Relevance of Meta Title and Description for SEO
Within this Blog I will discuss the relevance of having correct Meta Title and Description Tags for SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) purposes. Editing Meta Tags is part of my everyday optimisation strategy. I believe this is one of the main points to consider when optimising a website; I will discuss why.
First Impressions
When searching for something within a search engine (I will use Google for this example) the results given show Title and Description Meta Tags. This means when making a conscious decision of what website to click on the title and description tag comes into play.
View the screenshot below:
This is a SERP for the query ‘lcd tvs’. The first result is a shopping result which is used by Google to offer the user products relevant to their search query. Great if you don’t really know what you’re looking for. The next natural result is ‘Compare LCD TVS’ - this is written as the main headline within the Title Tag; the description tag also includes the phrase ‘Compare prices’ and ‘LCD TVS’. All of this information would help make a user assume that the website they would go to if clicking that particular link would direct them to a comparison website - which would be true.
The third result indicates general TV’s and LCD TV’s within the Title Tag; the description tag then gives us more information in regards to what the website is selling. ‘Cheap LCD TVS’, ‘Cheap Plasma TVs’ and ‘Cheap HDTV’ are just some of the keywords used to indicate this.
Depending on your intentions; price comparing or just wanting to buy - you would pick between one of the two. If you knew what you were looking for then the chances are you would select the third result and find it on that website. If you just wanted a general overview of what TV’s are out there and their prices you would more than likely select the second option.
Without the use of the Title and Description Meta Tags the user would have to go off the URL only. ‘Pricerunner’ not necessarily being associated with TV’s; but the ‘Direct Tvs’ website would more suit the search criteria.
How to Create the perfect Meta Tags?
Creating perfect Meta Tags can be hard - but making sure they relate to what is on the page content wise then you should have no problems. If your Title and Description doesn’t relate to what’s on the web page when users click through to your website they will most likely leave - due to the fact they believe they are going to be directed to something that was actually included in the Title and Description tags.
Summary
Meta Tags are one of the most important parts of SEO on a website. They on their own can inform millions of users what your website is all about and can increase your traffic and potential sales/conversions. Correct Meta data leads you on the path to correct SEO practice and you will reap the benefits.
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