You've probably seen a Hash URL before. It's when you click a link and it jumps to a certain section of a page. Like how when you click this link.
In doing some research for a client, I came across the MOST INTERESTING META DESCRIPTION I’VE EVER SEEN! This isn't new, in fact, it's been around since 2009, but it's the first time I've noticed it in a SERP.
What made this meta description so interesting? Well, it had a super useful link in it! Check out the meta description for the first organic result below, where it says “Jump to...”
Still don’t see it?
A link in a meta description! How cool is that?!?! Or should I say, “HOW COOL IS THAT, SEO NERDS?!?!”
You can view the SERP here. It’s the first regular organic result.
Here’s the page that was shown in the SERP above:
http://www.asecurelife.com/best-home-alarm-system/
And here’s a screenshot of the page below. Notice the #8
When you click on #8, it jumps you down to the part of the page that talks about “so which is the best alarm system?”
Here’s the direct link:
http://www.asecurelife.com/best-home-alarm-system/#best-home-alarm-system
And the screenshot of that part of the page:
These are called Hash URLs and you should definitely be using them in your content!
What’s also very interesting here is that Google has overridden the meta description that was provided by asecurelife.com.
In the code the meta is: “What makes the best home alarm system? How much does it cost? Do I need a phone? Who's the best? We answer all these questions and more.”
However, in the SERP for the keyword “best home alarm system," Google has gone ahead and provided a more useful meta description: “Jump to So Which is the Best Home Alarm System? - If you can afford it, we recommend Frontpoint Security as the best home alarm option. They offer a …”
Should We Be Using Hash URLs in Our Content?
I think the answer is: absolutely! Moreover, we should be making the anchor text of our Hash URLs search phrases that people use! Such as “best home alarm system.”
When we write content it's not always possible to answer a user's question above the fold, where they will find the answer instantly. So creating hash URLs and allowing Google to "jump" the user from the meta description to that section of your page means that it's more likely they stay on your page and not bounce!
For information on how to create your own Hash URL check out this tutorial from HubSpot.
Have you seen these in the wild? Please post them in the comments below or on Facebook!
