meta-tags-optimizer by aaron-he-zhu

---
name: meta-tags-optimizer
description: 'Use when the user asks to "optimize title tag", "write meta description", "improve CTR", "Open Graph tags", "social media preview", "my title tag needs work", "low click-through rate", "fix my meta tags", or "OG tags not showing". Creates and optimizes meta tags including title tags, meta descriptions, Open Graph tags, and Twitter cards for maximum click-through rates and social sharing engagement. For a broader on-page audit, see on-page-seo-auditor. For structured data markup, see schema-markup-generator.'
license: Apache-2.0
metadata:
  author: aaron-he-zhu
  version: "2.0.0"
  geo-relevance: "low"
  tags:
    - seo
    - meta tags
    - title tag
    - meta description
    - open graph
    - twitter cards
    - ctr optimization
    - social sharing
  triggers:
    - "optimize title tag"
    - "write meta description"
    - "improve CTR"
    - "Open Graph tags"
    - "social media preview"
    - "title optimization"
    - "meta tags"
    - "my title tag needs work"
    - "low click-through rate"
    - "fix my meta tags"
    - "OG tags not showing"
---

# Meta Tags Optimizer


> **[SEO & GEO Skills Library](https://skills.sh/aaron-he-zhu/seo-geo-claude-skills)** · 20 skills for SEO + GEO · Install all: `npx skills add aaron-he-zhu/seo-geo-claude-skills`

<details>
<summary>Browse all 20 skills</summary>

**Research** · [keyword-research](../../research/keyword-research/) · [competitor-analysis](../../research/competitor-analysis/) · [serp-analysis](../../research/serp-analysis/) · [content-gap-analysis](../../research/content-gap-analysis/)

**Build** · [seo-content-writer](../seo-content-writer/) · [geo-content-optimizer](../geo-content-optimizer/) · **meta-tags-optimizer** · [schema-markup-generator](../schema-markup-generator/)

**Optimize** · [on-page-seo-auditor](../../optimize/on-page-seo-auditor/) · [technical-seo-checker](../../optimize/technical-seo-checker/) · [internal-linking-optimizer](../../optimize/internal-linking-optimizer/) · [content-refresher](../../optimize/content-refresher/)

**Monitor** · [rank-tracker](../../monitor/rank-tracker/) · [backlink-analyzer](../../monitor/backlink-analyzer/) · [performance-reporter](../../monitor/performance-reporter/) · [alert-manager](../../monitor/alert-manager/)

**Cross-cutting** · [content-quality-auditor](../../cross-cutting/content-quality-auditor/) · [domain-authority-auditor](../../cross-cutting/domain-authority-auditor/) · [entity-optimizer](../../cross-cutting/entity-optimizer/) · [memory-management](../../cross-cutting/memory-management/)

</details>

This skill creates compelling, optimized meta tags that improve click-through rates from search results and enhance social media sharing. It covers title tags, meta descriptions, and social meta tags.

## When to Use This Skill

- Creating meta tags for new pages
- Optimizing existing meta tags for better CTR
- Preparing pages for social media sharing
- Fixing duplicate or missing meta tags
- A/B testing title and description variations
- Optimizing for specific SERP features
- Creating meta tags for different page types

## What This Skill Does

1. **Title Tag Creation**: Writes compelling, keyword-optimized titles
2. **Meta Description Writing**: Creates click-worthy descriptions
3. **Open Graph Optimization**: Prepares pages for social sharing
4. **Twitter Card Setup**: Optimizes Twitter-specific meta tags
5. **CTR Analysis**: Suggests improvements for better click rates
6. **Character Counting**: Ensures proper length for SERP display
7. **A/B Test Suggestions**: Provides variations for testing

## How to Use

### Create Meta Tags

```
Create meta tags for a page about [topic] targeting [keyword]
```

```
Write title and meta description for this content: [content/URL]
```

### Optimize Existing Tags

```
Improve these meta tags for better CTR: [current tags]
```

### Social Media Tags

```
Create Open Graph and Twitter card tags for [page/URL]
```

## Data Sources

> See [CONNECTORS.md](../../CONNECTORS.md) for tool category placeholders.

