What is a meta description an why use it in webpage.
What is a meta description?
Ask by ICSM Computer
Updated 09 Jun 2025
A meta description provides a short description, often around 150 to 160 characters, of what the webpage is about. It is located right below the meta title (the blue link) on the Search Engine Results Page (SERP).
You can think of a meta description as being like a movie trailer for your webpage. In the same way that a movie trailer helps you determine whether or not you want to watch a specific movie, a meta description gives individuals the ability to determine if they want to click on the link.
Why Add a Meta Description to Your Webpage?
Think of your meta description as a mini advertisement; it provides a reason for someone to click your link. It is shown that a good meta description can directly influence your click-thru rate.
Google pulls from your meta description to show in snippets, especially if you have information that explains the content of that page. Additionally, even if Google must rewrite some of your meta description, it can provide your users with the message regarding your page's purpose and relevance.
Search engines highlight keywords in meta descriptions that match the user search. Bolded terms will catch the eye and let the searcher know you provide content that matches their search.
Your meta description is a good preview to users, as they can assess whether they will get what they are looking for opening your page. Making it easier for the user to consider before they waste their time on a search for content.
Often, when you share your content on social sharing sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter; the social media site will pull the meta description automatically, improving the sharing potential of your content and striking interest outside of search engines.