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What Is Meta Title, Meta Description, and URL Slug in SEO?

If you’ve ever dipped your toes into SEO (Search Engine Optimization), you’ve probably heard terms like meta title, meta description, and URL slug. But what exactly are they, and why do they matter?

Think of your webpage as a book in a giant digital library (Google). The meta title is like the book’s title, the meta description is the back-cover blurb, and the URL slug is the book’s unique ID on the shelf. Together, they help search engines—and humans—understand what your page is about.

Let’s break them down one by one to understand these On-Page Elements

1. Meta Title: Your Page’s First Impression

The meta title (or title tag) is the clickable headline you see in search results. It’s the first thing people notice, so it needs to be clear, engaging, and keyword-friendly.

A strong meta title should be under 60 characters to avoid being cut off in search results. Include your main keyword near the beginning, and make it compelling—think of it as a mini-ad for your page.

Example:

  • Weak: “Best Shoes | Shop Now”
  • Strong: “Top 10 Running Shoes for Marathon Training (2024)”

2. Meta Description: Your Page’s Sales Pitch

The meta description is the short paragraph below the title in search results. While it doesn’t directly affect rankings, a well-written one can boost click-through rates (CTR).

Aim for 150-160 characters, include keywords naturally, and add a call-to-action (CTA) like “Learn more” or “Discover how.” Google may bold matching keywords, making your listing stand out.

Example:

  • Weak: “We sell shoes. Check out our collection.”
  • Strong: *”Looking for durable running shoes? Our 2024 guide reviews the best marathon-ready footwear for all budgets. Find your perfect pair today!”*

3. URL Slug: Your Page’s Clean Address

The URL slug is the part of the URL that comes after your domain (e.g., /best-running-shoes). A clean, readable slug helps both users and search engines understand your page’s topic.

Use hyphens (-) instead of underscores (_), keep it short and keyword-focused, and stick to lowercase letters to avoid technical issues.

Example:

  • Messy: /product?id=1234&cat=shoes
  • Clean: /best-running-shoes-2024

Why Do These Three Matter for SEO?

  • Better Rankings – Search engines use them to understand your content.
  • Higher CTR – A compelling title and description encourage clicks.
  • User Experience – Clear URLs and descriptions help visitors navigate your site.

Final Thought

Optimizing your meta title, meta description, and URL slug is like putting a bright, easy-to-read sign on your digital storefront. It won’t magically make you rank #1, but it helps Google and users find you—and that’s half the battle.

So next time you publish a page, ask yourself:

  • Is my title clear and click-worthy?
  • Does my description make people want to read more?
  • Is my URL slug simple and descriptive?

If yes, you’re already ahead of most websites. �

Got questions? send email to info@seodigital.my.id