**With ~~search console + ~~SEO tool connected:**
Automatically pull current meta tags, CTR data by query, competitor title/description patterns, SERP preview data, and impression/click metrics to identify optimization opportunities.

**With manual data only:**
Ask the user to provide:
1. Current title and meta description (if optimizing existing)
2. Target primary keyword and 2-3 secondary keywords
3. Page URL and main content/value proposition
4. Competitor URLs or examples of well-performing titles in the SERP

Proceed with the full workflow using provided data. Note in the output which metrics are from automated collection vs. user-provided data.

## Instructions

When a user requests meta tag optimization:

1. **Gather Page Information**

   ```markdown
   ### Page Analysis
   
   **Page URL**: [URL]
   **Page Type**: [blog/product/landing/service/homepage]
   **Primary Keyword**: [keyword]
   **Secondary Keywords**: [keywords]
   **Target Audience**: [audience]
   **Primary CTA**: [action you want users to take]
   **Unique Value Prop**: [what makes this page special]
   ```

2. **Create Optimized Title Tag**

   ```markdown
   ### Title Tag Optimization
   
   **Requirements**:
   - Length: 50-60 characters (displays fully in SERP)
   - Include primary keyword (preferably near front)
   - Make it compelling and click-worthy
   - Match search intent
   - Include brand name if appropriate
   
   **Title Tag Formula Options**:
   
   1. **Keyword | Benefit | Brand**
      "[Primary Keyword]: [Benefit] | [Brand Name]"
      
   2. **Number + Keyword + Promise**
      "[Number] [Keyword] That [Promise/Result]"
      
   3. **How-to Format**
      "How to [Keyword]: [Benefit/Result]"
      
   4. **Question Format**
      "What is [Keyword]? [Brief Answer/Hook]"
      
   5. **Year + Keyword**
      "[Keyword] in [Year]: [Hook/Update]"
   
   **Generated Title Options**:
   
   | Option | Title | Length | Power Words | Keyword Position |
   |--------|-------|--------|-------------|------------------|
   | 1 | [Title] | [X] chars | [words] | [Front/Middle] |
   | 2 | [Title] | [X] chars | [words] | [Front/Middle] |
   | 3 | [Title] | [X] chars | [words] | [Front/Middle] |
   
   **Recommended**: Option [X]
   **Reasoning**: [Why this option is best]
   
   **Title Tag Code**:
   ```html
   <title>[Selected Title]</title>
   ```
   ```

3. **Write Meta Description**

   ```markdown
   ### Meta Description Optimization
   
   **Requirements**:
   - Length: 150-160 characters (displays fully in SERP)
   - Include primary keyword naturally
   - Include clear call-to-action
   - Match page content accurately
   - Create urgency or curiosity
   - Avoid duplicate descriptions
   
   **Meta Description Formula**:
   
   [What the page offers] + [Benefit to user] + [Call-to-action]
   
   **Power Elements to Include**:
   - Numbers and statistics
   - Current year
   - Emotional triggers
   - Action verbs
   - Unique value proposition
   
   **Generated Description Options**:
   
   | Option | Description | Length | CTA | Emotional Trigger |
   |--------|-------------|--------|-----|-------------------|
   | 1 | [Description] | [X] chars | [CTA] | [Trigger] |
   | 2 | [Description] | [X] chars | [CTA] | [Trigger] |
   | 3 | [Description] | [X] chars | [CTA] | [Trigger] |
   
   **Recommended**: Option [X]
   **Reasoning**: [Why this option is best]
   
   **Meta Description Code**:
   ```html
   <meta name="description" content="[Selected Description]">
   ```
   ```

4. **Create Open Graph Tags**

   ```markdown
   ### Open Graph Tags (Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.)
   
   **Required OG Tags**:
   
   ```html
   <!-- Primary Open Graph Tags -->
   <meta property="og:type" content="[article/website/product]">
   <meta property="og:url" content="[Full canonical URL]">
   <meta property="og:title" content="[OG-optimized title - up to 60 chars]">
   <meta property="og:description" content="[OG description - up to 200 chars]">
   <meta property="og:image" content="[Image URL - 1200x630px recommended]">
   
