Page titles and meta descriptions are different
The page title identifies the subject and can influence the linked heading in search results. A meta description offers a short summary that Google may use for the accompanying snippet. Neither should be confused with the visible main heading, although all should accurately describe the same page.
Useful context
- Choose one public page and identify its main customer question.
- Have its approved service name and important distinguishing detail ready.
How it works
Name the page accurately
For a café menu, a title such as Menu and opening hours — Example Café says more than Welcome. Use the actual service or purpose, with the business name where useful. Avoid turning the title into a string of repeated locations and sales adjectives.
Use the description to add context
Explain what the visitor will find and one or two relevant details, such as current food options or how to request a quote. Do not promise prices, delivery times or guarantees that the page itself does not support when someone opens it.
Compare neighbouring pages
A menu, private-hire page and contact page need different descriptions because they answer different questions. Look for copied defaults or old business names. Write for understanding rather than expanding every entry to fill the same number of characters.
Check the published version
Save the approved settings through your platform and inspect the actual public page. Keep a before-and-after record. Search results may take time to reflect the change, and Google can choose different text for a particular query even when the settings are correct.
What to check
- The title identifies this specific page rather than the whole website vaguely.
- The description matches information visitors can actually find.
- Repeated defaults and obsolete claims have been removed.
Sources and further reading
Platform features can change. Check the provider’s current guidance before changing a live service.