November 2, 2017

Before 2009 – when search engines didn’t function at the caliber they do now – keywords within meta descriptions were used to help determine website relevancy and search result rankings.

As a result of this knowledge, “keyword stuffing” became a go-to tactic to achieve higher rankings. Algorithms advanced significantly over time and they now combat keyword stuffing by focusing on other factors – primarily on-page content, backlinks, and mobile-first user experiences.

While meta keywords no longer carry much weight in terms of SEO, meta descriptions are essential to help draw users to websites as they appear within search results and act as click-through prompts. Additionally, from an ADA perspective, meta descriptions must clearly describe the kind of information a viewer can expect to find on any given page. The importance of ADA compliance makes it even more essential for meta descriptions to be accurate and relevant – not just an assortment of keywords. 

Take a look at the following articles for more information:

What is a Meta Description?

4 Most Important Ranking Factors, According to SEO Industry Studies

This article is tagged in:

Web Development