   <!-- Optional but Recommended -->
   <meta property="og:site_name" content="[Website Name]">
   <meta property="og:locale" content="en_US">
   ```
   
   **OG Type Selection Guide**:
   
   | Page Type | og:type |
   |-----------|---------|
   | Blog post | article |
   | Homepage | website |
   | Product | product |
   | Video | video.other |
   | Profile | profile |
   
   **OG Title Considerations**:
   - Can be different from title tag
   - Optimize for social sharing context
   - More conversational tone acceptable
   - Up to 60 characters ideal
   
   **OG Description Considerations**:
   - Can be longer than meta description (up to 200 chars)
   - Focus on shareability
   - What would make someone click when shared?
   
   **OG Image Requirements**:
   - Recommended size: 1200x630 pixels
   - Minimum size: 600x315 pixels
   - Format: JPG or PNG
   - Keep text to less than 20% of image
   - Include branding subtly
   ```

5. **Create Twitter Card Tags**

   ```markdown
   ### Twitter Card Tags
   
   **Card Type Selection**:
   
   | Card Type | Best For | Image Size |
   |-----------|----------|------------|
   | summary | Articles, blogs | 144x144 min |
   | summary_large_image | Visual content | 300x157 min |
   | player | Video/audio | 640x360 min |
   | app | Mobile apps | 800x418 |
   
   **Twitter Card Code**:
   
   ```html
   <!-- Twitter Card Tags -->
   <meta name="twitter:card" content="[summary_large_image/summary]">
   <meta name="twitter:site" content="@[YourTwitterHandle]">
   <meta name="twitter:creator" content="@[AuthorTwitterHandle]">
   <meta name="twitter:title" content="[Title - 70 chars max]">
   <meta name="twitter:description" content="[Description - 200 chars max]">
   <meta name="twitter:image" content="[Image URL]">
   <meta name="twitter:image:alt" content="[Image description for accessibility]">
   ```
   
   **Twitter-Specific Considerations**:
   - Shorter titles work better (under 70 chars)
   - Include @mentions if relevant
   - Hashtag-relevant terms can help discovery
   - Test with Twitter Card Validator
   ```

6. **Additional Meta Tags**

   ```markdown
   ### Additional Recommended Meta Tags
   
   **Canonical URL** (Prevent duplicates):
   ```html
   <link rel="canonical" href="[Preferred URL]">
   ```
   
   **Robots Tag** (Indexing control):
   ```html
   <meta name="robots" content="index, follow">
   ```
   
   **Viewport** (Mobile optimization):
   ```html
   <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1">
   ```
   
   **Author** (For articles):
   ```html
   <meta name="author" content="[Author Name]">
   ```
   
   **Language**:
   ```html
   <html lang="en">
   ```
   
   **Article-Specific** (For blog posts):
   ```html
   <meta property="article:published_time" content="[ISO 8601 date]">
   <meta property="article:modified_time" content="[ISO 8601 date]">
   <meta property="article:author" content="[Author URL]">
   <meta property="article:section" content="[Category]">
   <meta property="article:tag" content="[Tag 1]">
   ```
   ```

7. **Generate Complete Meta Tag Block**

   ```markdown
   ## Complete Meta Tags
   
   Copy and paste this complete meta tag block:
   
   ```html
   <!-- Primary Meta Tags -->
   <title>[Optimized Title]</title>
   <meta name="title" content="[Optimized Title]">
   <meta name="description" content="[Optimized Description]">
   <link rel="canonical" href="[Canonical URL]">
   
   <!-- Open Graph / Facebook -->
   <meta property="og:type" content="[type]">
   <meta property="og:url" content="[URL]">
   <meta property="og:title" content="[OG Title]">
   <meta property="og:description" content="[OG Description]">
   <meta property="og:image" content="[Image URL]">
   <meta property="og:site_name" content="[Site Name]">
   
   <!-- Twitter -->
   <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image">
   <meta name="twitter:url" content="[URL]">
   <meta name="twitter:title" content="[Twitter Title]">
   <meta name="twitter:description" content="[Twitter Description]">
   <meta name="twitter:image" content="[Image URL]">
   
   <!-- Additional -->
   <meta name="robots" content="index, follow">
   <meta name="author" content="[Author]">
   ```
   ```

8. **CORE-EEAT Alignment Check**

   Verify meta tags align with content quality standards. Reference: [CORE-EEAT Benchmark](../../references/core-eeat-benchmark.md)

