Why mastering a meta description for your homepage?
You may be wondering whether your meta description should be about the company or about its services. Ideally... both.
These are 3 types of people visiting your website homepage:
- Those who don't know your brand,
- Those who have heard about the brand, but haven't visited your website,
- Those who know your brand.
Therefore, your homepage description should match the search intent of each caterogie of people.
The first thing you need to figure out is if your website traffic branded or now. You can easily do it in Google Search Console. Click on "Search Results", then go to the "Pages" section and find your homepage. Now check out "Queries" to see what keywords people use to find your homepage.
If most of the keywords contain information about your company (name, pricing, services, working hours, phone number, etc.), then your homepage traffic is branded. That means you want to a company-focused description.
If your traffic is not branded, you'd better write about services your company provides.
But honestly, it's better to combine all these things together and try to fit them in a 156 character count.
We all know that meta descriptions don’t play any role for Google in terms of ranking. Although, they do play a significant role for searchers.
Let’s say you’re looking for dental services in Oklahoma. The first thing you do is going online and typing your query in a browser search field. Then you get a bunch of results along with the headache about which way to go. And this is where homepage meta descriptions come in handy – they provide you with the first impression about the clinic and it’s services.
Having a good homepage meta description for a website crucial. That's because your description is the second (or sometimes THE FIRST) thing consumers will see when they search for something. So make sure to write a description that will highlight all reasons why your company is the way to go.
If you’re struggling with creating a homepage meta description that will sort out your competitors, dive in and check out 49 best meta description examples for 9 different site types to help you create your own.
1. The Balloon Boutique – Transform Any Space into Fun & Festrive Atmosphere
The description catches your attention with the word "Free".
Description: Make your next event extraordinary with Beautiful Balloon Decor from The Balloon Boutique! Free quote. Arches, columns, bouquets, centerpieces and MORE!
2. The Capital Law Firm – Let the Law Be on Your Side
The catchy phrase at the end instantly makes you want to click.
Description: Consult our certified Los Angeles personal injury lawyers and get the compensation you deserve. When we fight for you... It's personal.
3. Highline Dental Care – Get Yourself Healthy Teeth and Gums
The description highlights the users' pain points and calls to action.
Description: Highline Dental Care provides quality dental services to give you the healthy teeth and gums you've always wanted. Schedule your next dental visit today!
4. The Agency Marketing Group – Go Ahead of Your Competitors
The description tells about the expertise of the company.
Description: If you are looking for creative and original branding or advanced social media & digital advertising & ad creation, these are our specialties. Get Results!
5. Best Office Cleaning – Hire Professionals to Save Time
This description promises free cleaning estimate.
Description: Hire the best commercial cleaning services in Union City, NJ. Professional house cleaners nearby you can rely on. Get your FREE cleaning estimate!
Enterprise Website Descriptions
You might think large companies don't need additional promotion. But it's not true – you do need to work on you your description to deliver the value of the company to customers or other businesses.
6. Microsoft – Explore High-Quality Services for Home or Business
Microsoft offers a number of services in the description.
Description: Explore Microsoft products and services for your home or business. Shop Surface, Microsoft 365, Xbox, Windows, Azure, and more.
7. Honda – Japanese Quality for Fast and Safe Riding
The description focuses on the quality of products.
Description: Explore an innovative line of quality products from American Honda Motor Company. Find the latest news and information on Honda and Acura brand products.
8. Paramount – Dive in the World of Adventures
The description delivers the uniqueness of the company.
Description: Paramount is one of the world's leading producers of premium entertainment content that connects billions of people in nearly every country in the world.
9. Adobe – Digital Solutions for Content and Applications
Result-focused description.
Description: Adobe is changing the world through digital experiences. We help our customers create, deliver and optimize content and applications.
10. Make Us Care – Grow Your Brand Fast
The description explains the company's work process.
Description: We create campaigns and brand stories for fast growth tech and lifestyle businesses, so their customers care about them and what they do.
Personal Website
When you have a personal website and want to increase organic traffic, this is where a homepage description can help. Write about yourself, your interests and your expertise to get people interested.
11. Josh Rubietta – Professional Musician and Dancer
The description highlights educational background and professionalism.
Description: Josh graduated with a BA in Dance from Northwestern University in 2013. He is an award-winning choreographer as well as professional dancer and instructor.
12. Jen Carrington – Discover How to Build and Run Business
Brief yet detailed description.
Description: Here to support you to bring more freedom, ease, & intentional growth into your business.
13. Jina Kirlew – Bright and Colorful Illustrations
The description begins with Gina introducing herself and gives a hint about more interesting info to come.
Description: I'm Gina Kirlew! I am a cartoonist, illustrator & graphic designer. I spend most of my time creating cute and colorful art that will hopefully make you …
14. Andreas Mershin – Physicist, Entrepreneur, and Teacher.
From this description, we can find out about different website sections.
