Description in the snippet varies from search to search.. Have you seen that?
-
Hi everyone.
I'm noticing that when searching the same web, but from different queries the description shown in the snippet is different.
I've attached 2 images to clarify this topic.
Searches done:
1) https://www.google.com.ar/search?q=http://www.dawebrokers.com/
2) https://www.google.com.ar/search?q=http://www.dawebrokers.com/testimoniosAlso, I do know that google indexes the text from description that seems more accurate for the search. But, I've understood that the text should be the same on every search.
Can anyone enlighten me in this subject?
I'm starting to believe that it's becoming useless the meta descriptionThanks!
GR. -
Well, yes and no. Because of how varied any relevant search could be, you can't necessarily hit every single variation to a good enough extent that Google's algorithm would then never change your description. You _could s_tuff literally every piece of info into the meta. Or you could write more naturally and make sure all the proper meta and/or schema and/or other tags are implemented properly. You just need to make sure you are hitting your targets for descriptions, that they are good for the user experience, and that they are not stuffed or spammy.
In the previous example, you could have updated your description to mention "Seller of Red Widgets & Green Widgets!" and the original [green widget] searcher might now be seeing your actual description in the SERPs. But another [green widget] searcher just spent the earlier part of their day Googling [widget coupons], [widget sales], [coupon sites], [internet coupon pages], [groupon], and/or [widget deals]. Now, after an hour of looking for coupons they search [green widgets] and you'd think your description would show up like it did for the other searcher but instead Google notices that you have schema tags for an upcoming sale listed on Green Widgets that was nestled somewhere halfway towards the bottom of your page... and all of a sudden your description is algorithmically changed to include that Green Widget Discount info even though it wasn't in your description. But the page was relevant and contextual information lead to an improved description. (this though is a hypothetical best case scenario, its not always that amazing and contextual... sometimes its just Google randomly truncating a sentence cause they feel the middle of the paragraph is most relevant)
-
Hi Juan Ignacio,
Thanks for answering.
Yeap, I've had cases that the title was rewritten. But, not the description. It just bothers me that google shows information in the snippet that "should be accurate" but it ends with text that arent logical or some random words.
GR.
-
Hi Mike,
Thanks for answering.
I do understand what you are saying.
Contiuing with the example, You could also name other colours in the meta description. And in that case it would not be changed in google.GR.
-
Hi Gastón,
It has not happened to me that Google rewrites the meta tag descriptions but sometimes it happened to me with the title tag. I understand that while it is always best to specify each page these tags, Google could rewrite and use one better if found a more relevant text.
As each query is a different search, the same page could be affected or not by rewriting descriptions (or titles) for different keywords.
In this link:
https://moz.com/learn/seo/meta-descriptionMOZ explains that meta tag descriptions is not a direct Google Ranking factor that but it does help a lot in the CTR to increase the number of users who click on the SERPs.
I think that having the correct descriptions tags on each page (avoiding duplicate) is still a step in the on page optimization to consider and i always check and optimized it on my clients.
As far as I know, there is no way to prevent that rewriting titles or descriptions happen, although I suspect that if Google chooses a new, should be the best one that produces more CTR.
I hope my answer helped you,
Regards
Juan Ignacio
-
Yup, Google has been doing this for a few years. The same page can have differing descriptions depending on what the search was. Usually this happens in the case of a page that is relevant to a search with a description that doesn't necessarily appear to be relevant enough to said search.
This doesn't make meta descriptions useless though. Meta description is still a useful signal to denote what your page is about. But for arguments sake, lets say you have a page on Widgets (why is it always widgets?). You have a page on Widgets and your main product is Red Widgets... so your meta description expresses "Seller of top quality Red Widgets!". But someone searches for Green Widgets. Your page is relevant for Green Widgets because you sell those too but your description doesn't mention them since they're a less important product to you. So Google alters your description for that search which pulls some of the info on your page about Green Widgets so that the Green Widget searcher know your page is actually useful to them.
Got a burning SEO question?
Subscribe to Moz Pro to gain full access to Q&A, answer questions, and ask your own.
Browse Questions
Explore more categories
-
Moz Tools
Chat with the community about the Moz tools.
-
SEO Tactics
Discuss the SEO process with fellow marketers
-
Community
Discuss industry events, jobs, and news!
-
Digital Marketing
Chat about tactics outside of SEO
-
Research & Trends
Dive into research and trends in the search industry.
-
Support
Connect on product support and feature requests.
Related Questions
-
G's Keyword Planner - 800 kw limit on search volume results?
I'm trying to use Google's Keyword Planner to pull the search volume for a large list of keywords (2000+). While you're able to upload a CSV of up to 3000 keywords, the search volume search only returns a maximum of 800 keywords per query, which is an issue as I have no idea which keywords it's cutting out. Is there any way around this? I have looked around online, but haven't been able to find a solid solution. Thanks in advance!
Keyword Research | | RCDesign740 -
Domestic keyword searches
Hello I've spent some much information about how to get the best keywords for my SEO niche page. However, since the recent google changes, different opinions I fond it hard to use something accurate. Also the fact hat may keywords has so many variables, it makes it even tougher and more complex for a new beginner like me. Could anyone please guide me in the right way please? Lets say I would like rankings for Electronic Cigarettes in Norway. It can be written in so many different way, ecig. e-cig. elcig, e cigarette etc etc. (norwegian version ofc) I have for the most part used google keyword planner, but I am really unsure of what boxes to tick and not. I have deleted my wordpress installation and starting from scratch. But I want to make sure I get it 100% right this time before I start.
Keyword Research | | Kroeriks0 -
9600 exact searches position 3 but only 125 clicks????
Seeing something a little strange on one of my clients sites. They are position 3 in Google and the only result on the page Google Authorship installed on their site. Exact match terms in the UK via Keywords tool are 9600 yet they only get 125 clicks on average for the month. There rank has not changed in the last 3 months and they have had a solid position 3.
Keyword Research | | tempowebdesign0 -
Where can I find data on growth in individual keyword search terms, over tiime?
I am operating in an emerging market, and want to understand the underlying growth in the relevant Google keyword search terms. I can use this as a proxy for market growth. I have checked out Google Trends, but this confusingly shows peak search volumes (out of 100) not search volumes. Are there any better tools out there? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Keyword Research | | JDog980 -
Global Search Count
If I ranked top on google for a keyword for Exact Local Search Count say 2000.How much of the Exact Global Search Count of 4000 contribute to Exact Local Search Count
Keyword Research | | Frost0 -
Different browsers, same Search Engine=Different PR:why?
Hi Folks, I am hoping for some clarity on this Using different browsers First: IE, Second: Firefox. Same Search Engine Google.ie. I get totally different results when I search for "Buy Gold" In both browsers. I am not signed into my gmail account. Can anyone tell me why this is please? Thanks,
Keyword Research | | girlie
Sinead0 -
Capitals in Title tags and meta descriptions and their effect on SEO
It often the case that a page of serps will show up very similar title tags eg Cheap Widgets | Widgetsrus.com format, written partly for humans and partly for SEO.. Although against Googles best practice and indeed a violation of their adwords policy would using in CAPS in title tags reduce ranking (whilst increasing visibility and CTR)?
Keyword Research | | seanmccauley0 -
Search volumes broken down by region
Hi, Just wondering if anyone knows if there is a keyword research tool available that breaks down search volumes by region. For example, how many searches there are in London/South East for the keyword "cars". All the tools I have seen only go down to country level. Are there any that go down to region/city level? Thanks for your help. Mik
Keyword Research | | increation0