The terms “meta title” and “meta description” refer to textual words or phrases that describe your website to search engines.

 

You don’t necessarily have to include these within the content of your web page in order to get SEO value from them. Instead, they are simply there to give search engines and visitors an idea of what your page is all about in a nutshell.

 

Website – A Nutshell Description

 

When most visitors reach your page or see it listed on search engine results, they may not be familiar with who you are or what you do. So your meta title needs to provide some immediate, instant information about your business, not just its name and slogan.

 

Traditionally, a meta title will follow this structure: Keywords | Business Name | Location | Website

 

So, for example, if you own an exterminator business in Louisville call Bugs-B-Gone, your meta title might be “Exterminators Bugs-B-Gone Louisville”.

 

Website – Meta Title Tips

 

Some things to keep in mind:

• Your meta title needs to be short. Google limits you to 70 characters, but the shorter the better. Between 50 and 55 characters — spaces included — is optimal.

 

• The way your meta title appears on search engine results depends on the words the person searching types in. Google will put the words that match your meta title in bold. So keeping your meta title short is doubly important.

 

• Use vertical bars to separate the different elements of your meta title. This makes it easier for people to read and helps it stand out better: Exterminators | Bugs-B-Gone | Louisville

 

• Your meta title also will appear on browser tabes and social media posts, so make certain it is clear and eye-catching.

 

• If you are a local business owner, it’s important to put the specific location of your business in your meta title. This will help limit your audience to only people within your geographic region.

 

Having a “smart” meta title will connect you with a bigger set of potential customers.