What Is (Website) Metadata?
You need coding to build a website. When building a website, metadata is written inside these codes (HTML) when building a website. So, you can’t see it. But, search engines can see this data.
Metadata helps to describe your website page or its content. Hence, when a keyword is searched, search engines rank your site by matching your metadata. Therefore, metadata can make your page relevant to search engines.
What Are The Different Types Of Metadata?
Metadata may remain hidden with all its tags. But, it has three key components, and a person can see those components.
1. Title
The title of a page is important information. It provides the idea of your page’s entire content. The title shows a reader the type of content your page has.
Search engines may sometimes fail to show a meta description. But, they always show the titles. So, a title in your metadata is truly important.
2. Meta Description
A meta description is a brief description of your website’s content. It’s one kind of ad. This brief description shows the quality of your content to the reader. Moreover, it also explains your site’s content in a broader way than the page title.
3. Image Tags
The image description helps to convey an image. This tag can tell the search engine why and where you have used the image. Sometimes, an image may fail to load. But, an image description or tag can help your readers understand the content of your page.
Where Does Metadata Appear?
The title appears on top of the metadata. The meta description finds its place just under the title. But, if you share your page on social media, then the description may appear beside your metadata title.
How Does Metadata Help in SEO?
1. What Makes Your Page Important?
Your metadata tells a search engine the type and purpose of your content. As a result, search engines show your page to the readers when the right keyword is searched for. Hence, metadata helps to make your page visible in terms of its relevance.
2. Draws Reader’s Attention
When a reader reads your meta description or title, he or she may want to visit your site. Thus, your page gets organic traffic with the help of the correct metadata.
3. It helps to rank your page indirectly.
Search engines (like Google) always observe your site’s “Click Through Rate.” Believe it or not, metadata increases your page’s CTR. Thus, indirectly, your page finds a good rank in the search results.
4. Auto Meta Data Earns Trust
Sometimes Google showcases a brief part of your page’s content as your page’s meta description. This is a random process. But, this meta description from Google can help your site earn trust. Readers begin to trust the information on your site. Thus, you get a steady flow of traffic.
What To Include In Your Metadata?/How Should You Write A Perfect Metadata?
1. The Right Length Of The Meta Description
You will get 160 characters (on Google) to write your metadata. Hence, try to say everything important within 120 characters. You should never waste a character.
For example, title (60 characters) and description (60-80 characters).
2. Using Keywords Wisely
You have to use the right keyword in your title. Your brand name and any specific features should also be in your description. So, choose your main keyword wisely.
3. Create a Unique and Interesting Description
Search engines (like Google) don’t like copied metadata. So, try to write your meta description targeting your specific audience. Make it original, interesting, unique, and engaging.
4. Show Your Brand’s Value
Every brand has its bright sides. Hence, your website metadata should reflect your brand’s brightest features.
5. Include a gentle CTA.
You should never include a direct CTA. But, an indirect and light “call to action” can be allowed by the search engines. So, add a CTA cleverly.
Google declared in 2009 that meta descriptions do not factor into a page’s ranking. But, metadata still plays an important role in attracting your reader’s attention. Without metadata, a search engine may get confused about your page’s content. So, don’t ignore metadata because it can increase your site’s organic traffic and CTR.