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name: meta-description description: "Use when auditing page metadata or generating descriptions for new pages. Applies to every page that should receive organic search traffic." metadata: category: seo priority: high difficulty: beginner estimatedTime: "10" source: frontendchecklist.io url: https://frontendchecklist.io/rules/seo/meta-description

Write a meta description for each page

A compelling meta description acts as organic ad copy in search results—well-written descriptions improve click-through rates even though they are not a direct ranking signal.

Quick Reference

• Every page should have a unique meta description between 120–160 characters
• Meta descriptions are not a ranking factor but strongly influence click-through rates
• Write descriptions as a call to action that summarises the page value
• Google may override your description with content from the page

Check

Check the for a tag. Verify it is present, unique, and between 120 and 160 characters. Flag pages where it is missing, duplicated, or outside the recommended length.

Fix

Add or update the tag in . Write a unique summary of 120–160 characters that accurately describes the page content and includes a natural call to action or value proposition.

Explain

The meta description appears as the short paragraph below the title in search results. Although not a ranking factor, a compelling description improves click-through rate, which can indirectly benefit rankings.

Code Review

Check the for element. Verify: (1) the element exists, (2) content attribute is non-empty, (3) length is between 70 and 160 characters, (4) no HTML tags inside content, (5) the description is unique (not the same as other pages).

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For full implementation details, code examples, and framework-specific guidance, see references/rule.md.

Rule page: https://frontendchecklist.io/rules/seo/meta-description