ActiveCampaignAEMBeehiivBigCommerceBloggerBrevoClickFunnelsConcrete CMSContentfulConvertKitCraft CMSCustomDev.toDrupalExpressionEngineGetResponseGhostGravHashnodeHubSpotInstapageJoomlaKenticoKlaviyoLeadpagesMagentoMailchimpMediumOctober CMSPrestaShopSanityShopifySilverstripeSitecoreSquarespaceStrapiSubstackTYPO3UmbracoUnbounceWebflowWixWordPressWP.com

Meta Descriptions

5-10 minBeginner

Meta descriptions act as your "ad copy" in search results. While they aren't a direct ranking factor, they significantly impact Click-Through Rate (CTR). In WordPress, you need an SEO plugin or theme support to customize these.

Prerequisites

  • WordPress admin access
  • Yoast SEO or Rank Math plugin installed
Easy Recommended

Using Yoast SEO

The standard way to add meta descriptions in WordPress. Provides real-time length checking and preview.

1

Edit Page or Post

1

Go to the editor for any page or post

2

Scroll down to the Yoast SEO meta box (or check sidebar in Gutenberg)

3

Click the arrow to expand the "Google Preview" or "Search Appearance" section

2

Write the Description

1

Find the "Meta description" field

2

Write a unique summary (150-160 characters)

3

The bar will turn green when length is optimal

4

Include your primary keyword naturally

3

Use Variables (Optional)

1

You can use variables like %%excerpt%% to auto-fill (not recommended for core pages)

2

Best practice is to write custom descriptions for all main pages

Best Practices

Do

  • Write unique descriptions for every page
  • Include a clear Call-to-Action (CTA): "Learn more," "Shop now," "Read guide"
  • Put the most important info in the first 120 characters
  • Match the intent of the user search
  • Use active voice and persuasive language

Don't

  • Copy/paste the same description across multiple pages
  • Use auto-generated snippets that cut off mid-sentence
  • Fill it with just keywords (keyword stuffing)
  • Make it too short (under 50 chars) or too long (over 160 chars)
  • Use double quotes " inside the description (can break HTML)

Verification Checklist

  • Meta description exists in source code (<meta name="description" ...>)
  • Length is between 150-160 characters
  • Contains target keyword and call-to-action
  • Google Search Console shows no "Missing meta description" warnings

Pro Tips

  • Treat meta descriptions like Google Ads text - selling the click is the goal
  • If you leave it blank, Google will pick random text from your page (usually bad)
  • For eCommerce, include price, specs, or "Free Shipping" in the description
  • Check "Performance" in GSC to see which pages have low CTR - rewrite their descriptions

Common Issues & Fixes

Problem: Google ignores my description and shows random text
Solution: Google rewrites descriptions ~70% of the time if it thinks yours isn't relevant to the specific search query. Focus on matching user intent better.
Problem: Description not saving
Solution: Check for plugin conflicts or database issues. Ensure you are looking at the right field (not "Excerpt").
Problem: Duplicate meta descriptions reported in audit tools
Solution: This happens often with paginated content (Page 2, 3). Configure your SEO plugin to add "Page X of Y" to paginated descriptions.