Definition
The meta description is an HTML attribute placed in the <head> section of a page that briefly describes its content in 150 to 160 characters. It appears as a text snippet under the blue title in Google search results. While the meta description is not a direct ranking factor for Google, it plays a crucial role in click-through rate (CTR) as it forms the user's first impression of your page. A well-written meta description should summarize the content engagingly, include the main keyword (which will appear bold in the SERP), contain a call to action, and entice clicks. Google may choose to display a different snippet than your meta description if it considers another page passage better answers the query.
Key Points
- The meta description is not a direct ranking factor but strongly impacts click-through rate
- It should be 150-160 characters to avoid truncation in SERPs
- Google may replace your meta description with a page excerpt if deemed more relevant
Practical Examples
E-commerce meta description
For a shoe category page, the meta description 'Discover our collection of running shoes from Nike, Adidas, and Asics. Free shipping over $50 and 30-day returns. Over 500 models available.' integrates keywords and commercial arguments.
Blog meta description
For a blog article, the meta description 'Learn the 10 most effective SEO techniques in 2026 to double your organic traffic. Complete guide with concrete examples and recommended tools.' promises clear added value to the reader.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ideal meta description length is between 150 and 160 characters (approximately 920 pixels on desktop). Beyond that, Google truncates the text. On mobile, the limit is lower, around 120 characters. Write the most important message within the first 120 characters to cover all display formats.
Yes, it is recommended to write a unique and optimized meta description for every important page on your site. If none is provided, Google will automatically generate a snippet from the page content, which may not be the most attractive or relevant. However, for very large sites with thousands of similar pages, letting Google auto-generate descriptions can be an acceptable strategy.
Go Further with LemmiLink
Discover how LemmiLink can help you put these SEO concepts into practice.
Last updated: 2026-02-07