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Best Practices for Search Information
Best Practices for Search Information

Best practices guide for optimizing your Search Information (also known as Metadata) for search engine results

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Written by Taylor Mansinne
Updated over a week ago

Optimizing your Search Information (also known as Metadata for technical folks) is important for making sure your article shows up for the right search query and related search queries. If you're interested in learning more about what Search Information is and Why it is Important, check out this article.

Search Title Best Practices

Search Titles are one of the most important parts of your story because it’s your first chance to convince readers that you have the information they are looking for. Headlines should be compelling and concise, between 2 and 22 words.

Best Practices:

  • Include target word or phrase

    • The more to the left the keyword is, the better

  • Keep headlines between 40 and 70 characters

  • Keep headlines between 2 and 22 words

Avoid:

  • Excessive use of keywords

  • Using date or time

  • Lengthy Headlines (110 Characters is the Max for Google News)

Good: U.S. COVID-19 Cases Could Cross 220k On Germany’s Growth Trajectory (67)

Bad: [UPDATED 3/23/2020] U.S. COVID-19 Cases Could Cross 220k On Germany’s Growth Trajectory (87)

Search Description Best Practices

Best Practices:

  • Keeping it concise (110-160 characters)

  • Include the keyword in the description

  • Highlight the article's unique angle or perspective

  • Use an active voice and a call-to-action to encourage clicks

Avoid:

  • Excessive use of keywords

  • Lengthy descriptions (160 Characters MAX)

  • Avoid clickbait or misleading descriptions

Wondering what a keyword is and why it's important for SEO? Check out this guide

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