I often have clients inordinately concerned about the content of their meta keywords field as shown by viewing their page source. When I tell them, “Google totally ignores that field these days,” my statement is often met with stunned disbelief.
Here’s the word from the horse’s mouth:
Google Does Not Use Keywords Meta Tag
On-page factors such as quality content with appropriate keyword density, proper use of keywords in page titles and headings, and off-page factors like quality backlinks with relevant anchor text from high-ranked sources are what matter – not a list of 100 keywords stuffed into the meta keywords field.
So – do your keyword research, write good content, pay attention to your titles, work for those backlinks – with the time you would be spending stuffing the keywords field on your website.
Go forth and prosper!
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OK, I admit I would be one of those people who, although not stunned disbelief, would definitely be a bit surprised about this. I learned HTML way back when and am just now really getting on board with renewing my knowledge and learning latest trends, CSS, etc.
Sooo… with that in mind, could you elaborate a little more on:
“On-page factors such as quality content with appropriate keyword density, proper use of keywords in page titles and headings, and off-page factors like quality backlinks with relevant anchor text from high-ranked sources”
I have some idea of what you’re talking about, but could use a little more explanation/examples, please.
Great post! Thanks so much!
Hi Deb -
There is an SEO tutorial from Rowboat Media percolating, as I hear that we’ve got a certain way of doing things that really helps regular people understand technical concepts. Having said that, and being honest with ourselves about our production calendar, the best thing I can do is refer you to a great FREE resource – SEO Fast Start by Dan Theis. You can find a link and a review on it from my friend Lynn Terry here:
http://www.clicknewz.com/2042/seo-fast-start-review/
Wow, I had no idea that Google didn’t use the Meta Keywords tag and judging by the lawsuits there are likely many other misinformed individuals! Do you know if the other major search systems use the Meta Keywords tag or is it just Google that excludes it?
Also thanks for the SEO Fast Start reference – I hadn’t come across that before. I am in the process of reading SEO for Dummies which has served as a good SEO desktop reference.
John,
A quick Google search (what else?) turned up this blog post on the matter which also mentions Yahoo and Bing, if you’re curious.
http://www.malcolmcoles.co.uk/blog/meta-keywords-tag-google/
Thanks Cynthia – It looks like it still may be worth the effort, at least in the short term to ensure full coverage. Like anything else I guess it will depend on what happens to the search industry (Google Vs. Bing, etc.) I appreciate you digging this up.