When creating a page, news article, Job listing etc it is mandatory to write a Meta title and description for the content. This article explains what they are, how to write them, and why they are important.


WHAT

A Meta Description is a short sentence or two that explains what a webpage is about. It appears under the link in search results (like Google) and helps people decide if they want to click on that page. Think of it as a quick preview or summary.

 

A Meta Title is the headline you see when a page shows up in search results or at the top of your browser tab. It's a short and clear description of the page, helping you and search engines understand what the page is about.

HOW

How to Write a Good Meta Title 

  • Be Clear and Direct: Make sure the title describes what the page is about in a straightforward way.
  • Use Important Keywords: Include key terms that people might search for, but keep the title natural-sounding.
  • Keep it Short: Keep the title under 60 characters so it displays properly in search results.
  • Make it Unique: Don’t copy other titles—each page should have its own specific title that stands out.
  • Use Action Words: If possible, use words that encourage action, like “Discover,” “Learn,” or “Get,” to make people want to click.
  • e.g., "Announcement: New $3-million Rural Clinic Opens in Rural WA"

 

How to Write a Good Meta Description:

  • Summarise the Page Content: Write a clear, simple description that tells people what the page is about.
  • Keep it Short and simple: Aim for around 150-160 characters so it fits well in search results.
  • Use Keywords: Include important words that describe your page (like "research" for a research article) so search engines know it’s relevant.
  • Be Persuasive: Encourage people to click by making it sound interesting or 
  • e.g., "Learn about the impact of the new $3-million rural clinic, its contributions to healthcare accessibility, and the positive outcomes it brings to underserved communities").

 

WHY

Meta descriptions and titles are important because they directly impact how your webpage appears in search results (SEO).

It’s crucial to make sure your meta descriptions and titles are unique for each page. If multiple pages have the same description or title, it will confuse both search engines and users. This will cause search engines to rank the RFDS page lower.