   ```markdown
   ### CORE-EEAT Meta Tag Alignment

   | Check | Status | Notes |
   |-------|--------|-------|
   | **C01 Intent Alignment**: Title promise matches actual content delivery | ✅/⚠️/❌ | [Does the title accurately represent what the page delivers?] |
   | **C02 Direct Answer**: Meta description reflects the core answer available in first 150 words | ✅/⚠️/❌ | [Does the description preview the direct answer?] |

   **If C01 fails**: Title is misleading — rewrite to match actual content.
   **If C02 fails**: Content may need restructuring to front-load the answer, or description should better reflect available content.
   ```

9. **Provide CTR Optimization Tips**

   ```markdown
   ## CTR Optimization Analysis

   ### Power Words Used
   - [Word 1] - Creates [emotion/action]
   - [Word 2] - Creates [emotion/action]

   ### CTR Boosting Elements

   | Element | Present | Impact |
   |---------|---------|--------|
   | Numbers | Yes/No | +20-30% CTR |
   | Current Year | Yes/No | +15-20% CTR |
   | Power Words | Yes/No | +10-15% CTR |
   | Question | Yes/No | +10-15% CTR |
   | Brackets | Yes/No | +10% CTR |

   ### A/B Test Suggestions

   Test these variations:

   **Version A** (Current):
   - Title: [Title]
   - Description: [Description]

   **Version B** (Test):
   - Title: [Alternative title]
   - Description: [Alternative description]
   - Hypothesis: [Why this might perform better]
   ```

## Validation Checkpoints

### Input Validation
- [ ] Primary keyword confirmed and matches page content
- [ ] Page type identified (blog/product/landing/service/homepage)
- [ ] Target audience and search intent clearly defined
- [ ] Unique value proposition articulated

### Output Validation
- [ ] Title length 50-60 characters (displays fully in SERP)
- [ ] Meta description length 150-160 characters
- [ ] Primary keyword appears in both title and description
- [ ] Open Graph image specified (1200x630px recommended)
- [ ] All HTML syntax valid (no unclosed quotes or tags)
- [ ] Source of each data point clearly stated (~~search console CTR data, ~~SEO tool competitor data, user-provided, or estimated)

## Example

**User**: "Create meta tags for a blog post about 'how to start a podcast in [current year]'"

**Output**:

```markdown
## Meta Tags: How to Start a Podcast ([current year])

### Title Tag
```html
<title>How to Start a Podcast in [current year]: Complete Beginner's Guide</title>
```
**Length**: ~55 characters ✅
**Keyword**: "how to start a podcast" at front ✅
**Power Words**: "Complete", "Beginner's" ✅

### Meta Description
```html
<meta name="description" content="Learn how to start a podcast in [current year] with our step-by-step guide. Covers equipment, hosting, recording, and launching your first episode. Start podcasting today!">
```
**Length**: ~163 characters ✅
**Keyword**: Included naturally ✅
**CTA**: "Start podcasting today!" ✅

### Complete Meta Tag Block

```html
<!-- Primary Meta Tags -->
<title>How to Start a Podcast in [current year]: Complete Beginner's Guide</title>
<meta name="description" content="Learn how to start a podcast in [current year] with our step-by-step guide. Covers equipment, hosting, recording, and launching your first episode. Start podcasting today!">
<link rel="canonical" href="https://yoursite.com/how-to-start-a-podcast/">

<!-- Open Graph / Facebook -->
<meta property="og:type" content="article">
<meta property="og:url" content="https://yoursite.com/how-to-start-a-podcast/">
<meta property="og:title" content="How to Start a Podcast in [current year] (Complete Guide)">
<meta property="og:description" content="Everything you need to launch your podcast: equipment recommendations, hosting platforms, recording tips, and step-by-step launch checklist. No experience required.">
<meta property="og:image" content="https://yoursite.com/images/podcast-guide.jpg">
<meta property="og:site_name" content="Your Site Name">

<!-- Twitter -->
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image">
<meta name="twitter:title" content="How to Start a Podcast in [current year]">
<meta name="twitter:description" content="Complete beginner's guide to launching your podcast. Equipment, hosting, recording, and more.">
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://yoursite.com/images/podcast-guide.jpg">
<meta name="twitter:site" content="@YourHandle">

