What You Need to Know
Meta tags are like labels on a filing cabinet - they tell search engines what's inside. The most important meta tags are title tags (what appears as the blue link in search results) and meta descriptions (the text summary below the link). Your title tag should be 50-60 characters, include your main keyword, and entice clicks. Meta descriptions should be 150-160 characters and sell why someone should visit your page. These tags don't directly impact rankings, but they massively impact click-through rates. A compelling title and description get more clicks than boring ones, even if you rank in the same position.
Examples
Title: "Emergency Plumber Adelaide | 24/7 Service | Smith Plumbing"
Description: "Need a plumber now? We're available 24/7 across Adelaide. Fixed prices, no callout fees. Call (08) 1234 5678 for immediate help."
Bad title: "Home - Smith Plumbing" (wasted opportunity, no keywords, no value)
Common Questions
Do meta descriptions affect SEO rankings?
Not directly - Google doesn't use meta descriptions as a ranking factor. However, they affect click-through rates. A compelling meta description gets more clicks, which can indirectly help rankings. Plus, more clicks means more potential customers regardless of rankings.
Should every page have unique meta tags?
Absolutely. Duplicate title tags and meta descriptions confuse search engines and waste opportunities. Each page should have unique tags targeting that page's specific content and keywords.
Related Terms
SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
The practice of improving your website to increase its visibility when people search for products or services related to your business in Google and other search engines.
Schema Markup
Structured data code added to websites that helps search engines understand your content better and display rich results.
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