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Insights, Trends

Why Meta Descriptions on Web Pages Matter: A Simple Guide

Jason Frey

August 10, 2023 3 Min Read

Curious about how websites reach you in online searches and their importance, especially for people with disabilities? In this article, we'll explore "meta descriptions" and their significance.

What Are Meta Descriptions?

Imagine browsing a catalog of books, and beneath each title, you find a concise description that summarizes the book's content. These descriptions help you decide whether to read the book or not. On the internet, similar concise summaries under each search result link are known as "meta descriptions." Think of them as book summaries for web pages.

The primary purpose of meta descriptions is to inform search engines and users what a particular page is all about.

Jason Frey Founder & Creative Director

Why Do These Descriptions Matter?

  1. They Help You Find What You're Looking For

    Meta descriptions assist search engines like Google in understanding the content of web pages. When a description matches your search query, the search engine displays that page, helping you find precisely what you need online.

  2. They Make You Want to Click

    Engaging meta descriptions are more likely to attract clicks. This benefits websites by increasing visitor traffic.

  3. They Help Everyone Use the Web

    For individuals with visual impairments, special computer programs read web page text, including meta descriptions. These snippets enhance internet accessibility for all users, regardless of their abilities.

  4. They Work on Phones Too

    Meta descriptions are also valuable for mobile users. Given the limited screen space on phones, a brief, clear description helps users decide whether to visit a page without needing to click first.

How to Write Good Descriptions

If you own or plan to create a website, here are some tips for crafting effective meta descriptions:

  • Keep it Short: Ensure your description is concise to prevent it from being cut off.
  • Tell the Truth: Clearly convey the page's content and purpose.
  • Make it Unique: Each page should feature a distinct description to avoid confusion.

Conclusion

At Frey Design, we prioritize creating visually appealing and highly functional websites for everyone. This includes crafting essential meta descriptions that aid users in finding what they seek and improving web accessibility.

Consider your website as a catalog in a store. The more precise the descriptions, the easier it is for people to find what they want. That's our mission: to assist you in enhancing your website.

Interested in learning more? Contact us today! Together, we can make the web a more user-friendly place, one description at a time.

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