I'm writing meta descriptions for every page. Google says: 155-160 characters. Should I include keywords or write naturally? Does Google show all of it?
Sometimes Google shows different text than the meta description in search results. Why?
What to watch out for when writing meta descriptions — was it 160 chars, should I include keywords?
Metin K***Member
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Most Helpful#2
Meta description is NOT a Google ranking factor. However, it's important for CTR (click-through rate) signals. Good description = more clicks = better ranking (CTR → ranking → positive cycle).
Rules: 1) 155-160 characters (mobile and desktop). 2) Natural keywords (don't force it). 3) Add a call to action (like Learn, Discover, Buy Now). 4) Make it unique (all pages different). 5) Remove similar descriptions (duplicates).
Google sometimes shows different text: If the user query doesn't match the page perfectly or if there's better text on the page relevant to the query, Google picks that.
Havva K***Member
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my meta descriptions used to be generic. i tailored them to the call to action ('Buy now' etc.) and saw a 15% increase in CTR but writing them right makes a difference.
meta description isn't for ranking but you need to add it for ctr. honestly 155-160 chars add natural keywords.
Hande Y***Member
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Doki · Vulnerability scanning · 2025
Meta Description Rules: - Length: 155-160 chars (mobile optimal) - Keyword: add naturally (no stuffing) - Unique: every page different - CTA: 'Learn', 'Explore', 'Buy' - Duplicate: remove - Ranking factor: NO - CTR factor: YES
Writing: 1) Page title. 2) + location/category. 3) + value prop. 4) + CTA. Example: 'Online Python Course | Beginner-Advanced | 100% Practical — Enroll Now'. (157 chars).
Levent Ö***Veteran
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Orhan A***Member
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If I understood correctly you're saying: When you try to change everything at once, nothing settles.
This is my opinion, I'm not claiming it's absolute truth.
Elif B***Member
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Correct in theory, but it doesn't work that way in practice. When making a decision, first look at what data you have on hand.
Trying to do this alone is the most expensive way.
Kader B***Expert
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I partly agree, partly disagree. Map listings bring more business than blog posts for most local businesses.
That's all, sorry if I went on too long.
three different views emerged they all complement each other. a page with low traffic might be reaching the right people. look at where sales come from.
if I were you Id go this route.
Ayşe E***Member
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I think its hard to be that definitive about writing meta descriptions. When making a decision first look at what data you have on hand.
That's all sorry if I went on too long.
Beren T***Expert
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Doki ekibiDoki team
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I have a question, don't want to go off-topic though. A page that answers one question works better than one touching on five topics.
my perspective changed after experiencing that. hasty decisions become deisions you have to fix six months later.
if I were you, I'd go this route.
Ayşe B***Member
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You're right, I've been down that road too. Hasty decisions become decisions you have to fix six months later.