Page Description (Meta Description)

A page description is the short summary that helps explain what a page is about. It may appear in search results, shared links, or other places where people see the page before opening it. A good page description gives users a clear preview of the content and helps them decide whether they are in the right place. Google recommends writing unique, accurate description tags that summarize the page for users.

 

Write a short summary of the page

The page description should briefly explain what users will find on the page. Think of it as a short preview, not a full explanation.

 

A good description usually answers one or more of these questions:

  • What is this page about?

  • Who is it for?

  • What can users do here?

  • Why might someone visit this page?

 

The description should match the actual content of the page.

 

Keep it clear and natural

Write in plain language. The description should sound like a real sentence or short summary, not a list of keywords.

 

Less helpful

 

Student services support help resources students campus support assistance

 

Better

 

Find student support services, campus resources, and contact information for current students.

 

Clear writing is more useful than trying to squeeze in every possible term.

 

Match the page content

The description should reflect what is actually on the page. Do not promise more than the page provides.

 

For example:

  • if the page is about admissions requirements, say that

  • if the page is a request form, make that clear

  • if the page is mainly informational, describe the topic honestly

 

Users should not feel misled after opening the page. Google also advises making description tags informative and relevant to the page content.

 

Make each description unique

Each page should have its own description. Reusing the same description across many pages makes it harder for users to tell pages apart.

 

Even when pages are related, the description should still reflect the specific topic of that page.

 

Too generic

 

Learn more about services and resources available at our institution.

 

Better

 

Review residency application requirements, deadlines, and next steps.

 

Unique descriptions make pages easier to identify in search results and shared links. Google recommends different descriptions for different pages.

 

Focus on what matters most

You do not need to describe everything on the page. Focus on the main topic or main task.

 

For example, a strong page description might highlight:

  • the main service

  • the main audience

  • the key action

  • the main question the page answers

 

A short, focused description is usually more helpful than a broad one.

 

Avoid filler language

Try not to waste space on phrases that add little meaning.

 

Avoid

  • Welcome to our website

  • This page contains information about

  • Learn more about

  • Click here to find out more

 

These openings are often too generic. Start with the content itself instead.

 

Instead of

 

This page contains information about the Office of Student Affairs and the resources available to students.

 

Use

 

Find student support services, resources, and contact information from the Office of Student Affairs.

 

Do not copy the page title

The page title and page description should support each other, not repeat each other word for word.

 

For example:

 

Page title

Student Affairs

 

Page description

Find student support services, campus resources, and contact information for current students.

 

That gives users more useful context than repeating the title alone.

 

Keep it concise

Page descriptions should be brief and easy to read. A shorter description is often more effective than a long one. Google notes that there is no fixed required length, but descriptions should be useful, informative, and relevant.

 

Before publishing

Use this quick review before adding or approving a page description:

  • The description clearly summarizes the page.

  • The wording matches the actual page content.

  • The description is written in plain language.

  • The description is unique to that page.

  • Filler wording has been removed.

  • The description adds more context than the page title alone.

 

Related guidance: Page Title, Define the Purpose of Page, Content Development, and Page URL.