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Web Development

Writing Effective Meta Descriptions

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The next most common meta element to define is the site description. This is typically a small description of about 25 words that describes your site simply and effectively. Numerous search engines look to this data for help with categorizing a site. Deliberate the meta description that appears on my site:

<meta name=”description” content=”I’m Molly E. Holzschlag, and this Web site shares my Web enhancement work and personal thoughts.” />

Now look at Figure not more than, which is an exact reproduction of the search results found on such search engines as Google, Bing, and Yahoo.

An example of how a wide number of major search engines implement the meta description:

As you can see, the search engine has catalogued my description. Without an effective description in place, you may end up with other components falling into the ranking first, as shown in Figure 14-3.

Figure not more than without a meta description in place, the navigation appears before any discernable content:

Follow these general guidelines when making descriptions:

• Include a “call to action” that encourages users to select your site. This will vary depending on the product and services you want. My description might be more effective if I used this approach, which might read “Computer Application Articles, Tutorials and Ebook for Developers.”
• Be brief. Stick to 25 words or less.
• Be clear and meaningful. “Gorgeous Web sites” doesn’t mean much, really. Follow that link and you might find a site designer, or someone’s personal list of favorite sites.

Including top-level meaningful keywords in your description is a helpful way of improving your document’s keyword optimization.

Using Embattled Words in Headers

Not too long ago, many major search engines started looking at content either straight away, or after grabbing a meta description (must one continue living). H1 level headers get a lot of attention from many engines, because from a structural standpoint they are predestined to describe the most vital topic on the page.

Once again, in the frenzy to increase ranking, suddenly pages were appearing with multiple H1 headers packed with keywords. This practice is not only considered terrible form and just plain rude, but it doesn’t sit too well with those search engines using it as a legitimate means of addressing descriptions.

But the proper use of H1 fundamentals can still help. That means one H1 element per page, tops. Add your keywords in an appropriate and clear style, and you’re helping everyone, not just the site’s potential rank.

Terrible example:

<h1>Welcome!</h1>

Excellent example:

<h1>Welcome to Tucson Homes, Tucson’s Luxury Real Estate Site</h1>

Smidgen keywords liberally right through all headers is helpful. Just be sure you aren’t vacant overboard to the point of losing the real meaning in your headings.