Description: Welcome to my personal website! Find out more: about me, my research & teaching, my entrepreneurship & outreach, and my other activities.
15. Scott Lacy – Fun Outdoor Activities and More
The description reflects the person's interests.
Description: The personal website for all things Scott Lacy. Ski racing, boating, adventure, information, photos, funding and more.
Blog Descriptions
Blog is another website format that needs a good homepage description to draw the readers in. Make sure to point out the key blog features and how it can help the visitors.
16. Cup of Jo – Read About All Things Women
The description explains topics that are covered on the website.
Description: Cup of Jo is a daily lifestyle site for women. We cover everything from fashion to culture to parenthood, and we strive to be authentic.
17. Treehugger – Eco-Friendly Approach
The description is clear about what the site offers.
Description: Treehugger is the only modern sustainability site that offers advice, clarity, and inspiration for both the eco-savvy and the green living novice.
18. He Spoke Style
The description mentions a well-known person to highlight the website's authority.
Description: For years, He Spoke Style has worked with Michael Andrews Bespoke to guide users toward a better understanding of gentlemen's style.
19. The Fitnessista
The description attracts with quick solutions the site offers.
Description: Welcome to The Fitnessista, a healthy lifestyle blog emphasizing quick workouts, quick recipes and adventures as a wife and mom.
20. Minimalist Baker
The description includes number.
Description: Celebrating simple cooking with recipes that require 10 ingredients or less, 1 bowl, or 30 minute or less to prepare. All eaters are welcome.
Portfolio Website Descriptions
When it comes to showcasing your work, portfolio website is one of the best and effective ways to get new customers. That leads us to the importance of meta description – it's the first thing people see when they search for something (or someone). With that said, let's take a look at portfolio website descriptions I have found for you.
21. Sophie Brittain – UI/UX Designer with a Seamless Portfolio
Relaxed description with the location info.
Description: Hi there! I'm Sophie, UI/UX designer working in New York City. Check out my portfolio!
22. Steve Wolf Designs – Build Your Meaningful Brand Through Design
Detailed description.
Description: Steve Wolf Designs is an Austin-based graphic design studio. They specialize in creating meaningful and timeless design for clients and their audience.
23. Ana Leovy – Bright and Colorful Designs
The description gives an idea about the specialist's work.
Description: Hi! I am an artist and illustrator based in Cancun, Mexico. Here you can see some of my latest WORK (which is mostly extremely colourful stuff).
24. Darren Hughes Art – Talented Australian Artist
Achievement-focused description.
Description: Darren Hughes is an award-winning Australian artist specialising in highly detailed wildlife and figurative works in pastel.
25. Bukwild – Maximize Your Brand Power
The description includes all the important info.
Description: Bukwild is an independent design and technology studio helping DTC brands reach consumers and thrive in the digital economy.
Entertainment Website Descriptions
We all love to hang out on entertainment websites. But how do we recognize the good one without visiting it? Yes, meta description gives you a sneak peek of what's to come.
26. Fandom – The Largest Site for Fans
The description highlights different movies.
Description: The entertainment site where fans come first. Your daily source for all things TV, movies, and games, including Star Wars, Fallout, Marvel, DC and more.
27. Gfycat – Have Fun Creating Your Own GIFs
The description states about a variety of interactions with the website.
Description: Gfycat is the top destination for GIFs and videos. Create your own GIF or browse the best gaming GIFs, reactions GIFs, funny GIFs and more.
28. PC Gamer – Be Aware of the Newest Games
The description showcases different site categories.
Description: PC Gamer is your source for exclusive reviews, demos, updates and news on all your favorite PC gaming franchises.
29. Noise from the Pit – Entertainment News
The description contains all the info about the website.
Description: Noise From The Pit started is a group of fellow music photographers coming together to bring the masses all the entertainment Noise From The PIT!
30. Barstool Sports – Sports Blog
The description mentions different formats of content on the website.
Description: Barstool Sports is a sports & pop culture blog covering the latest news and viral highlights of each and everyday with blogs, videos and podcasts.
E-commerce Website Descriptions
E-commerce websites have become very popular. In fact, some people don't do offline shopping at all nowadays. If you want to get more customers, you have to promote your website. And one of the ways to do this is to create a catchy description for your homepage.
31. Nikon – Shop the Best Photo Equipment
You can read about the latest products in this description.
Description: Shop the latest mirrorless & DSLR cameras and NIKKOR lenses from the official Nikon eCommerce site. Explore our innovations and photo equipment!
32. Sennheiser – Exaperience the Amazing Sound
The description tells about the brand mission.
Description: For over 75 years, our products come with a built-in mission: to stay true to the sound and soul the music was given by its artist.
33. Walmart – Low Prices and Free Shipping
The description has a clear informaton of what the website provides.
