When Google cuts off meta descriptions in SERPs, often beyond ~155–160 characters.
Do you ever make a perfect summary of your page, only to see Google cut it off in the search results? I know that frustrating feeling when your most important words disappear behind an ellipsis (…). I want to tell you why that happens and why it is a huge missed opportunity for getting clicks. ✂️
I am going to explain exactly What is Truncated Snippet? and show you how to write perfect-length meta descriptions that compel users to click. I will give you simple, actionable tips for writing complete, effective snippets across every platform and industry. This focus on clear messaging will immediately boost your organic click-through rate.
What is Truncated Snippet?
A Truncated Snippet occurs when the text displayed in the search engine results page (SERP)—typically the meta description—is too long for the allocated space, causing it to be cut off and replaced with three dots (…). While the limit changes, the display space is roughly capped at around 920 pixels for the meta description, translating to about 155-160 characters. This problem can happen with your Title Tag too, but it is most common with the description.
I view a Truncated Snippet as an SEO mistake because the cut-off often hides the page’s call-to-action (CTA) or the most compelling information, reducing clicks. Even if your page ranks well, a poorly displayed snippet reduces your organic traffic. My goal is to ensure every snippet is complete, clear, and makes the user want to click through.
Impact of Truncation Across CMS Platforms
While truncation is a Google display issue, my CMS can help me manage the length and preview the final result.
WordPress
On WordPress, I rely heavily on SEO plugins like Yoast or RankMath because they provide a visual length checker for the meta description. These tools show me a green/red bar indicating when my text is likely to be truncated. I always put my main keyword and my most persuasive selling point in the first 120 characters to be safe.
Shopify
For my Shopify stores, I ensure my meta descriptions for products and collections are concise and action-oriented to avoid being a Truncated Snippet. The platform gives me specific fields to edit this text. I prioritize putting the price, a key benefit, and a CTA like “Shop Now” right at the start of the description.
Wix
Wix users should focus on ensuring their description in the SEO panel is descriptive but brief, treating the suggested character limit as a firm boundary. I avoid writing long paragraphs here and stick to one or two punchy sentences that clearly explain the page’s value. This simplicity is the easiest way to avoid the cut-off.
Webflow
Webflow’s integrated SEO settings allow me to easily preview how my meta description will look in search results. I leverage this visual control to ensure my most important, high-intent phrases are fully visible. I create concise, compelling descriptions that maximize the usable pixel space.
Custom CMS
With a custom CMS, I enforce a maximum character limit (around 155) in the meta description content fields for all writers. I can build in a dynamic pixel-width checker to give my team the most accurate feedback. This technical constraint ensures all published snippets are complete and effective.
Truncated Snippet Application in Different Industries
I focus on ensuring the primary value proposition is never cut off, maximizing the sales and lead signals for each sector.
Ecommerce
In e-commerce, I prevent a Truncated Snippet by placing the price, any discount, and a clear CTA (e.g., “Free Shipping Available!”) immediately at the start of the description. The buyer needs this crucial information first. Hiding the deal behind an ellipsis is a guaranteed loss of a click.
Local Businesses
For local businesses, I ensure the most vital information—the service, the location, and the phone number—is clearly visible without truncation. I write snippets that begin with the service and the city, like “Expert Plumber in Chicago | Call Now for 24/7 Emergency Service.” The action words must be fully displayed.
SaaS (Software as a Service)
With SaaS, I avoid truncation by focusing on the core benefit and a strong CTA, like “Start your free trial” or “Download the full guide.” I ensure the description clearly states the value proposition in the first sentence. The key words needed for conversion must be fully present.
Blogs
For my blogs, I ensure the snippet fully communicates the unique angle of the article and its value to the reader. I make sure the promise of the article (e.g., “10 actionable tips” or “ultimate guide”) is not cut off. This compelling text must be complete to win the click.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the safe character limit for a meta description?
The safe character limit I aim for is generally 155 to 160 characters. This helps ensure the description stays within the 920-pixel display limit on most devices, avoiding truncation.
Does a Truncated Snippet hurt my ranking?
A Truncated Snippet does not directly hurt your ranking position, but it does hurt your Click-Through Rate (CTR). A low CTR signals to Google that your result is not as relevant, which can eventually lead to a decline in ranking.
Is Google always using the meta description I write?
No, Google often rewrites the snippet (around 60% of the time) if it believes text from the page is a better fit for the user’s query. However, writing a perfectly optimized, concise description gives your version the best chance of being used.
What is the difference between Title Tag and Snippet Truncation?
Title Tag Truncation cuts off the headline (around 50-60 characters). Snippet Truncation cuts off the description (around 155-160 characters). Both are problems because they hide valuable text that drives clicks.
