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Meta Descriptions Are Too Short

Some pages have meta descriptions under 70 characters, missing keyword and messaging opportunities.

By Seoxpert Editorial · Published · Updated

Why it matters

Meta descriptions that are too short often fail to convey the full value or purpose of a page. This can result in missed opportunities to include important keywords and messaging, making the snippet less compelling in search results. As a result, users may be less likely to click through to your site.

Impact

Short meta descriptions can lead to lower click-through rates from search engine results pages (SERPs).

How it's detected

An automated SEO crawler checks the length of the meta description tag and flags pages where it is under 70 characters.

Common causes

  • •Meta descriptions left as placeholders or not updated after content changes
  • •Automatically generated meta descriptions with insufficient content
  • •Lack of attention to meta tag optimization during page creation
  • •Misunderstanding of optimal meta description length

How to fix it

Review each affected page's <meta name="description"> tag and expand its content to between 120-160 characters. Ensure the description clearly summarizes the page's value and includes relevant target keywords. Avoid keyword stuffing and focus on creating a compelling, human-readable snippet.

Code examples

Too short meta description (problem)

<meta name="description" content="Our services." />

Expanded meta description (fix)

<meta name="description" content="Discover our full range of professional web development services designed to help your business grow online." />

FAQ

Why is a short meta description a problem for SEO?

Short meta descriptions may not fully describe the page or include important keywords, reducing their effectiveness in search results.

What is the recommended length for meta descriptions?

Meta descriptions should typically be between 120 and 160 characters to provide enough detail and context.

Will Google always display my meta description as written?

Not always; Google may rewrite or truncate meta descriptions, but providing a well-crafted one increases the chance it will be used.

Can I use the same meta description on multiple pages?

No, each page should have a unique meta description relevant to its specific content.

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