Google’s assist doc on controlling your snippets in search outcomes has added some examples of “dangerous” and “higher” meta descriptions.

The dangerous. Google advises avoiding these 4 kinds of “dangerous” meta descriptions:

• Key phrases listing: “Stitching provides, thread, coloured pencils, stitching machines, threads, bobbins, needles”
• Identical description used for every information article: “Native information in Whoville, delivered to your door. Discover out what occurred as we speak.
• Doesn’t summarize the web page: “Eggs are a supply of pleasure in everybody’s life. Once I was somewhat boy, I keep in mind gathering eggs from the rooster coop and taking them to the kitchen. These have been the times.
• Too brief: “Mechanical pencil“

The most effective. Google examples of higher meta descriptions:

• Clarify what the shop sells and particulars comparable to opening hours and placement.. “Get every thing that you must sew your subsequent garment. Open Monday via Friday from 8 a.m. to five p.m., positioned within the vogue district.”
• Use a snippet from the precise information article: Shaking up the small city of Whoville, a neighborhood elder steals everybody’s presents the night time earlier than a serious occasion. Keep tuned for reside updates on the matter.”
• Summarize all the web page: “Discover ways to prepare dinner eggs with this entire information in 1 hour or much less. We cowl all strategies together with: too simple, sunny aspect up, boiled and poached.”
• They’re particular and detailed. “Self-sharpening mechanical pencil that routinely corrects your handwriting. Contains 2B automated recharge cable. Accessible in Classic Pink and Schoolbus Yellow. Order greater than 50 pencils, get free transport.”

The up to date doc. Google revealed its documentation on controlling your snippets in search leads to October. You may see all the brand new additions, right here.

Why can we care? Whereas there’s nothing earth-shattering and that is largely fundamental website positioning, it’s good to see Google present extra particular steering on methods to create helpful, descriptive meta descriptions which are extra more likely to get clicks and visitors. Not that we are able to depend on Google to make use of these meta descriptions, after all.

---