How to Write a Meta Description That Gets Clicks
A good meta description states the benefit, adds a specific detail and invites the click, in 120 to 158 characters. It does not directly affect rankings, but it is the text people read when deciding whether to click your result, so it directly affects traffic.
The three part formula
- Lead with the outcome: what the reader gets.
- Add one concrete specific: a number, a timeframe or a free promise.
- Keep it honest. Descriptions that overpromise raise bounce rates, which hurts more than the click helped.
How long should it be
Aim for 120 to 158 characters. Under 120 and Google may rewrite it. Over 158 and it gets cut off mid sentence on mobile.
Write yours free
The Meta Tag Generator builds titles and descriptions with live character counts against Google's limits. Check the final result with the SERP preview in the On-Page SEO Checker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Google always show my meta description?
No, it rewrites it about 60% of the time, usually when it does not match the query.
Should I put keywords in it?
Yes, matching words get bolded in results, which lifts clicks.
Related reading
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