PILLAR 2, TOPICAL CONTENT · 2.1 Title & metaLowIndustry consensus
Multiple meta description tags
More than one meta description leaves Google to choose, and a plugin clashing with the template is the usual cause. There should be exactly one per page.
What it is
More than one description.
Why it matters
Ambiguity; one is chosen.
How to fix it
Keep a single description.
How to find it on your site
- View source and count meta description tags.
- Find the systems each one comes from.
- Leave a single intentional description.
- Re-check the affected templates.
Cross-reference to ranking and citation factors
Competing descriptions reduce control over how the page presents. One keeps it predictable.
Impact
Low. Consensus.
Evidence
One description per page. Google Search Central, SEO Starter Guide