How To Change Your Website Description On Google Search For WordPress
To stay ahead of your competitors, it’s important to ensure your website appears on search results the right way. Thus, to encourage users to click on your website, having the appropriate website description on Google search is crucial. If you’re not sure how to change a website description on Google Search for WordPress, this article mentions the steps and tips on how to optimize them accordingly.
What is a website description on Google Search?
Have you ever noticed the small description underneath the titles of websites on Google search results? Those little descriptions are actually called meta descriptions. It gives a brief overview of what the website page is all about. Users will usually read those descriptions in order to decide whether they wish to click and enter the website page or not.
The meta descriptions are typically around 155 to 160 characters. If you write over the limit, it will automatically get cut off and users won’t be able to read it.
Why is it important to have a website description on Google Search?
If you’re not convinced of how important it is to have a website description on Google, here are the main reasons why:
1. Boost click-through rates (CTR)
One of the main benefits of a website description for your website would be to increase your click-through rates. If your website descriptions are detailed and directly showcases what the page is about, users are more inclined to click on your website rather than ignoring it altogether.
2. Improve organic traffic for SEO
If you wish to increase your organic traffic, you need to capture the attention of users who are browsing through search results on Google. To get your target audience’s attention, the best way would be to write an attractive website description. Once your description matches the user’s search intent, you can expect a steady growth of organic traffic as more users will click on your website.
3. Reduce bounce rate
With a proper meta description, users will get a better idea of whether the website page is what they’re looking for. If they are happy with what they find, they are more likely to stay on the website longer and browse other pages instead of leaving the website quickly. Thus, reducing the bounce rate of your website.
4. It allows search engine crawlers to know more about your website
The purpose of search engine crawlers is to analyze your content and crawl your website, including your website description. If you optimize your website description accordingly, it will give the crawlers a chance of indexing your website sooner.
5. Google will automatically update your website description
If you didn’t know already, Google will automatically come up with its own website description for you. This won’t entirely be accurate since it’s auto-generated. Hence, it’s best for you to manually write your own website description so that you can attract your target audience correctly with an attractive description.
How do I change the website description on Google Search for WordPress?
If you wish to start optimizing your website descriptions, here’s a guide on how to change website description on Google Search WordPress:
Step 1: Install and activate an SEO Plugin
This is an important step since WordPress does not have a built-in SEO functionality for website descriptions. Hence, you must install a third-party SEO plugin on WordPress such as Yoast SEO, Rank Math, or All in One SEO.
To install a plugin, here are the basic steps:
- Head over to Plugins > Add New
- Enter the name of the plugin on the search bar
- Click the button ‘Install Now’.
Once you’ve successfully installed your WordPress, don’t forget to activate the plugin. Simply click the ‘Activate’ button on the same page.
Step 2: Enter the SEO settings of the plugin
Then, look for the SEO plugin on your page or post which can be found on the right side of the WordPress editor.
Step 3: Add your website description under ‘meta description’
Search for the option to enter ‘meta description’, that’s where you’re supposed to write your website description for Google Search. Ensure you don’t write a meta description more than 160 characters. Remember to also include your relevant targeted keywords in the meta description so that your website will appear on Google’s search results for those keywords.
Step 4: Submit your website on Google index
Once you’ve updated the website descriptions, you’ll need to send them to Google for re-indexing as it’ll take time for Google to reflect the changes on search results.
You can submit your updated website pages through Google Search Console. Enter the URL via the ‘URL Inspection Tool’ and then click ‘Request for indexing’.
Tips on writing a good website description
If you’re not sure how to write a good website description, here are some useful tips on writing an effective one:
1. Include relevant keywords
It’s crucial to write a website description that has your relevant targeted keywords. This not only helps to rank your website page higher on Google Search, but it also encourages users to click on your website if the keywords match their search intent. Avoid keyword stuffing your website description and write proper sentences.
2. Keep the length between 150-160 characters
Ensure your website description does not exceed 160 characters as it’ll not be visible on search results if you exceed the limit. Try to keep it short and precise while conveying the right message to your target audience.
3. Write a good call-to-action (CTA)
If you wish to convince users to click on your website, you need to include an attractive call-to-action wherever that’s relevant. Some examples include buy, get, purchase, discover and explore.
4. Mention your unique selling points
To attract users and potential conversions, you should include your unique selling points within your website description such as your top service or special promotions.
Conclusion
After you’ve learned the steps on how to change your website description on Google search for WordPress, you can start optimizing your website page easily. It’s crucial to have a proper website description on Google search for your website to encourage users to interact with your website. You’ll be missing out on potential leads and clicks without a well optimized website description. Learn more about how to improve your website visibility and ranking on Google besides updating your website description.