How To Add Meta Description In WordPress? [in 2023]

Written by: Mark Coleman
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Have you ever wondered why some websites appear at the top of search results while others don’t? One of the key factors that affect your website’s search engine optimization (SEO) is the meta description.

But what exactly is a meta description, and how can you add it to your WordPress website? In this blog post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about meta descriptions, including why and when you should add them to your website.

We’ll also provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to add meta descriptions to your WordPress posts using the Yoast SEO plugin.

So, let’s dive in!

If you prefer to watch a video tutorial on how to Add Meta Description In WordPress, check out this video tutorial:

How To Add Meta Description In WordPress?

Meta descriptions are brief summaries of your website’s content that appear in search results. Adding meta descriptions to your WordPress posts is an essential part of improving your website’s search engine optimization (SEO). Here is how to add meta description in WordPress:

  1. Install the Yoast SEO plugin by hovering over on plugins, then clicking on add new and searching for Yoast SEO. Once you find the plugin, click on install now and activate it.
  2. Go to your post section and select the post you want to edit.
  3. Scroll down to the preview section and select the desktop result. You will see the meta description option in this section.
  4. Insert your meta description into the provided text box. If you don’t have a meta description, write a brief summary of your post that includes your target keywords.
  5. Click on update to save your changes.

By following these simple steps, you can easily add meta descriptions to your WordPress posts and improve your website’s SEO. Remember to write concise and informative meta descriptions that accurately summarize your content and include your target keywords.

Can’t Add Meta Description In WordPress – How to fix it?

Meta description is an important aspect of SEO as it gives a brief summary of the content on your webpage. However, sometimes WordPress users face issues while adding meta descriptions. Here are some possible solutions:

Install Yoast SEO Plugin

One of the easiest ways to add meta descriptions in WordPress is by installing the Yoast SEO plugin. This plugin not only helps in adding meta descriptions but also provides other SEO-related features. To install Yoast SEO, go to the plugins section, click on add new and search for Yoast SEO. Install and activate the plugin.

Edit Post and Add Meta Description

Once the Yoast SEO plugin is installed, go to the post section and edit the post in which you want to add the meta description. Scroll down to the preview section and select the desktop result. Here, you will find the meta description option. Insert your meta description in the provided field and click on update.

Check Theme Settings

Some themes have inbuilt options for adding meta descriptions. Check your theme settings to see if there is an option to add meta descriptions. If yes, fill in the meta description field and save the changes.

Clear Cache

Sometimes, the issue of not being able to add meta descriptions can be resolved by clearing the cache. Go to your WordPress dashboard and clear the cache. Then try adding the meta description again.

By following these simple steps, you can easily add meta descriptions in WordPress and improve your website’s SEO.

Why and When Should You Add Meta Description In WordPress?

Meta descriptions are HTML attributes that provide a brief summary of the content of a web page. They appear in search engine results pages (SERPs) and are often the first thing that people read about your website. Here are some reasons why and when you should add meta descriptions in WordPress:

  1. Improve Click-Through Rates: A well-written meta description can entice users to click on your website in search results. It should be concise, relevant, and accurately describe the content of your page.
  2. SEO Benefits: Meta descriptions are an important on-page SEO factor. Including relevant keywords and phrases can help search engines understand the content of your page and improve its ranking in search results.
  3. Social Sharing: When your website is shared on social media, the meta description is often used as the default text. A compelling meta description can encourage people to engage with your content and share it with their followers.
  4. Content Organization: Adding meta descriptions to your WordPress posts and pages can help you keep your content organized. It allows you to provide a brief summary of your content, making it easier for readers to understand what they can expect from your page.

To add meta descriptions in WordPress, you can use a plugin like Yoast SEO. After installing and activating the plugin, you can edit your post or page and scroll down to the Yoast SEO section. Here, you’ll see an option to add your meta description. Make sure to keep it under 155 characters and include relevant keywords and phrases. Once you’ve added your meta description, click on update to save your changes.

Conclusion – Add Meta Description In WordPress

Adding meta descriptions to your WordPress website is an essential part of improving your search engine optimization (SEO) and increasing the visibility of your website.

A well-written meta description can improve click-through rates, provide SEO benefits, encourage social sharing, and keep your content organized.

To add a meta description to your WordPress post, you can use a plugin like Yoast SEO.

By following the simple steps outlined in this post, you can easily add meta descriptions to your WordPress website and improve its ranking in search results.

Remember to write concise and informative meta descriptions that accurately summarize your content and include your target keywords.

With the right meta description, you can attract more visitors to your website and increase your online presence.

Mark Coleman - HowTOBuildWebsites
Written by Mark Coleman


Mark Coleman is the founder of HowToBuildWebsites.org, which provides comprehensive tutorials on website builders like WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, Webflow, and Shopify. He graduated from the University of North Texas with a business degree, developing an interest in web design's changing landscape and website builders' potential.

Mark enjoys experimenting with new web technologies, refining his web development skills, and actively participating in web design and development communities.

Learn more about him and read his articles here on HowToBuildWebsites.org.

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