Help, why is my metadescription not displayed?
29.02.2024
In some cases, Google may not display your meta description. But why is this the case?
1. relevance of the meta description
One reason for this may be that the meta description is not relevant enough. This means that it does not summarize the content of the website concisely and attractively enough.
2. observe the correct number of characters
So what can you keep in mind? We recommend a character count of 50-160. If it is longer or shorter, it may not be displayed in full or may be ignored by Google - which we definitely don't want.
3. check for technical problems
There may also be technical problems that prevent the meta description from being displayed correctly. Therefore, check your website in advance for errors and problems.
4 Google can replace the description
Another cause is that Google itself decides to replace the specially formulated meta description with the texts relating to the search queries. Or the search query does not match the meta description, and Google selects an excerpt from the text of the corresponding website.
5 Google adapts the description to the search query
Google changes meta descriptions to ensure that they match users' search queries and intentions exactly. For example, when you type a person's name into Google Search, Google doesn't necessarily search for the person themselves, but for their achievements. This can lead to your meta description not being displayed on the page where you would probably like it to be. What Google leaves as a description in the search results instead of a meta description depends solely on the search query. This means that Google can display different descriptions for the same page in the SERPs.
What can you do about this?
To ensure that Google consistently displays the desired meta description in the SERPs (search results pages), there are a few things you can do:
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Optimize your meta description: make sure your meta description is concise, relevant and engaging. Use relevant keywords that describe the content of the page well. Stick to the recommended character count to ensure the entire description is displayed.
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Use structured data: Implement structured data on your website to provide Google with additional information about your page. This can help Google interpret and display the meta description more accurately.
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Use meaningful page titles: The page title is another important factor that Google takes into account when displaying search results. Make sure your page titles are clear and concise and reflect the content of the page well.
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Regularly review and update: Regularly review your meta descriptions and page titles to ensure they are current and relevant. Change them as necessary to reflect changes in the content or focus of the page.
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Avoid duplication: Make sure that every page on your website has a unique meta description and page title. Duplication can cause Google to get confused and may not show the desired description in the SERPs.
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Use relevant structuring elements: Use headings (H1, H2, etc.) and paragraph formatting to clarify the structure and relevance of your page to Google.
By implementing these measures, you can increase the likelihood that Google will display your desired meta description in the SERPs.
How do I put keywords in my meta description?
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Natural integration: Include keywords in the meta description in a natural way, without excessive keyword stuffing.
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Placement at the beginning: Place important keywords at the beginning of the meta description.
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Relevance: Only use relevant keywords that accurately describe the content of the page.
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Uniqueness: Each meta description should be unique and specific to the page.
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Observe length restrictions: Make sure that your meta description complies with the length limit for SERPs.
What are the benefits of a meta description?
A meta description offers several advantages for your website. Firstly, it helps to improve your ranking and visibility in search engines by containing relevant keywords and information. In addition, an engaging meta description can increase the click-through rate as it attracts users' attention and encourages them to visit your site. A clear and concise meta description also improves the user experience as it gives visitors a clear idea of what to expect on your website. Last but not least, it gives you a competitive advantage by making your site stand out from others in search results, driving more traffic to your site.
Level up your brand and website
Do you need help with your online presence and don't know where to start? Then get in touch and let us do a free, no-obligation evaluation of your website and branding. Then we can see where your levers are to take your brand to the next level! :-)