Meta Tag Optimization

Since the search engines have different rules applied to the number of characters allowed in each tag, the optimization is based on the current maximum set by a major search engine - Google.

Google treats the meta description as indexable text, just like body text. However, it does not always use the meta description tag in search results, unless that is the only indexable text on the page. Only then does the meta description text show up in the search results.

Because of this it can lead to some very odd looking search result listings in Google and it's almost impossible to control what Google will select from a page to include in a listing.

Google listings are also dynamically generated based on the search term, so a listing for the same page can be dependent on the search term used.

You should also use your main keyword or phrase in your Title, Description and Meta Keyword tags. Less emphasis is being placed on Keyword order in the Meta Keyword Tag, but placing your most important first is a good policy especially for the smaller search engines.

For additional meta tag optimization tips use the SEO Tool

Meta Tag Optimization Tool