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Multiple Meta Descriptions: Why They Matter and How to Fix Them


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Multiple Meta Descriptions: Why They Matter and How to Fix Them

Picture this: you open your site’s HTML, expecting to see one nice, tidy meta description that sums up your page. Instead, you find two, maybe three, all crammed into the same <head>. It might not seem like the end of the world, but having multiple meta descriptions on a single page is a bigger deal than you’d think.

Meta descriptions give search engines and users a quick summary of your page. If you load up more than one, you may confuse crawlers, dilute your message, and risk losing clicks. This article explains how multiple meta descriptions happen, why they matter, and how to remove the extras so you can maintain a clean, consistent search snippet.

Multiple Meta Descriptions TL;DR

Only one meta description should exist in your <head>. Having more than one can lead to lower engagement or random snippet generation. The fix? Pinpoint the source of the duplicate tags, remove the extras, and make sure the one you keep is compelling.

The Consequences of Having More Than One Meta Description

Multiple meta descriptions create confusion for both users and search engines. Search engines may pick the first description, the second one, or even mash them together. That means you’re rolling the dice on which summary actually appears in search results.

In the best-case scenario, you’ll end up with an odd snippet that doesn’t fully align with the page’s content. In the worst case, the crawler ignores your carefully crafted description entirely, picking random body text to display on the search page. You also risk a lower click-through rate (CTR) because visitors might not see the snippet you intended.

This can be especially damaging if you’ve spent time writing a strong meta description that frames your product, service, or blog post perfectly. The moment a second tag sneaks in, you lose control. If you’re competing in a crowded market, you don’t want to leave your snippet to chance.

Official Insights and Modern Guidelines

Across the board, the advice is unanimous: stick to one meta description per page. Make it relevant, compelling, and free from duplication.

Simple Steps to Remove Duplicate Meta Descriptions

  1. Identify Which Pages Have Duplicates
    • Run a scan with an SEO crawler like ScanMySEO, Screaming Frog, or Ahrefs’ Site Audit. These tools list out pages that have more than one <meta name="description">.
    • Jot down each URL flagged. Keep an eye out for patterns maybe it’s your blog template or an e-commerce product page layout causing the duplication.
  2. Pinpoint the Source in Your CMS or Template
    • If you’re using WordPress with multiple SEO plugins (like Yoast and another plugin), disable one of them to see if duplicates disappear.
    • If you have a custom-coded template, inspect the <head> section. Look for more than one <meta name="description" ...> line.
    • Sometimes, a theme or page builder inserts an automatic description, even if you manually entered one. Check your theme settings or plugin settings that generate meta data automatically.
  3. Decide Which Meta Description to Keep
    • Choose the description that best captures what your page is about.
    • If both are poor, rewrite a fresh one that hits your main keyword and entices people to click. Aim for 70–160 characters for a crisp, direct summary.
    • Make sure it reads naturally. Don’t stuff in keywords or repeat phrases.
  4. Remove the Extra Lines of Code
    • In your HTML, find the second (or third) <meta name="description" ...> tag and remove it.
    • If you’re not comfortable editing code, ask a developer to make the changes. Tools like ClarityAutomate can also remove unwanted tags at scale if you have a lot of pages to fix.
  5. Validate the Fix
    • After removing duplicates, run another site crawl. If your site’s tool (like Cozmo in ScanMySEO) shows zero pages with multiple meta descriptions, you’re all set.
    • In a few days, check how your snippets appear in Google’s search results. You should see the description you intentionally crafted.

Fast Improvements and Future-Proof Advice

  • Standardize Your Approach: Decide how you’ll generate meta descriptions long-term. If you use a plugin, let it handle the job consistently. Turn off other modules or remove any code that auto-adds a second meta description.
  • Monitor Regularly: Re-check your pages monthly or after major site updates. A small theme or plugin tweak can bring back extra tags without you noticing.
  • Create a Snippet Strategy: Think of your meta description as an advertisement for that page. Write it to grab attention. Focus on one main benefit or promise. Keep it relevant.
  • Keep Tabs on Character Count: Though search engines don’t have a strict limit, something between 70 and 160 characters usually avoids truncation. Tools like the Google SERP snippet preview at https://www.sistrix.com/serp-snippet-generator (or similar) can help you see how your text appears.
  • Use Tools Wisely: If you have a large e-commerce site, automated description generation can save time. Just confirm it doesn’t accidentally produce duplicates by ignoring dynamic variables or mixing up templates.

Real-Life Example: Removing a Duplicate Meta Description to Regain CTR

Imagine you’ve got a service page for “Roof Repair in Manchester.” You wrote a solid meta description that reads:
<meta name="description" content="Professional roof repair in Manchester. Quick fixes and affordable rates for all roofing needs.">

Then you discover your theme added this line too:
<meta name="description" content="We serve the Manchester area with quality roofing solutions. Contact us now!">

They’re both fine descriptions, but only one should appear. In many cases, search engines either piece them together (leading to an awkward snippet) or skip them altogether. You notice your CTR dropped after the duplication started appearing.

To fix it, you remove the second description so that only the first stays. Within a week or two, you see your snippet revert back to the single, carefully crafted description in search results. Now potential customers see a clearer summary and are more likely to click.

Wrapping Up: Your Next Moves for Clean, Compelling Summaries

Removing extra meta descriptions is straightforward. It doesn’t require a huge overhaul just a bit of detective work, a decision about which description to keep, and a quick code or plugin adjustment. Once you’re done, you’ll have a consistent snippet that actually reflects your content.

Next steps:

  1. Rescan your site with your favorite tool (or ScanMySEO) to confirm you’ve removed all duplicates.
  2. Review your existing meta descriptions to see if they’re still relevant and on-point. If any seem stale or unclear, rewrite them for clarity.
  3. Explore advanced SEO techniques like optimizing for featured snippets or adding structured data to stand out even more.

9. Quick Reference: Checklist and Helpful Resources

Summary Checklist

  • Keep exactly one <meta name="description"> tag per page.
  • Remove or disable duplicate plugin settings or theme elements.
  • Write a single, compelling description around 70–160 characters.
  • Confirm your changes by running a site audit tool again.
  • Recheck your snippet in live search results.

Helpful Resources

Stay on top of this small but mighty detail. One great meta description can mean the difference between a drive-by glance and a solid new visitor. Keep it single, keep it clear, and keep it compelling. That’s all it takes.

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Hansel McKoy

Hey there, I'm Hansel, the founder of ScanMySEO. I've spent over ten years helping global brands boost their digital presence through technical SEO and growth marketing. With ScanMySEO, I've made it easy for anyone to perform powerful, AI-driven SEO audits and get actionable insights quickly. I'm passionate about making SEO accessible and effective for everyone. Thanks for checking out this article!

Hansel McKoy

Founder, ScanMySEO


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