<!-- Article Tags -->
<meta property="article:published_time" content="[YYYY-MM-DD]T08:00:00+00:00">
<meta property="article:author" content="https://yoursite.com/author/name">
<meta property="article:section" content="Podcasting">
<meta property="article:tag" content="podcasting">
<meta property="article:tag" content="content creation">
```

### A/B Test Variations

**Title Variation B**:
"Start a Podcast in [current year]: Step-by-Step Guide (+ Free Checklist)"

**Title Variation C**:
"How to Start a Podcast: [current year] Guide [Equipment + Software + Tips]"

**Description Variation B**:
"Want to start a podcast in [current year]? This guide covers everything: equipment ($100 budget option), best hosting platforms, recording tips, and how to get your first 1,000 listeners."
```

## Page-Type Templates

### Homepage

```html
<title>[Brand Name] - [Primary Value Proposition]</title>
<meta name="description" content="[Brand] helps [audience] [achieve goal]. [Key feature/benefit]. [CTA]">
```

### Product Page

```html
<title>[Product Name] - [Key Benefit] | [Brand]</title>
<meta name="description" content="[Product] [key features]. [Price/offer if applicable]. [Social proof]. [CTA]">
```

### Blog Post

```html
<title>[How to/What is/Number] [Keyword] [Benefit/Year]</title>
<meta name="description" content="[What they'll learn]. [Key points covered]. [CTA]">
```

### Service Page

```html
<title>[Service] in [Location] - [Brand] | [Differentiator]</title>
<meta name="description" content="[Service description]. [Experience/credentials]. [Key benefit]. [CTA]">
```

## Tips for Success

1. **Front-load keywords** - Put important terms at the beginning
2. **Match intent** - Description should preview what page delivers
3. **Be specific** - Vague descriptions get ignored
4. **Test variations** - Small changes can significantly impact CTR
5. **Update regularly** - Add current year, refresh messaging
6. **Check competitors** - See what's working in your SERP

## Title Tag Formula Patterns

### Proven Title Formulas

| Formula | Template | Example | Best For |
|---------|----------|---------|---------|
| How-To | How to [Achieve Result] ([Year]) | How to Improve SEO Rankings (2026) | Informational guides |
| Number List | [Number] [Adjective] [Topic] for [Audience] | 15 Proven SEO Strategies for E-commerce | Listicles |
| Question | [Question]? Here's [Answer Preview] | What Is Technical SEO? Complete Guide | Definition content |
| Comparison | [Option A] vs [Option B]: [Differentiator] | Ahrefs vs SEMrush: Which SEO Tool Wins? | Comparison pages |
| Year-Based | Best [Topic] in [Year] ([Tested/Ranked]) | Best SEO Tools in 2026 (Expert Tested) | Evergreen + fresh |
| Benefit-Driven | [Benefit]: [How to Achieve It] | Rank #1 on Google: 10-Step SEO Checklist | High-CTR pages |
| Parenthetical | [Topic] ([Modifier]) | Link Building Guide (With Templates) | Adding value signal |
| Negative | [Number] [Topic] Mistakes [Consequence] | 7 SEO Mistakes That Kill Your Rankings | Problem-awareness content |

### Title Tag Power Words

| Category | Power Words | Use Sparingly |
|----------|-----------|---------------|
| Urgency | Now, Today, Quick, Fast, Instant, 2026 | Don't overuse; pair with substance |
| Value | Free, Proven, Complete, Essential, Ultimate | Avoid hyperbole without backing |
| Specificity | [Exact number], Step-by-Step, Checklist, Template | More specific = more clicks |
| Curiosity | Secret, Little-Known, Surprising, Actually | Must deliver on the promise |
| Authority | Expert, Research-Backed, Data-Driven, Tested | Only use when genuinely expert content |
| Emotional | Best, Worst, Mistakes, Warning, Powerful | Balance emotion with credibility |

### Title Tag Length Optimization

| Length Range | SERP Behavior | Recommendation |
|-------------|--------------|----------------|
| <30 characters | May appear thin | Expand with modifier or brand |
| 30-50 characters | Fully displayed on all devices | Ideal for mobile-first |
| 50-60 characters | Full display on desktop, may truncate mobile | Sweet spot for desktop |
| 60-65 characters | Truncated on some devices | Front-load keywords |
| >65 characters | Truncated everywhere | Avoid — key info gets cut |

