Why does Google show a different description than the one I wrote?

Google will rewrite your description if it thinks a snippet from the page content better matches the user's specific search query.

Is the 160 limit a hard rule?

No, it varies by device (mobile vs desktop), but staying under 160 characters is the safest way to ensure your text displays correctly most of the time.

How to fix meta description outside 70-160 characters

Meta descriptions are the short summaries appearing under your title in search results. Descriptions outside the 70-160 character range are either too vague or will be cut off by search engines.

What is wrong

A description that is too short fails to 'sell' the click to the user. A description that is too long will be truncated, often mid-sentence, making your search listing look unprofessional or incomplete.

Why it matters

While not a direct ranking factor, meta descriptions are vital for CTR. A perfectly sized description provides enough room for a clear value proposition and a call to action, ensuring the user knows exactly what they will get by clicking.

How to fix it

1. Elaborate on short snippets

If a description is under 70 characters, add a specific benefit, feature, or call to action (e.g., 'Shop now', 'Read the guide'). Make it descriptive enough to encourage a click.

2. Front-load key information

For long descriptions, ensure the most important information is in the first 120 characters. This ensures the core message survives even if Google decides to truncate it slightly early.

3. Remove fluff

Edit out filler words like 'welcome to our website' or 'we are a company that'. Get straight to the point to keep the length between 70 and 160 characters.

Platform notes

Most CMS platforms have a 'Meta Description' field. If yours doesn't, you will need an SEO plugin to add this functionality to your post editor.

Common questions

Why does Google show a different description than the one I wrote?: Google will rewrite your description if it thinks a snippet from the page content better matches the user's specific search query.
Is the 160 limit a hard rule?: No, it varies by device (mobile vs desktop), but staying under 160 characters is the safest way to ensure your text displays correctly most of the time.