Let's chat about something really important for your website – writing page titles and meta descriptions. These little snippets might seem small, but they pack a huge punch when it comes to getting more clicks and helping your pages rank higher in search results. Trust me, you don't want to sleep on this!

Writing Inviting Page Titles

Your page title should be short, sweet, and include that all-important keyword. Here's how to write titles that'll make people say "Oh, I gotta click that!"

• Keep It Concise: Aim for 50-60 characters so your entire title shows up in search results without getting cut off. No one likes a cliffhanger!

• Add Your Keyword: Add your main keyword towards the beginning of the title. For example, "Seattle's Best Coffee Shop - Local Brews Galore" is way catchier than "Local Brews Galore - Seattle's Best Coffee Shop."

• Be Clear, Not Vague: Clearly describe what the page is about. Vague titles like "Welcome" or "Home" are total snoozefests.

• Use Power Words: Words like "Best," "Top," "Ultimate," "Guide," and "How-To" make your title pop and beg to be clicked.

• Get Local: If you're targeting a specific area, include your location in the title. For example, "Reno's Top Interior Designers - Stunning Spaces."

Writing Meta Descriptions That Convert

A well-written meta description gives a quick summary of your page and convinces people to visit. Here's how to write descriptions that'll have them clicking through:

• Stay Under 160 Characters: This ensures your whole description shows up in search results without that annoying cut-off.

• Sneak In Keywords: Naturally include your main keyword and maybe a secondary one so search engines (and people!) know what your page is all about.

• Be Persuasive: Use a clear call-to-action (CTA) like "Learn more," "Discover," "Find out," or "Explore" to encourage clicks.

• Brag a Little: Mention what makes your page unique or valuable. For example, "Discover expert home decor tips from Sacramento's top designers."

• Keep It Real: Make sure your meta description accurately reflects the content on the page. Misleading descriptions can have people bouncing quicker than a superball.

Let's See Some Examples

Here are some examples to illustrate these tips for different types of local service businesses:

Coffee Shop Blog Post

• Title: "Top 10 Seattle Coffee Shops - Best Local Brews"

• Meta Description: "Discover the top 10 coziest coffee shops in Seattle pouring the best local brews. From hip hangouts to hidden gems, find your perfect caffeinated escape!"

Digital Marketing Services Page

• Title: "Digital Marketing Agency Phoenix - Grow Your Business Online"

• Meta Description: "Looking to take your Phoenix business to new heights online? Our digital marketing experts deliver cutting-edge strategies that drive leads and skyrocket growth. Book a free strategy session now!"

Home Decor Blog Post

• Title: "Budget DIY Home Decor Ideas - Transform Your Space"

• Meta Description: "Get creative with DIY home decor ideas to transform your space on a budget! From rustic charm to modern flair, we've got easy, affordable ideas to inspire."

Tips for Squarespace

Squarespace makes it easy to update your page titles and meta descriptions. Here’s how to do it:

1. Navigate to Your Page Settings: Go to the specific page or blog post you want to edit.

2. Edit the SEO Settings: Click on the “Settings” gear icon, then select “SEO.” Here, you can update your page title and meta description.

3. Preview Your Changes: Squarespace provides a preview of how your title and description will appear in search results. Use this to make sure everything looks great!

Need Help Getting Your Local Blog Started?

Writing great local blog content is step one. You'll also need a high-performing website to house those posts and get found by nearby customers.

If you need assistance setting up a blog, optimizing for on-page SEO, or have any other website questions, I can help as an experienced Squarespace designer.