How to write and edit meta descriptions for my products, pages and collections in Shopify?

In my previous blog post, I guided you how to write and edit the title tags for pages, collections and products in Shopify. This time, we’ll look at meta descriptions. First of all, let’s repeat what meta descriptions are and why you should invest time in writing them.

Similarly to title tags, meta descriptions are essential for a site’s SEO (search engine optimization). They are visible on many places and one of the most important one is Search Engine Result Page (SERP). Meta descriptions should provide users with a brief summary about the web page’s content. If written optimally, meta descriptions can influence the click-through rate and hence bring your site new visitors and potential customers.

Here is one example of a result with a title and a meta description in the Google’s SERP:

Are there any tips for writing great meta descriptions?

Sure, here we go:

• Length – A meta description should have maximum 150 - 160 characters (the length is counted in pixels, so the maximum count of characters depends on the letters you use). I recommend keeping the meta descriptions long (use the 150 - 160 characters) so that the descriptions are descriptive enough.
  • Note: In late 2017, Google increased the limit to 320 characters. However, in May 2018, Google decreased the length again. So, even if you see the number 0 / 320 (see below) in the Search Engine Preview section in your Shopify store, keep the meta description shorter about 150 - 160 characters.
• Uniqueness – Each of your product, page and collection should have a unique meta description. I know that writing a unique meta description for similar products isn’t easy but please avoid duplicate meta descriptions! (I’ll get back to this issue in one of my other articles that I plan to write soon).
• Compelling description – The meta descriptions should be compelling and should include additional information about the the specific page, collection or product.
• Keywords – I highly recommend to include the keywords in the meta descriptions. Be aware of keyword stuffing!
• Content – The meta descriptions should match the content on your page.
• CTA - You should use an appropriate CTA (e.g. Learn more, Shop now, Try now, Ready to…)
• Meta descriptions should be understandable, well-written and attractive. And please, avoid copy pasting a piece of content you have on the page!

Important note: Even if you follow these recommendations, it might happen that Google will rewrite the meta descriptions. Many website owners are against this practice, however, so far Google hasn’t enabled us to decide whether we want Google to rewrite the meta descriptions or not to better suit the search queries (Google’s explanation). Learn more about this issue in my another blog post: Writing titles and meta descriptions seems to be a waste of time. Right, Google?

Where can I edit the titles for my homepage in Shopify ?

1. Go to your online store.
2. Click preferences.
3. Write (or edit) the homepage meta description.
4. Save the changes.

Where can I edit the meta descriptions for my products in Shopify?

1. Go to products.
2. Select a product you would like to edit the meta description for.
3. Scroll down to the Search engine listing preview section
4. Click edit website SEO.
5. Write (or edit) the meta description.
6. Save the changes.

Where can I edit the meta descriptions for my pages in Shopify?

1. Go to your online store.
2. Click pages.
3. Select a page you would like to edit the meta description for
4. Scroll down to the Search engine listing preview section.
5. Click edit website SEO.
6. Write (or edit) the meta description.
7. Save the changes.

Where can I edit the meta descriptions for my collections in Shopify?

1. Go to products.
2. Click collections.
3. Select a collection you would like to edit the meta description for
4. Scroll down to the Search engine listing preview section.
5. Click edit website SEO.
6. Write (or edit) the meta description.
7. Save the changes.

I hope these tips will help you write great meta descriptions! If you plan to tune your title tags, follow my tips in this post. Last but not least, don’t forget that writing compelling meta descriptions takes a lot of time!