SERPS suddenly showing what looks like ODP descriptions

[timkent]

Within the last hour, google has started showing what can only be described as ODP descriptions. Any one else notice this?

[goodroi]

I haven't noticed this but it wouldn't surprise me. Google runs countless tests on the serp snippets. I've stopped paying much attention to it since I have no control over it. I'd rather use my limited time improving the value of my site to attract more users, links and press about my sites.

[bumpski]

Uh oh, once your in ODP you'll never get out!

Google does supposedly support the "NOODP" tag.
<meta name="googlebot" content="NOODP">
And I know in the distant past it did work!

Please double check the syntax!

[Robert Charlton]

Yes, the NOODP meta tag still works. bumpski's code is for Googlebot only. Here's the version for all engines that support the tag...

<meta name="robots" content="NOODP">

I've just boosted up a recent thread on the topic...

Does google respect NOODP meta?
April-May 2015
https://www.webmasterworld.com/google/3004764.htm [webmasterworld.com]

Check out the Google support article mentioned in that thread.

[Robert Charlton]

PS: Regarding what Google is doing and whether the NOODP tag is likely to change anything... I've observed that the NOODP tag applies only to a specific page that's listed in the Open Directory/DMOZ.

If it's an inner page belonging to the same site, the NOODP tag is unlikely to have any effect, as inner pages generally aren't listed in the Open Directory. In such cases, how Google rewrites the snippet would depend on the query, on what you currently have in place, and what Google might find elsewhere. Google's purpose in rewriting these has been to provide what it statistically determines is a more relevant display in the serps, one more likely to attract clicks.

Narrower width in mobile display is motivating some title rewrites. I can imagine description rewrites being tested to work in tandem with title rewrites, to provide most unique information within the small screen space available. Keyword stuffing is one of the most frequent causes I've seen for rewrites. Please note what you're seeing and post here again. While Google has long been rewriting titles and descriptions, I'm beginning to see a bunch of new reports on the topic.

[bumpski]

I haven't noticed this but it wouldn't surprise me. Google runs countless tests on the serp snippets. I've stopped paying much attention to it since I have no control over it. I'd rather use my limited time improving the value of my site to attract more users, links and press about my sites.

I do not understand this post. This is the Google SEO News and Discussion forum! Please clarify?

[bumpski]

Within the last hour, google has started showing what can only be described as ODP descriptions. Any one else notice this?

timkent:

Did you take any action on this? Or, were you discouraged by one of the posts?
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