Meta Description Issue

I'm wondering why the meta description I have in the backend of my site is not what's showing on Google.

I looked at other sites we've designed and it's happening to them as well. Not all, but many.

Thoughts?

With thanks,

Danielle

Hi- @dgaebel,

I understand your concern. Below, I've added some potential solutions that might be helpful:

• This is a common concern; Google sometimes prefers to generate its meta descriptions based on the content of the page and the user's search query. Even if you have specified a meta description in the backend of your site, Google may choose to display a different snippet if it believes it's more relevant to the user's query.
• While you can't control Google's algorithm, you can optimize your meta descriptions to be descriptive, relevant, and compelling, increasing the likelihood that Google will use them.
• You can keep your meta description within 150-160 characters and include the primary keyword you want to rank for; the latter will help you with the CTR.
  • Guidance: How to Edit and Optimize Meta Description: https://youtu.be/NeweiQFqGWs?si=eHBswz84zMT6jhPf 
• Use the URL Inspection Tool on Google Search Console to perform live tests for all the URLs and submit indexing requests while doing the live tests. It will help refresh the data in the search results.
  • URL Inspection Tool: https://youtu.be/Pe_-TkdbXN0     
    • Google Search Console Guide (+ Tips & Tricks): https://youtu.be/WAjd9B7whgY?si=lqQFSaFU2LFw2jx   

If you require further clarification, please don't hesitate to ask.

Thanks,
Sadul Sifat.

5 hours ago, Sifat_SEOSpace said:

Ensure your meta description is 150-160 characters long and include the main keyword you want to rank for.

The reply above might mislead or confuse beginners:

• The length of a meta description is not limited to 150-160 characters. Shorter or sometimes longer descriptions can be appropriate. Google's documentation currently states: "There's no limit on how long a meta description can be, but the snippet is truncated in Google Search results as needed, typically to fit the device width."
• It is important to understand that including the “main keyword you want to rank for” has no impact on page ranking.
• The URL Inspection Tool is meant for checking individual page status, not for routine checks of “all URLs.” And requesting indexing does not guarantee quick updates in search results or “refreshed data.”

For up-to-date info refer to Google documentation:

• Page descriptions: https://developers.google.com/search/docs/appearance/snippet
• URL inspection tool: https://support.google.com/webmasters/answer/9012289