Write SEO meta descriptions for the page described below. Optimize for qualified clicks, not keyword repetition. The description must accurately preview the page’s answer, distinguish it from nearby search results, and use the target query naturally when it fits. Inputs - Primary keyword and search intent: [PRIMARY KEYWORD AND INTENT] - Page title or H1: [PAGE TITLE] - What the page actually contains: [PAGE CONTENT] - Intended reader and their decision stage: [AUDIENCE AND STAGE] - Brand voice and any required or prohibited wording: [VOICE AND CONSTRAINTS] First identify the likely searcher expectation in one sentence and list any unsupported claims I should avoid. Then write 6 meta-description options, each 120–155 characters including spaces. Put the character count after each option. Create options with distinct angles: direct answer, outcome, format or resource, audience fit, differentiator, and action-oriented. Use the primary keyword or a close natural variant in at least four options, preferably near the beginning, but do not force it into every line. Include concrete page details only when they appear in my content. Avoid quotation marks, keyword strings, vague praise, claims about rankings, “click here,” time-sensitive language unless supplied, and calls to action that promise something unavailable. After the options, recommend the strongest one and explain in two sentences how it matches the page and intent. Also provide a one-line instruction for implementing it in the CMS. If the page has an existing meta description, briefly state whether changing it appears justified based on the provided evidence; do not claim performance data I have not given. Before answering, count each description’s characters and flag any promise, statistic, price, or feature that is not supported by [PAGE CONTENT]. Ask up to 3 clarifying questions only if a required input is missing.
Fill in
| Placeholder | What to enter | Example |
|---|---|---|
| [PRIMARY KEYWORD AND INTENT] | Provide the target query and state what the searcher is trying to accomplish. | “employee onboarding checklist”; searcher wants a practical checklist to organize a new hire’s first 30 days. |
| [PAGE TITLE] | Paste the page title or H1. | Employee Onboarding Checklist for the First 30 Days |
| [PAGE CONTENT] | Summarize or paste the page’s real sections, features, proof, and limitations. | A downloadable checklist covering preboarding, day one, week one, access setup, role training, manager check-ins, and 30-day feedback. It includes an editable Google Doc version. |
| [AUDIENCE AND STAGE] | Describe the reader and whether they are learning, comparing, or ready to act. | HR coordinators and small-business managers looking for a ready-to-use process. |
| [VOICE AND CONSTRAINTS] | State brand tone plus mandatory terms, banned terms, or regional spelling rules. | Helpful and plainspoken; use US spelling; avoid “best,” “complete,” and unsupported compliance claims. |
How to use
- Paste the actual page copy or a reliable section-by-section summary; do not base a snippet on planned content.
- Check character counts in your CMS after pasting because templates may append a site name.
- Choose the option that best matches the dominant query intent, not the most promotional-sounding line.
- Follow up with: “Write matching title-tag options under 60 characters and flag any overlap with the selected meta description.”
Variations
Local service page
Use this for a location-specific service page.
Write 5 SEO meta descriptions of 120–155 characters for [SERVICE] in [LOCATION]. The page contains [PAGE FACTS] and targets [AUDIENCE]. Include the service and location naturally where possible, but do not claim licensing, ratings, emergency availability, prices, or service areas unless supplied. Give each character count and one distinct angle: service scope, local fit, process, customer need, and booking action. Recommend one option based on [SEARCH INTENT]. Check every claim against the page facts and flag geographic wording that overstates coverage.
Product category page
Use this for a collection page with several products.
Create 6 meta descriptions, 120–155 characters each, for a [PRODUCT CATEGORY] collection page targeting [KEYWORD]. The available filters, product types, price information, and policies are [PAGE DETAILS]. The buyer is [AUDIENCE]. Write options that set accurate expectations about selection and use cases without naming products that may be unavailable. Include a character count after each option and recommend one. Check for duplicated title-tag language and unsupported shipping, discount, stock, or quality claims.
Meta description refresh
Use this to improve a snippet without changing page content.
Evaluate this existing meta description: [EXISTING DESCRIPTION]. The target query is [KEYWORD], the page title is [TITLE], and the actual page content is [CONTENT]. Explain in a short table whether it matches intent, includes a useful differentiator, is accurate, and fits 120–155 characters. Then write 5 replacement descriptions with character counts. Do not assert that a rewrite will improve rankings or click-through rate. Check that each option accurately represents the content and avoids promises missing from the page.
Tips
- A meta description should describe the page users will land on, so revise it whenever the page’s core offer or format changes.
- Search the current results before finalizing when possible; a distinctive format detail can separate your snippet from pages repeating the same keyword.
- Use numbers only when they are stable and visible on the page, such as “12-step checklist,” not as invented proof of quality.
- Treat pixel truncation as a possibility even within a character target, so place the essential meaning in the first 120 characters.
FAQ
Do meta descriptions directly improve rankings?
They are primarily a search-result snippet, not a direct ranking signal. Accurate descriptions can help attract people whose intent matches the page.
Why does Google show different description text?
Search engines may generate a snippet from page content that better matches a particular query. A useful description still gives them a strong candidate.
Should every page have a unique meta description?
Important indexable pages should usually have one that describes their distinct content. Near-duplicate pages may need consolidation or a clearer purpose first.