How it works
A meta description summarises a page in its HTML head. It is separate from the visible heading and the title tag. Search engines may use it in a result snippet, or choose relevant page text instead. Write it for the actual page purpose, not as a repeated list of services or places.
A realistic example
A page about a Wi-Fi dead zone should describe its explanation and practical checks. A generic description saying that the business offers every IT service gives little reason to choose that specific result. Translated pages need equivalent descriptions in their own language, including the relevant caveats rather than an English fallback.
What to check
Check the final server response for exactly one description, then compare it with the page body. Confirm that each important URL has an accurate distinct summary, that characters are escaped correctly and that the right locale is rendered. Inspect real search snippets where available; a preview does not dictate Google’s chosen text.
Limits and next steps
There is no description length that guarantees a fixed display. Snippets vary with query and device. Prioritise a clear first sentence and truthful detail over filling a character target. Do not promise prices, coverage, deadlines or outcomes that the visible page and approved business facts cannot support.