---
title: "What is a meta description?"  
description: "What is a meta description?"  
author: "ICSM Computer"  
published: 2025-06-04  
updated: 2025-06-09  
canonical: https://www.mindstick.com/forum/161669/what-is-a-meta-description  
category: "SEO"  
tags: ["seo"]  
reading_time: 2 minutes  

---

# What is a meta description?

What is a [meta description](https://www.mindstick.com/forum/156087/how-many-characters-limits-in-meta-description-tag) an why use it in webpage.

## Replies

### Reply by Mahee Pandey

A [meta](https://www.mindstick.com/blog/63662/a-comprehensive-guide-to-a-phd-thesis-meta-analysis-know-why-and-how) 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). \
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![What is a meta description?](https://www.mindstick.com/mindstickforums/8a831df6-46c8-44c6-9104-ce7d806a7761/images/cc8f8298-8c9a-4529-b3b0-0deeb28aee01.png)

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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.\

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**Why Add a Meta Description to Your Webpage?**

1. **Increases clicks:** \ \ 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.\ \ \ \
2. **It adds meaning & clarity:** \ \ 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.\ \ \ \
3. **It aids in keyword focus:**\ \ 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. \ \ \
4. **It improves the user's journey:** \ \ 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.\ \ \ \
5. **It increases reach on social sites:**\ \ 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.\ \


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Original Source: https://www.mindstick.com/forum/161669/what-is-a-meta-description

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