How to Create Effective WordPress Meta Descriptions

You need to give as much information about your WordPress page as you can if you want it to rank higher in search engines. Including metadata like meta titles, meta tags, or meta descriptions is one method to do this.

What Is a Meta Description?

You can add a meta description tag as an HTML element to your webpage or website. The purpose of a meta description is to inform users about the content of your page. It explains how the relevant information connects to their search term.

An HTML component you can include on your webpage or website is a meta description tag. In order to help users understand your material, you should include a meta description. They are informed of the connection between the content and their search term.

Here is an example of an HTML meta description:

Include a target keyword or a word that best sums up the information on the web page in the meta description. It ought to also have a statement that will encourage the reader to visit your page, thus it should be persuasive.

You can create your own meta descriptions quickly using WordPress in particular. That can be done in a number of ways.

Yoast SEO, All in One SEO, or Rank Math are a few SEO plugins you can set up. Your access to the meta description editor is made simple by all of these tools. There is also the option of altering a PHP file to include a meta description as an HTML tag in the code.

Importance of Meta Descriptions in SEO

Although it isn’t as crucial as it once was, a meta description is still an integral aspect of on-page SEO. The user experience and click-through rate (CTR) can both be influenced by an appealing meta description.

More traffic may result from a positive user experience. In order to determine whether your result is pertinent for a given search query, Google considers organic traffic to be a valuable indicator. Your SEO will consequently benefit.

By writing excellent meta descriptions, you can also improve your chances of being displayed as a featured snippet in the SERP’s top section. A quote from your page is highlighted by Google as a featured snippet. To automatically select the right snippet, Google draws on a variety of sources, including the meta description’s descriptive text.

It’s also vital to keep in mind that Google may occasionally choose not to show your own meta description in SERPs. When an HTML meta description is inadequate, Google will occasionally modify it and ignore the original. Knowing how to build an effective meta description is necessary if you don’t want Google to update it.

5 Tips to Write Effective Meta Descriptions

It’s not as difficult to write meta descriptions. But you must keep in mind a few fundamental ideas. The following five guidelines will help you write a meta description that is effective:

1. Stay Below the 155-character Limit

The length of the meta description should be taken into account first. The character restriction isn’t set in stone, however it typically falls between 120 and 160 characters. The character restriction will vary depending on the kind of search tool a viewer uses.

A 155-character maximum is recommended, according to experts, and you shouldn’t go above that limit. If you go over the limit, your meta description can end up being condensed. Users won’t be able to fully understand the context of your page as a result.

In the event that your meta description falls short of Google’s (and other search engines’) requirements, another one can be used in its place. That also covers length. This is why it’s crucial to succinctly and plainly state your page’s main point.

2. Use Active Voice

Your target audience should be persuaded to click on your result by your meta description.

Use the active voice accordingly. The active voice only serves to increase the readability and persuasiveness of your meta description. Potential customers will be drawn to you and be encouraged to visit your website thanks to this.

On the other hand, using the passive voice dilutes the intimacy of your message. And it lengthens it.

3. Include Your Target Keyword

SEO is nothing without keywords. The most appropriate areas, such meta descriptions, should contain them.

A target keyword needs to be in your meta description. The theme of your material is best communicated in this way. The target keyword should be used because it’s likely to be the search term that users will choose.

Use your focus keyword since Google will emphasize phrases that are pertinent in the meta description, which is another reason why it’s vital. The end result has a more appealing appearance as a result. Even synonyms of the focus keyword are occasionally highlighted by Google.

Users aren’t given a clear understanding of the page’s content by meta descriptions that are just long strings of keywords.

4. Add a Call to Action

The user will finally be persuaded to click on your result with a Call to Action (CTA). It’s a sentence that begs the user to, well, do something. Direct and motivating calls to action are preferred.

Remember how we mentioned to communicate to the user directly and use an active voice? With your call to action, you ought to follow suit. Avoid attempting to be extremely original. It might just mask your message. Be direct and to the point.

Make use of words and phrases like “Learn more,” “Get it now,” “Try for free,” and similar expressions. Urgent action should be sparked by a call to action. Use terms like “Now” and “Today” without reservation as well. You can incorporate your desired keyword as well.

5. Write Unique Meta Descriptions for Every Page

Make sure your meta descriptions are distinct and pertinent to the page’s content. The user experience will suffer if you utilize the same meta description for every page.

The value of duplicate meta descriptions (such as the ones above) is zero. Instead of repeating your meta description if you run out of ideas, just leave the WordPress area blank and don’t enter anything. Google will just pull a snippet from your website that uses the query’s keyword and display it.

Conclusion

It can appear that meta descriptions are a minor aspect of SEO. You may increase CTR and your position in search engine results by writing effective meta descriptions.

You now know five guidelines for writing effective WordPress meta descriptions that encourage clicks. Keep them brief, use the active voice, and don’t forget to add your target term. Remember to include a call to action and stay away from using redundant meta descriptions.