Meta Descriptions on WordPress.com - Technical SEO Playbook

Easy

Auto-Generated (Free Plan)

How WordPress.com generates meta descriptions automatically.

1

Default Behavior

1

WordPress.com uses the first 160 characters of your post content.

2

Or the manual excerpt if you've set one.

3

No direct control over meta description on free plans.

2

Workaround: Excerpts

1

Write a compelling first paragraph.

2

Or set a manual Excerpt in post settings.

3

Post Settings > Excerpt > Enter summary.

4

This may be used as meta description.

Easy Recommended

Custom Meta Description (Premium+)

Direct control over meta descriptions.

1

Access SEO Settings

1

Edit any post or page.

2

Open Post Settings sidebar (gear icon).

3

Scroll to 'SEO Description' field.

4

Enter your custom meta description.

2

Writing Guidelines

1

Length: 150-160 characters optimal.

2

Content: Summarize page content, include call-to-action.

3

Keywords: Include primary keyword naturally.

4

Unique: Each page should have unique description.

3

Homepage Description

1

Tools > Marketing > Traffic > SEO.

2

Set 'Front Page Meta Description'.

3

This applies to your main landing page.

Intermediate

Category/Tag Pages

Meta descriptions for archive pages.

1

Limited Control

1

WordPress.com auto-generates archive meta descriptions.

2

Based on category/tag description if set.

3

Posts > Categories/Tags > Edit > Add description.

4

Not as flexible as self-hosted WordPress.

Meta Descriptions

Prerequisites