Google finding my meta descriptions

[RobDalton]

I recently had my site redone (about a year ago).  Since then google has not been using my meta descriptions much and more so using the descriptions within my site.  Is there a reason for this?  An example would be http://www.waikoloavacationrentals.com/vrp/unit/kolea-14/

[DirkC]

Guess so - the worst that can happen to you with long meta descriptions is that they get truncated.

If they are too short - you are not using the 2 lines that Google allocates you or (like in your case) that Google is just picking some text from your page.

There is no guarantee that Google will use the meta description in the SERP's but you will increase your chances by making them longer;

Dirk

[RobDalton]

Just went to change them and wordpress recommends less.  Are they that far behind?

[RobDalton]

OK.  I am probably behind time because I thought it was supposed to be short.  I will try changing a few and seeing what happens.  Thanks,

[DirkC]

In the example you give the meta description is too short (70 characters - should be 155 or even longer). If Google thinks your meta description isn't good at describing the content on the page, it will select another part of the content which seems to be more appropriate.

I would try to make the meta description a bit longer & teasing. The text should be both descriptive & teasing for the searcher to click on it. Check here https://moz.com/learn/seo/meta-description

Dirk