Duplicate Meta Descriptions in Press Releases

[RosemaryB]

We have a client that does multiple press releases a year.   One issue we noticed is that every press release has the same meta description tag and the duplicates are starting to really add up.  Unfortunately the client does not want to create specialized meta descriptions for new press releases due to legal restrictions (every new meta description must be reviewed).

What should we do about this?

[AlexMcKee]

That's a tricky situation. I think you need to assess whether the duplicates are doing more harm than having no meta descriptions on the press release pages. Obviously the best solution would be to ensure unique content in the meta description - could content be extracted from the press release? The press release itself has presumably been reviewed and approved for distribution.

[MoosaHemani]

There are two options in my opinion.

1. Use the same Meta description if they are helpful for your audience. I know this will create problem as far as the Google and SEO is concern but the importance of Meta description as a ranking factor is questionable so if it is helpful for user, you can take that risk.
2. Do not use Meta description at all. This way Google will pick any random Meta description from the content and I think as Google is someone who did that so there can be no legal restriction to it.

Hope this helps!