Remove the Phone Number

• The phone number should be removed from all title and description fields.

Remove Extensions in NOB

• Extensions such as Inc, LLC, Esq., etc. should be removed from the NOB in all Title and Description fields.
• In the example below we would not remove Central Iowa due to repeat of business name, it would need to be left in the meta
• At time the NOB cannot be minimized to meet character count example: M & M Mechanical Services DBA Big Bear Sheet Metal

Over 60 Characters?

If the title tag is too long, search engines may change the title tag display by adding an ellipsis ("...") or choose to display a different title tag from headlines, copy, or alt tags. Follow these steps, in order, to reduce character count to 60 or less.

1. Remove the comma between the city and state abbreviation or the word 'Area' or both.
2. If still over 60 characters, remove the vertical pipes from right to left.

Examples

• LONG - HVAC Services | Speedy 24/7 Electric and Air Conditioning | Burke, VA Area (74 characters)
• EDIT #1 - HVAC Services | Burke VA | Speedy 24/7 Electric and Air Conditioning (68 characters)
• EDIT #2 - HVAC Services Burke VA Speedy 24/7 Electric and Air Conditioning (64 characters)

If the title tag is still over 60 characters, then leave as-is after following reduction steps.

Example

• Drain Cleaning  Fairfax VA Speedy 24/7 Plumbers and Air Conditioning (64 characters)

IMPORTANT Remember do not swap out 'and' with an ampersand (&) or vice-versa in the NOB. Likewise, number and letters in the NOB also should not be swapped.

Meta Description Tags

A meta description is the 160 character (or less) short description that appears in search engine results or social shares. The meta description is essentially a summary of what appears on the web page so searchers know what to expect when they click through to the site. 

• Write meta descriptions in sentence case. Avoid usage of all-caps unless it is an acronym such as AAA or ASE-Certified.
• Use number of keywords allowed (if applicable) unless character constaints become an issue.

Check Spelling and Grammar

• The AI tool does a very good job with basic spelling and grammar
• Sometimes it uses UK spelling instead of US spelling
• E.g.: “Favourite” s/b be changed to “Favorite”
• Specialty terms or products may also not follow the format or spelling preferred by the client
• E.g.: “ASE-certified” s/b changed to “ASE Certified”
• If something is spelled wrong on the page or in the business description, it may carry over into the meta
• E.g.: “We feature Hardy Plank siding” s/b “We feature HardiePlank siding”

Ampersand

• The ampersand can be used in the meta, if used ensure the rest of the meta for that page matches (NOB must match questionniare)
• If the meta fits other pages on the site with the word "and" leave it

Local Ranking Added to Meta

Amends Team: If the content was added by the Local Ranking team once Copywriter is finished, leave as is regardless of character count.

 

Characters Are Welcome

Remember:

In the Title Tags and Meta Descriptions, most search engines count pixels rather than characters. All search engines look to make sure the information is complete and relevant. The AI tool is designed to keep character, and pixel counts within recommended specs. Complete information is more important than being under 60 or 160 characters. If you are editing Title Tags or Meta Descriptions, 60 / 160 are good rough numbers to aim for but remember that incomplete or irrelevant information will do more harm to the site than going over the limit by a few characters.

Geo Display Rules: At-a-Glance

The Quick Reference Guide below provides a fast, decision-ready summary of the Geo Display rules. Detailed explanations and examples follow.
Note: If the client is already ranking locally and local SEO has been added, the header, hero geo reference, and title tag may differ slightly to support those rankings.