When a website is created, the web developers and web designers work in collaboration with SEO strategists, graphic designers, and content writers. The content is created keeping in mind the plans and strategies to attract the maximum number of visitors and potential clients towards the websites. Content should be rich in headings, sub-headings, point-wise precise, accurate and relevant descriptions. The content should also include appropriate meta-descriptions so as to give an idea to the visitors what the website and its content is all about and get better search results through its use.
Google has come up with certain recommendations regarding how one can create better meta-descriptions for the search results. At the same time, Google is also playing an important role to enhance meta-descriptions by making notable updates to how they are rendered.
How does Google Generate Meta Descriptions?
When Google has to decide which information is to be displayed in the snippet of a search result, it first turns to the content of the web page itself and then extracts the most relevant information which is available.
When a page’s content is not considered the most relevant source on the basis of the user’s requirements, Google then turns to manually written meta-descriptions to be displayed in the search snippet.
Earlier, if the page content was not found to be the most relevant source to generate a snippet, and at the same time, there was no meta-description to be found, Google automatically pulls the information from DMOZ. Now, with DMOZ closed, Google has stopped depending on the web directory for generating the snippets.
What does Google mean by good meta-descriptions?
It has become more significant than ever for the website owners to create good meta-descriptions and add them in the content. Google continues to explain what a good meta-description actually is.
Good meta-descriptions are basically short blurbs that describe accurately and precisely the content of the webpage. They can be considered similar to a pitch that convinces the user that that particular webpage is exactly what they’re searching for.
Issues faced while creating meta-descriptions
The most common issues faced by the website owners include:
- The website owners need to be careful while creating meta-descriptions. It is important to include meta-descriptions and they cannot be neglected at all. Another problem that is generally faced is regarding the use of the same meta-description for all web pages on the website which should be avoided.
- Other issues include writing meta-descriptions that are off-topic, inappropriate and unwanted, or even of low quality.
- Google claims that there is no character limit for creating meta-descriptions and you can create meta-descriptions according to your own convenience or as per the website demands; however, they should be curtailed to fit within the width of the device the websites are being viewed on.
So, it becomes necessary to follow the recommendations given by Google for creating meta-descriptions for the website because this would only help your website to flourish and gain genuine traffic of visitors and clients.