurate description that supports the page's subject. A service page might describe the service and its local relevance, while an information page might state the question it answers. The description supports search visibility, but it does not replace useful page content.
Expert Note
When we review Meta Descriptions, we compare each one with the page title, visible heading and main content. We check that the wording reflects the page's search intent and gives searchers a clear reason to inspect the result. Our team also checks for repeated or mismatched descriptions across important pages.
Meta Description in Practice: A Real-World Example
A Ballarat electrician's service page might use the description, "Compare residential electrical services in Ballarat, including switchboard work, lighting and fault finding." The wording summarises that page and sets a clear expectation before a searcher visits.
Related Services
Related Terms
Title Tag
A title tag is an HTML element that names a webpage in a browser tab and…
Search Engine Results Page
A Search Engine Results Page is the screen a search engine returns after someone enters a…
Click-Through Rate
Click-Through Rate is a percentage-based performance metric that shows how often people select a link after…
Search Intent
Search Intent is the underlying purpose behind a search query. It describes what a person wants…
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