What is the Meta Keywords Tag?
The Meta Keywords Tag is an HTML element that was historically used to specify a list of relevant keywords for a webpage. This tag was placed in the <head> section of a page’s HTML code and looked like this:
<meta name=”keywords” content=”keyword1, keyword2, keyword3″>
In the past, this tag was used by search engines to understand what keywords a page was targeting.
Why is the Meta Keywords Tag Not Recommended?
1. Obsolete for SEO:
Major search engines, including Google, no longer use the meta keywords tag as a ranking factor.
Google officially disregards the meta keywords tag due to its abuse and overuse by spammy websites in the past.
2. No SEO Benefit:
Including meta keywords on your page provides no SEO benefit today. Focusing on this tag can be a waste of time and resources.
3. Can Attract Spam Bots:
Websites that still use meta keywords might attract spam bots or be seen as outdated, which can harm your website’s credibility.
Strategy for Modern SEO (Instead of Meta Keywords)
Rather than using meta keywords, focus on SEO strategies that truly matter in ranking a page.
Here are the best practices:
1. Optimize Title Tags:
Use relevant keywords naturally in your title tag as this is a crucial ranking factor.
2. Optimize Meta Descriptions:
Write engaging meta descriptions that include your primary keywords. These help improve your click-through rate (CTR) and provide context to search engines and users.
3. Use Header Tags (H1, H2, etc.):
Structure your content with header tags and include relevant keywords. This makes your content easier to read and helps search engines understand its structure.
4. Alt Text for Images:
Use descriptive alt text for your images. This improves accessibility and helps search engines index your images properly, contributing to your overall SEO.
5. Use Internal Linking:
Use internal links with keyword-rich anchor text to connect related pages on your site. This reinforces content relevance and helps users navigate your site.
Example of Outdated Meta Keywords (Not Recommended)
<meta name=”keywords” content=”running shoes, best running shoes, running shoes for beginners, affordable running shoes, 2023 running shoes”>
Why Not?: This tag is ignored by Google and other search engines. It’s also likely to attract spam and is considered an outdated practice.
Final Thoughts on Meta Keywords
Meta keywords are no longer part of modern SEO strategies. Instead, prioritize optimizing key elements such as title tags, meta descriptions, header tags, and content quality. You’ll be able to improve your site’s SEO performance without relying on obsolete practices like meta keywords, by aligning your content with user intent and search engine guidelines.
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▪️ SEO & Content Marketing Hub — Learn how content builds authority and visibility
▪️ Search Engine Semantics Hub — A resource on entities, meaning, and search intent
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