Google recently expanded the listings in its search results, so that organic search results will now include full-size links, display URL and a one line description below their listing from the pages meta description tags.

So, how can you take advantage of this change?

The first place to start with is your content. Basically, Google is now displaying around 30-35 characters from your meta description tag in each sitelink. While this is not a lot of room to work with, you need to ensure that those opening words result in a meaningful, relevant snippet. You can do this by having well written and concise meta descriptions across all pages on your website.

If each of the pages on your website doesn’t have a meta description tag, then its time to get busy creating them. Otherwise this is how your listing could look in the Google SERP’s:

Copywriting expert Heather Lloyd-Martin has been quick to jump on the idea of optimising content specifically for these expanded sitelinks through a video which you can view below.

Heathers advice includes examples of what you should and shouldn’t do with your meta description tags and is well worth a look.

So only with a few changes in the meta description tags, you can now expect to see an increase in your organic click through rate (CTR).