Meta tag description length decrease after months of an increase in length to nearly 300 characters. MyCity Social in Miami note the news and knows that staying current with the news in digital marketing and SEO is what makes any agency great. MyCity Social is happy to share that information—like the current trend regarding meta tag description lengths.
With our clients so that they can better understand what occurs when we are working on their accounts. We know how important a client’s business is to them. We treat it with the same care and attention that they would. Because all of these different elements of SEO are dynamic and constantly shifting. It is critical for us to stay alert and we work hard to make sure that this is the case. In learning more about our services or you would like to see what the agency with SEO Miami trusts could offer you, contact us at MyCity Social.
What is a Meta Tag Description?
A meta tag is otherwise known as the snippet of text that use to summarize a web page’s content in HTML. It is important for the sake of search engines. Because they utilize these snippets in search results in order to let visitors know what a page is about before they click on it. It also typically use by social media websites so that those who view a post or a Tweet can see what the link will lead them to before they click on it.
The meta tags of your website are simple things and often will not pass a particular length. However, the requirements for these descriptions are not set in stone. Google as well as other search engines will often change the length of the descriptions as they adjust their algorithms over time. A meta tag description will not help a website rank better. But it does provide critical information for the searcher to determine if the webpage answers their questions.
How Meta Description Works?
Meta descriptions are more than just another task for an SEO specialist to take care of. They are critical in making a user trust your website and decide to visit it among the list of other search results that presente to them. There are many examples of useful and well-done meta tags. For instance, those that utilize the keyword from the page readily in the meta description are more appealing to the searcher.
Take, for instance, Moz’s description of meta descriptions. The description reads, “Meta descriptions are HTML attributes that provide concise summaries of webpages. Meta descriptions can be any length, but Google generally truncates snippets ~300 characters (this limit increased in December 2017). … Meta description tags, while not tied to search engine rankings …” The description is concise, utilizes the keyword “meta descriptions” and tells the searcher exactly what they will find if they click on that link. It provides a summary and a sample for the information that they provide on the page. (Source)
If you would like to learn more about meta descriptions or you would like to begin the process of updating your meta descriptions to draw in more searchers to your website. Feel free to contact us at MyCity Social for more information.
What is the Length of Meta Tag Descriptions Now?
Not more than five months ago, Google changes the average length of their meta tags from roughly 160 characters to something closer to 300 characters. The search engine optimization teams to begin to change the lengths of their meta tags in order to fit the length of the new snippets.
For the last five months, those who specialize in SEO. As well as businesses alike, have been utilizing the new limit length in order to craft their meta descriptions.
However, recently, Google has shortened the average length of their meta tags yet again to the old standard. The change may seem daunting to those who already adjust to the new limit in December. But Google advises that SEO specialists and the companies who work with them not to worry as Google typically pulls their descriptions from the actual page rather than the meta descriptions anyhow.
The algorithm that Google uses to determine what will serve as the snippet for a webpage. Actually relies on what is more informative and useful for the searcher. If the meta description serves this purpose then that is what will be selected.
Length of Meta Tag Descriptions
Moz’s page on meta descriptions states, “In some cases, search engines may overrule the meta description a webmaster has specified in the HTML of a page. Precisely when this will happen is unpredictable, but it often occurs when Google doesn’t think the existing meta description adequately answers a user’s query. And, identifies a snippet from the target page that better matches a searcher’s query.” That means that in order for the right information to include in a meta description. The meta description itself must create optimally and must provide the adequate information for the user.
If you are looking for the help with SEO Miami trusts, MyCity Social is here for you. We have worked with many businesses. We know what it takes to stay on top of the changes that Google puts out. To learn more about what we could do for you, contact us today.
Pros and Cons of Meta Descriptions
As stated previously, meta descriptions not always use when determining the snippet. This means that an SEO specialist could make the effort to create a meta description. And, find that all their hard work ignores by Google’s algorithm. This may lead quite a few people to believe that meta descriptions are unnecessary as Google will select its own handy snippet to show searchers. This is, however, putting yourself in a position to miss out on a number of opportunities.
While there may be a circumstance wherein Google selects your snippet for you and does not allow you to use your meta description. Typically, as long as meta descriptions are done well. You will find that these are the ones that show up in search results. What this means, however, is that they must meet those standards which make them informative and useful.
Compelling Descriptions
For instance, a meta description must be compelling. If your meta description does not have anything directly to do with what you are talking about for the remainder of the page. You are not providing your searchers with any valuable information. Your meta description should serve as a summary of the rest of your page so that the searcher can get a better idea of what is in store for them.
You also have to be certain to include your keyword in your meta description. If your searcher is looking for the best Italian restaurants in Miami and you have a page on your website. Whether it be a blog or otherwise—that has a title that includes “best Italian restaurants in Miami.” Your meta description should also include the words “best Italian restaurants in Miami.”
Finally, your meta descriptions also have to include a call to action. This is the part of the meta description that will give your searcher an action to complete. This could be asking them to continue reading or to visit the website or even to contact the company. Regardless, it must be something that requires clicking the link in order to gain more information to make the action possible.
What Should You Do?
As a business owner, the last thing that you want to worry about is whether your meta descriptions have to be 160 characters or 300 characters. These things can be time-consuming when you think about the number of pages you may have on your website. The number of blogs that you may have posted. To go through all of those pages, and add meta descriptions. To change them to fit a certain length can be an annoying process and there are better ways to get what you need to get done, done.
That is where an SEO agency can come in. The sole purpose of an SEO agency is to help you with things like your meta descriptions. So that you do not have to worry about the technical underbelly of having a website. And, trying to get people to view it and interact with it. You can simply hand over all of those intricate tasks to the experts who know how to deal with these things. And, worry about your day to day dealings with your business itself.
We at MyCity Social are these experts, we have dealt with many different businesses from a variety of industries. We know what it takes to make sure that you have everything in order. Meta descriptions may seem like a monumental task for the inexperienced. But we at MyCity Social know how to create meta descriptions for a number of different websites.
Regardless of what your business may be, you can trust MyCity Social to help that Google may throw at you. We have been working with businesses in the Miami area for years and we know what it means to be detail orient. And take care of even the most minute details of a website. We can make sure that your meta descriptions are well-written and suited to the new standards.
Contact Us
Meta descriptions are part of the world of search engine optimization. In the world of SEO, things are constantly changing and there is no certainty that what works today will work tomorrow. Google has an algorithm that adjusts itself in accordance with what is the most user-friendly. And this algorithm is not always looking out for a business—or an SEO agency’s—best interest. That is why it is the job of SEO specialists to stay on top of the shifts that Google puts out occasionally and make sure that we adapt to assist your company.
Thankfully, MyCity Social is an agency that specializes in SEO Miami trusts. We know that Google is constantly changing the guidelines that websites must follow through their algorithm. And we have managed to shift along with it many times in the past so we know how to handle it again in the future.
With our experience, we can help you navigate these guidelines. So that you are not alone and give you the peace of mind to run your business without worrying about the finer details of your website and your SEO. If you would like to learn more about our services or you have questions about meta descriptions and how they affect your website, contact us today.