## Meta Description Copywriting Frameworks

### AIDA Framework

| Element | What It Does | Example |
|---------|-------------|---------|
| **A**ttention | Hook with a bold claim or question | "Want to double your organic traffic?" |
| **I**nterest | Build relevance | "This guide covers 15 proven strategies..." |
| **D**esire | Show benefit | "...used by top-ranking sites to increase traffic by 200%." |
| **A**ction | CTA | "Read the full guide now." |

**Full Example**: "Want to double your organic traffic? This guide covers 15 proven SEO strategies used by top-ranking sites to increase traffic by 200%. Read the full guide now." (158 chars)

### PAS Framework

| Element | What It Does | Example |
|---------|-------------|---------|
| **P**roblem | Identify pain point | "Struggling to rank on Google?" |
| **A**gitate | Amplify the problem | "Most SEO guides are outdated and miss key ranking factors." |
| **S**olution | Offer the solution | "Our 2026 guide covers what actually works. Read now." |

### Benefit-Proof-CTA Framework

| Element | Example |
|---------|---------|
| Benefit | "Learn the exact SEO process that grew our traffic 5x" |
| Proof | "— with real data from 200+ audits." |
| CTA | "Get the free checklist." |

## CTR Optimization Data

### Factors That Increase Organic CTR

| Factor | CTR Impact | Implementation |
|--------|-----------|----------------|
| Number in title | +20-30% | "7 Ways", "15 Tips", "2026" |
| Question in title | +14% | Start with How, What, Why |
| Emotional words | +7% | "Proven", "Essential", "Mistake" |
| Brackets/parentheses | +38% | "[Guide]", "(With Examples)" |
| Current year | +10-15% | "Best SEO Tools 2026" |
| Power words | +12% | See Power Words table above |
| Match search intent | +15-25% | Align title with SERP expectations |
| Rich results (schema) | +30% | FAQ, HowTo, Review stars |

## Open Graph Best Practices by Platform

### Platform-Specific OG Optimization

| Platform | Image Size | Title Length | Description Length | Special Tags |
|----------|-----------|-------------|-------------------|-------------|
| Facebook | 1200x630px | 40-60 chars | 125-155 chars | og:type, og:locale |
| Twitter/X | 1200x600px | 70 chars max | 200 chars | twitter:card, twitter:site |
| LinkedIn | 1200x627px | 70 chars | 150 chars | Standard OG tags |
| Pinterest | 1000x1500px (2:3) | 100 chars | 500 chars | og:type=article preferred |
| Slack | 500x500px min | Full title | First ~300 chars | Standard OG tags |

### OG Tag Checklist

| Tag | Required? | Notes |
|-----|----------|-------|
| og:title | Yes | Can differ from HTML title; optimize for social sharing |
| og:description | Yes | Social-optimized; can differ from meta description |
| og:image | Yes | Must be absolute URL; minimum 200x200px, ideal 1200x630px |
| og:url | Yes | Canonical URL |
| og:type | Yes | "website" for homepage, "article" for blog posts |
| og:site_name | Recommended | Your brand name |
| og:locale | Recommended | e.g., "en_US" |
| twitter:card | Recommended | "summary_large_image" for articles |
| twitter:site | Recommended | @yourbrand |

## Reference Materials

- [Meta Tag Formulas](./references/meta-tag-formulas.md) — Proven title and description formulas with templates, power words, and CTR data

## Related Skills

- [seo-content-writer](../seo-content-writer/) — Create content for meta tags
- [schema-markup-generator](../schema-markup-generator/) — Add structured data
- [on-page-seo-auditor](../../optimize/on-page-seo-auditor/) — Audit all meta tags
- [serp-analysis](../../research/serp-analysis/) — Analyze competitor meta tags
- [geo-content-optimizer](../geo-content-optimizer/) — GEO optimization complements meta tag improvements
- [content-quality-auditor](../../cross-cutting/content-quality-auditor/) — Full CORE-EEAT audit includes C01/C02 items that meta tags address