How to add a meta description in SiteNow

The Summary field is used as the meta description for all pages. Where this field appears when you're editing a page depends on what content type you're creating or modifying.

• For articles, the Summary field is after the Article Subhead field and before the Body field.
• For pages, the Summary field is after the Title field and before the Body field.

All text you enter into this field serves as the meta description for your page.

Tips for writing meta descriptions for articles and pages

• Use approximately 25 words (or 50–160 characters) and include important keywords used on the page within the description.
  • Note that search engines will automatically bold or highlight any keywords that match the searcher’s query.
• If the page focuses on two core keyword phrases (has multiple ways of saying or searching something, or has more than one related key message), write one sentence for each keyword phrase or related message.
  • Example using both the formal, and more common terms: “Earn your Bachelor of Arts in Psychological and Brain Sciences. With a major in psychology, you’ll study human behavior, thoughts, and decision-making.”
• Use action-oriented, benefits-driven copy to compel the reader to respond with a click.
  • Example: “Learn how xxx does keyword research better”
• Each page requires a unique meta description. Don’t copy and paste from another page or another site.
• Page titles will have the website name (formal department name) and “The University of Iowa” appended automatically, so if you’re not able to fit both of those names, plus keywords and a good action-oriented description into the short meta description, prioritize keywords and verbs first.