As someone who has been writing for years, it can sometimes appear that making it on the first few pages of Google is just a random game of chance. But there are things you can do to increase those chances.

Today, we’ll talk about the importance of the meta description and how it can take you to the top of Google.

The meta description is exactly what it sounds like: it describes what your article is about and what readers can expect from it. You can find the meta description box in the story settings.

The reason it’s so important is that Google will analyze your meta description and determine how relevant it is to the keywords.

For example, if you write an article about the newest iOS update, and your meta description has zero mention of iOS, iPhone, Apple, or any relevant keywords, Google won’t prioritize it and won’t push it. That’s why it’s essential to capitalize on meta descriptions and make the most out of them.

Writing meta descriptions requires finesse. Simply spamming keywords won’t help. While there's a slim chance it might work, it's unlikely. To improve your Google ranking, craft thoughtful descriptions. For example, using keywords like "iOS 20.5 update" and "new iOS update" can give your article an advantage over others.

To recap, here are the important points you need to remember:
- The meta description can’t just be buzzword after buzzword; they have to be clear and concise sentences.
- Try to add 2 keywords to your meta description (It’s also important to add these words into your title and throughout your article).
- The meta description can only be 160 characters, so don’t add unnecessary words.

Put your newly acquired skills to use!
Use this template to let us know what everyone should know. It could be about the latest Apple update, useful coding tips, or things going on in the world around us.

Write about Ethereum’s expanding influence in the global financial landscape and compete for $1,000 in total prizes! Use this writing template or read the official announcement here!

Happy writing!
HackerNoon Team