A directive telling Google not to display any snippet (text or rich result) for a page in SERPs.
Why a Nosnippet Tag Matters
A nosnippet tag is a powerful tool for controlling your website’s appearance in the search results pages (SERPs). It matters because it is a direct way to influence your click-through rate (CTR). While a search engine can still choose to use a different snippet, it provides a strong signal. By precisely controlling the snippet, you can ensure that your search result previews are both informative and enticing, encouraging users to click through to your site. An overly long snippet could give away all the answers, while it can force a user to click through to your site to get the full answer. A nosnippet tag allows you to find the right balance.
Across Different CMS Platforms
The management of a nosnippet tag is a technical SEO strategy that can be applied to any CMS.
WordPress
WordPress users can easily manage their no-snippet tag by using a good SEO plugin like Yoast SEO or Rank Math. These plugins provide a simple toggle for you to set a page to “nosnippet” or “noindex.”
Shopify
On Shopify, a no-snippet tag is essential for your product descriptions and blog posts. You can use the platform’s built-in SEO features to write a meta description that is relevant to a user’s search query and that entices a user to click.
Wix
Wix has a streamlined, user-friendly system, but you can still optimize for a no-snippet tag. The platform’s built-in SEO tools make it easy to manage your titles, meta descriptions, and on-page content.
Webflow
Webflow gives you granular control over your website’s design and code, which is perfect for a sophisticated meta tag strategy. You can use it to create a perfectly structured page that is optimized for a specific keyword or set of keywords.
Custom CMS
With a custom CMS, you have the most control but also the most responsibility. You can build a system that automatically tracks and analyzes your no-snippet tag’s performance and provides your content creators with data-driven insights.
Across Different Industries
The way you use a no-snippet tag will depend on your industry and your goals.
E-commerce
E-commerce sites can use a nosnippet tag to entice a user to click on a product. A meta description that is relevant to a user’s search query and that entices a user to click can significantly boost your CTR.
Local Businesses
Local businesses can use a nosnippet tag to attract local customers. A plumber in Houston, for example, can use a meta description that mentions “emergency plumbing services in Houston.”
SaaS Companies
SaaS companies can use a nosnippet tag to attract a wide range of customers. A meta description that is relevant to a user’s search query and that entices a user to click can significantly boost your CTR.
Blogs
Blogs are a great way to capitalize on a nosnippet tag. A meta description that is relevant to a user’s search query and that entices a user to click can significantly boost your CTR.
Dos and Don’ts
- To control your snippets: This can be a great way to influence your click-through rate.
- To prevent a search engine from giving away all the answers: An overly long snippet could give away all the answers, while a nosnippet tag can force a user to click through to your site to get the full answer.
- To ensure your content is not being used in an AI Overview: A nosnippet tag can tell a search engine not to display a text or video snippet.
- For a page that is not a high-quality resource: A low-quality page can still be demoted.
- To deceive search engines: This is a clear violation of a search engine’s guidelines.
- For a page that is not relevant to a user’s search query: This can confuse a user and harm your click-through rate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to use for a page that is a high-quality resource: This is a common and often devastating mistake.
- Using that is too long or too short: A long meta tag can be truncated in search results, while an overly short one can appear unfinished or lack necessary detail.
- Ignoring the importance of a brand: The Knowledge Graph is a key part of your brand’s reputation.
FAQs
How is a nosnippet tag different from a meta description?
A meta description is a suggested summary for your page. A search engine can choose to use it or to create a different snippet from your content. A nosnippet tag is a strict instruction that tells a search engine not to display a text or video snippet.
Does a nosnippet tag affect my rankings?
No, a nosnippet tag does not directly affect your rankings. Its primary impact is on your click-through rate (CTR). By controlling the length of your snippet, you can make it more compelling, which can increase the likelihood of a user clicking on your link.
What is the difference between a nosnippet tag and a noindex tag?
A nosnippet tag tells a search engine not to display a text or video snippet. A noindex tag tells a search engine not to add a page to its index.
Can a page with a nosnippet tag still rank?
Yes, a page with a nosnippet tag can still be indexed and can still rank. The tag simply tells a search engine not to display a text or video snippet.
How can I test my nosnippet tag?
You can test your nosnippet tag by using the URL Inspection tool in Google Search Console. It will show you a screenshot of how Google sees your page and a list of all the resources it failed to load.
