This page has a meta description that is too long (over 155 characters). Overly long meta descriptions may be truncated in search engine results, reducing their effectiveness. When search engines like Google display your page in search results, they typically show only about 155-160 characters of the meta description before cutting it off with an ellipsis (...). When descriptions extend beyond this limit, as the one on this page does, important information and calls-to-action placed near the end may never be seen by users browsing search results. This truncation can leave your description feeling incomplete or cut off mid-thought, potentially reducing its persuasive impact and click-through potential.
Meta descriptions that are too long are a common SEO issue that web crawlers flag for correction. While writing comprehensive descriptions seems appealing to provide maximum information, the reality is that anything beyond the viewable character limit provides no additional benefit and may actually harm performance. SEO auditing tools consistently flag overlength descriptions because they represent wasted effort and missed opportunities to create concise, compelling messaging that fits within display constraints. Additionally, search engines may sometimes choose to ignore your provided meta description entirely if it's deemed too long or insufficiently relevant to the user's search query, instead generating an automated snippet from your page content that might not align with your marketing strategy.
Keeping meta descriptions at an optimal length is important because:
The limited space in search engine results imposes natural constraints on effective meta description writing. When crafting descriptions, it's crucial to treat this space as valuable real estate where every character should contribute to convincing users to click. Descriptions that exceed display limits force users to make decisions based on incomplete information, which can lead to lower click-through rates if key selling points or calls-to-action are hidden in the truncated portion. Additionally, search behavior studies show that users typically scan rather than read search results, making concise, scannable descriptions more effective at capturing attention in the split-second decisions users make while browsing. From a practical standpoint, writing within character constraints also forces marketers to distill messaging to its most essential elements, often resulting in clearer value propositions that better communicate why users should visit your page.
To fix a meta description that is too long:
When trimming an overlength meta description, prioritize the information most likely to influence click-through decisions. Begin by identifying redundant phrases, unnecessary adjectives, and details that could be implied rather than stated explicitly. For example, the current description includes "the most reliable, affordable, and professional" which could be condensed to simply "professional" without significantly changing the message. Similarly, "in the entire metropolitan area" could be shortened to just "locally" or specific city names. Focus on preserving specific differentiators like "24/7 emergency service" while removing generic claims that don't distinguish your business. A more effective version might be: "Professional plumbing solutions for homes and businesses. 24/7 emergency repairs with no extra charge for nights/weekends. Licensed experts with 25+ years experience." This revised version maintains all key selling points while fitting within display limits, ensuring your complete message reaches potential customers.