Description: Shop Walmart.com today for Every Day Low Prices. Join Walmart+ for unlimited free delivery from your store & free shipping with no order minimum.
34. Lonely Planet – Plan Your Perfect Trip
The description starts with a question and draws searchers in.
Description: Love travel? Discover, plan and book your perfect trip with expert advice, travel guides, destination information and inspiration from Lonely Planet.
35. KitchenAid – Premium Kitchen Appliances
The description states that nothing's impossible with these products.
Description: Discover premium KitchenAid appliances. Our countertop appliances and major kitchen appliance suites are designed to help achieve all your culinary goals.
News Website Descriptions
News websites allow to stay up to date and be aware of what's going on in the world. If you want your news website to stand out, the right meta description is the way to go. Below you'll see some of the best examples of meta descriptions for news websites.
36. CNN – View the Latest Breaking News
Seamless and detailed description.
Description: View the latest news and breaking news today for U.S., world, weather, entertainment, politics and health at CNN.com.
37. The New York Times – Live News from All Around the World
The description explains all the content provided on the site.
Description: Live news, investigations, opinion, photos and video by the journalists of The New York Times from more than 150 countries around the world.
38. HuffPost – Read the Latest News and Opinions
The description shows different website categories.
Description: Read the latest headlines, news stories, and opinion from Politics, Entertainment, Life, Perspectives, and more.
39. Politico – The Authoritative Resours About Politics
The description is very short, but it has a killer text.
Description: Nobody knows politics like POLITICO.
Educational Website Descriptions
Educational websites present various information for students, teachers, parents, etc. An educational website description should reflect what the site offers – it can be free information, courses, or online lessons.
40. Skillshare – Learning Community for Creators
The description represents different ways of interacting with the website.
Descriptions: Skillshare is a learning community for creators. Anyone can take an online class, watch video lessons, create projects, and even teach a class themselves.
41. Typing Agent – Exciting Typing Programs and Games
The description give an understanding of what's to come on the website.
Description: Typing Agent is the most powerful K-12 keyboarding and technology curriculum. Check out our exciting typing program features and engaging typing games!
42. Howcast – Get Free Educational Guides and Videos
The description has magical words like "fun", "free", and "useful".
Description: Howcast is the best source for fun, free and useful how-to videos and guides.
43. Discovery Education – Explore High-Quality Digital Content
The description is focused on award-winning content and has a call to action.
Description: Discovery Education inspires educators to go beyond traditional learning with award-winning digital content and professional development. Learn more today!
44. Panorama Education – Transformation of Educational Approach
The description is about what exactly the platform can help with.
Description: Panorama Education helps educators act on data to improve student outcomes in social-emotional learning, school climate, family engagement, MTSS & more.
Charity and Non-Profit Website Descriptions
The goal of charity websites varies widely – connecting clients with services, accepting donations from donors, finding volunteers, sharing news, inspiring people to get involved, etc. It is important to set a charity website hompage description that will clearly represent these things.
45. Free the Streets – Social Service for Community Change
The description tells about the organization's mission.
Description: Mission: Rebuild and uplift via resources and opportunities promoting social service, self development of young individuals in underprivileged areas.
46. UHN Foundation – Donate to Make Lives Better
The description has general information about the foundation.
Description: UHN Foundation raises funds for research, education and patient care at University Health Network (UHN).
47. Georgia Arborist Association – Help Save Trees
The description highlights the resource's mission.
Description: Welcome to the GAA. A resource for tree care professionals and the public to protect and care for Georgia's trees.
48. Green Chamber of the South – Economic Growth
The description showcases what exactly the company does.
Description: We are a champion for southern sustainability, bringing together businesses and organizations to promote economic growth focused on sustainability.
49. Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Oregon & Southwest Washington – Deliver Support to Those in Need
The description says about the organization's mission, so you know what it's about from the start.
Description: Mission: promote ovarian cancer awareness and education; support those diagnosed and survivors; and advocate for public policy and funding.
Tips for Creating a Homepage Description That Will Stand Out
There are a list of things to keep in mind when creating a homepage description.
- Keep it short: Although you can't control what Google displays in the search results, there's a chance it will show the description you've written if you keep it short and informative. The recommended side is from 120 to 165 characters. I usually use this tool to control description legnth.
- Think about search intent: Your homepage description should play a role of invitation to your page. Make sure to write a simple, easy-to-read description that matches searchers' intent.
- Add a call to action: Use phrases like "Get it now", "Try for free", "Find out more", etc. These phrases turn your description into a sales text and motivate users to click on the link.
- Include the keywords you rank for: Google tends to highlight them, which makes your description even more attractive and increases your snippet CTR.
- Write a description that will match your website content: Google will notice if your description doesn't match the content on your page and might even penalize you.
Conclusion
Now that you have a bunch of great description examples to inspire you and useful tips on how to make your description work.
P.S. Feel free to share your examples in the comments below. I might add them in the list 😀