In Yoast SEO, open a post, expand the Yoast panel, and write a concise summary in the Meta description field to set your search snippet.
Meta descriptions influence how your result looks on the page. The tag does not boost rankings on its own, yet a sharp snippet can lift clicks. The plugin makes the process fast, and you can add one on any post, page, or taxonomy screen without touching code. This guide shows the steps, the screens, and the small tweaks that make the field work harder.
Quick Steps: Add A Meta Description With Yoast
- Open the post or page in WordPress.
- Scroll to the Yoast SEO panel or click the Yoast badge in the toolbar.
- Open Google preview.
- Click in the Meta description box and write a short, clear pitch for the page.
- Watch the color bar. Aim for a length that stays in the safe zone.
- Click Update or Publish.
Meta Description Basics That Matter
The tag is a short summary. Search engines may use it to build the snippet. If the text does not match the query, a different line from the page may appear instead. Strong pages still win clicks when the snippet speaks to search intent, sets value, and avoids fluff.
Checklist For A Snippet That Gets Clicks
Use this compact sheet while you write in the Yoast box.
| Element | What To Write | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Hook | Lead with the page’s payoff or result. | First 6–10 words |
| Context | Name the topic with plain words users type. | One short phrase |
| Proof | Add one concrete detail: a stat, count, or method. | One clause |
| Call To Action | Invite the click with a light nudge. | 1 verb + benefit |
| Length | Write to fit common snippet widths on mobile and desktop. | About 120–155 chars |
| Dupes | Give each URL a unique line. | Zero repeats |
Where To Edit Descriptions In The Plugin
Single Posts And Pages
Open a post. In the Yoast panel, choose Google preview. You will see fields for the SEO title, slug, and the description box. Type your copy, then glance at the preview to see how the snippet could look. The bar under the box helps you judge length and truncation risk. If you want a site-wide setup that fills in fields for you, templates can handle that, and you can still override any single page.
Homepage Settings
If your home shows the latest posts, go to Yoast SEO → Settings → Content types → Homepage. There you can set the snippet for the home screen. If your home is a static page, edit that page and fill the same field in the Yoast panel. Need a walkthrough? See Yoast’s homepage snippet settings guide.
Categories And Tags
Open a category or tag screen in WordPress. Use the Yoast fields to write a short summary that fits that listing. Site owners with many terms can also change these at scale through templates, covered below.
Write Copy That Matches Search Intent
Before you type, scan the top results for the query you want to win. Note what the best pages promise and how they phrase the benefit. Use that insight to set your own pitch. The field should read like a one-line ad, not a keyword dump. Keep claims grounded. If the page has a number, feature it. If the page answers a task, say so in plain terms.
Length And Truncation
There is no fixed limit for the tag. Snippets trim to fit the device. Write one to two tight sentences that land near common ranges, then check the preview. Google shares clear snippet best practices that back this approach. Err toward clarity over stuffing names or dates. The preview in the plugin is a guide, not a promise.
Make It Unique Across The Site
Give each indexable URL a line that stands on its own. Pages that look alike need distinct value points in the description. When the text repeats across many URLs, search engines may swap in body copy. Unique text gives you a better chance to keep control of the message.
Use Templates And Variables For Scale
For large sites, templates save time. In the plugin, open Settings and set defaults for posts, pages, taxonomies, and archives. Variables pull in fields like title, site name, or excerpt so each URL gets a tailored line. You can still override the field on any single post when a hand-written pitch would lift clicks.
Popular Variables You Can Use
| Variable | Source | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| %title% | Post or page title | Base the line on the page name |
| %excerpt% | Manual excerpt field | Let editors write a crisp summary once |
| %category% | Primary category name | Give context for broad terms |
| %sitename% | Site name from settings | Add brand at the end |
Craft Copy That Earns Clicks
Match The Query
Use the same terms searchers type when they want your page. If the page is a guide, say what the reader will learn. If the page is a tool, name the action. Keep the tone plain and confident.
Add A Concrete Detail
Snippets with a number or a clear deliverable draw the eye. Use counts, ranges, or a speed claim that you can back up on the page. Avoid vague claims. Pick one detail that sets the page apart.
Close With A Light Nudge
Finish with a clear next step, such as “See steps,” “Check the list,” or “Start now.” A soft prompt works better than hype.
Fix Common Issues
Google Shows A Different Line
This happens when the field does not match the query, when the text repeats across URLs, or when on-page copy answers the query more directly. Improve alignment. Tighten the first sentence. Add a term users expect to see.
The Bar Is Green But The Snippet Cuts Off
The color guide helps, yet device width, dates, and bolded matches can change the cut point. Trim a few words, or move the hook to the front so the key pitch shows even when the tail drops.
Editors Need Speed Across Many URLs
Set a template with variables for each content type. Use the Bulk editor to fill missing lines. Then review top URLs by traffic and hand-write the lines that deserve extra care.
Step-By-Step: Write A Strong Line In The Editor
1) Draft
Write two short versions. One that leads with the payoff, and one that leads with the topic. Keep both under two sentences. Pick the sharper line.
2) Tidy
Cut filler words, hedges, and weak verbs. Swap in specific nouns. Remove duplicate points. Keep the first five words tight.
3) Preview
Use the Yoast preview. Check mobile and desktop. Look at the bold matches and adjust the order so the promise shows first.
4) Publish And Monitor
Ship the change. Watch clicks and impressions in Search Console. If the snippet still swaps, refine the first sentence to mirror top queries.
Advanced Settings For Power Users
Snippets Control
On some pages you may choose to limit the snippet length or block snippets. Use tags such as max-snippet and nosnippet only when the page design needs it. See Google’s page on supported meta tags for reference. The default suits most sites.
Structured Data Helps
Rich results do not come from the description field, yet proper structured data can change the way your result looks. Pair clean metadata with valid schema for the page type so the result earns space on the screen.
When To Leave The Field Blank
If the page ranks for many long tail queries and the body copy answers them well, the system may build a better line from the content. In those cases, a blank field can be fine. Use your judgment: if a hand-written pitch would help users choose, add one.
Bulk Editor Workflow For Busy Teams
Open Yoast SEO → Tools → Bulk editor, then switch to the Description tab. Sort by title or URL. Fill missing lines first. Paste in tidy, two-sentence pitches. Save in batches. After that pass, open your top performers and upgrade those lines by hand. This flow keeps throughput high without losing quality.
Samples You Can Model
How-To Page
“Set up Stripe in WordPress in 15 minutes. Clear steps, screenshots, and a test checklist so your first payment runs without fuss.”
Comparison Page
“Email tool showdown: pricing, deliverability, and speed tests on 7 providers, plus picks for small teams and stores.”
Product Page
“Wool runner with cushioned sole. Breathable, machine washable, and backed by a 30-day trial.”
FAQ-Free, But Answers Up Front
This guide avoids an FAQ block by design. The goal is a clean read with answers in the body. For most sites, that shape supports a tidy layout and ad placements without burying the steps.
Resources You Can Trust
See Google’s guidance on snippets and meta descriptions and Yoast’s help on editing snippet templates. Both pages outline how snippets are built and how to set defaults in the plugin.