How do I add a meta title and description to my website?

The meta title and description are what people see about your page in search results before they click. They do not guarantee rankings, but they shape whether searchers choose your result over others. Every important page deserves its own.

Here is how to add them on the main platforms and how to write them well.

How to add a meta title and description in WordPress

1. Install an SEO plugin such as Rank Math or Yoast.
2. Open a page or post in the editor.
3. Find the plugin’s panel, usually below the content or in the sidebar.
4. Edit the SEO title and meta description fields.
5. Update the page and check the preview.

How to add them in Shopify

1. Open a product, collection, page or blog post in the Shopify admin.
2. Scroll to “Search engine listing” and click edit.
3. Enter the page title and meta description.
4. Save.

How long should they be?

These are practical guidelines, not strict rules. Google’s guidance on title links and snippets explains how they are displayed.

How to write a meta title and description that get clicks

• Put the main topic near the start of the title.
• Make each page’s title unique.
• Add your brand at the end if space allows.
• In the description, say what the page offers and why it helps.
• Include a reason to click: a price, a benefit, a timeframe.
• Write for people, not just for keywords.

Why Google rewrites some titles and descriptions

Google may show different text if it thinks another part of your page better matches the search. This is normal. Clear, accurate meta titles and descriptions that match the page content are rewritten less often.

Example: a better listing

A bakery’s cake page had the title “Products – Sweet Treats” and no description. Search results showed a random sentence from the page. The team changed the meta title and description to “Custom Birthday Cakes in Indore | Sweet Treats” and “Order custom birthday cakes in Indore. Choose flavours and designs online, with same-day delivery on orders before noon.” The listing became clearer, and clicks from search increased.

Common mistakes

• The same title on every page.
• Stuffing many keywords into one title.
• Descriptions that do not match the page.
• Leaving the default “Home” or “Products” as titles.

Prioritise your most important pages

If you have many pages, start with the home page, main service or category pages and top products. Then check Search Console for pages that get many impressions but few clicks; improving their meta title and description often brings quick gains.

Templates for common pages

Use simple patterns so every meta title and description stays consistent. For service pages: “Service in City | Brand” with a description that names the service, the area and one benefit. For products: “Product name, key feature | Brand” with a description that mentions price range, delivery or a guarantee. For blog posts: the question or topic first, then the brand. Patterns save time and keep your meta title and description quality high across the whole site.