Metadata tells search engines like Google how to categorize your website. Each page on your website should have its own unique metadata to help improve your visibility in search results.
Does metadata affect your ranking?
Yes and no. Metadata doesn’t directly move your website above or below a competitor’s, but it does influence where and for what your site shows up in search results.
Optimizing your metadata is one of the first steps to building a strong online presence. Google needs to understand what your website is about before it can begin ranking your content appropriately.
STEP ONE
Understand what metadata includes. Metadata is made up of three parts:
- Meta Title – A short, clear title for each page.
- Meta Description – A brief summary of the page content.
- Meta Keywords – A group of keyword phrases relevant to your content (visible to search engines, but not to your visitors).
Your homepage should include Primary Metadata that introduces your website. All other pages should have Unique Metadata that reflects the specific content on that page.
STEP TWO
Know where metadata appears. When you search for something on Google, the listings you see contain metadata. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Meta Title = The bold title you click on in the search results
- Meta Description = The text below the title that explains what the page is about
While meta keywords don’t appear in the search results, they still help Google understand your content.
You can preview and edit your metadata in your PhotoBiz account by clicking the SEO button in the top right corner of each page.
STEP THREE
Match your front-end content with your metadata. It’s best practice to use your keyword phrases in both your metadata and in the visible text on your website. This consistency reinforces your message to both your visitors and search engines.
Example keyword phrase:
Greensboro Wedding Photographer
This phrase clearly tells Google and your audience what you do and where you do it.
STEP FOUR
Stay within Google’s recommended character limits:
- Meta Title: 50–60 characters
- Meta Description: Up to 155 characters
- Meta Keywords: 10–15 unique keyword phrases
These limits help keep search listings clean, consistent, and easy to read. While Google may display longer descriptions at times, shorter and focused text still performs best.
STEP FIVE
Need help writing effective metadata?
Ask PhotoBiz AI for help! Our AI tool can generate properly formatted metadata based on your business and Google’s best practices. It’s a fast and easy way to create optimized titles, descriptions, and keywords for your pages.
FINAL STEP
Keep learning and refining. Strong metadata is specific, location-based, and focused on what you do. It doesn’t have to be perfect from the beginning—just make updates as your business evolves.
If you have questions or need support, contact the PhotoBiz team at 866.463.7620.
Support is available Monday – Friday, 9am – 6pm EST by phone, live chat, or support ticket.
