Meta keywords: What are they and how do they work?

Meta keywords once played a significant role in search engine optimisation (SEO). However, their importance has been a topic of debate in recent years, with some arguing that they've lost their relevance while others maintain their significance.

This article aims to shed light on this topic and delve into the question of what are meta keywords in SEO.

What Are Meta Keywords in SEO?

Meta keywords are specific types of meta tags that appear in the HTML code of a webpage.

Their purpose is to tell search engines what the content of the page is about, and they serve as a concise summary of the page's topics.

In the past, search engines used these keywords to categorise web pages. They played a crucial role in determining a page's relevance to a search query.

However, it's important to note that meta keywords are different from other meta tags, such as meta descriptions. 

The Historical Significance of Meta Keywords in SEO

In the early days of SEO, meta keywords were vital as a primary factor in how search engines ranked web pages.

Webmasters would list keywords relevant to their content in the meta tags, and search engines would then index these keywords.

The more a keyword appeared, the higher the page would rank for that keyword. This led to a practice known as keyword stuffing.

However, this practice led to a lot of spammy, low-quality content. As a result, search engines started to evolve and rely less on meta keywords and more on other ranking factors.

How Search Engines View Meta Keywords Today

Today, the role of meta keywords in SEO is a topic of debate. Some argue that they no longer have any impact on search engine rankings.

Others believe that while they may not directly influence rankings, they can still play a role in SEO. They argue that meta keywords can help search engines understand the content of a page.

However, the consensus among most SEO professionals is that meta keywords have lost their importance. This is largely due to changes in search engine algorithms.

• Google has publicly stated that it does not use meta keywords in its ranking algorithm.
• Bing has suggested that it might use meta keywords as a signal, but it's not a major factor.
  

Google's Stance on Meta Keywords

Google has been clear about its stance on meta keywords. It does not use them in its ranking algorithm.

This was confirmed by Google's Matt Cutts in a 2009 video. He stated that Google does not use the meta keywords tag in web ranking.

Despite this, some SEO professionals still include meta keywords in their SEO strategy. They believe that it can't hurt to include them, just in case Google changes its stance in the future.

Other Search Engines and Meta Keywords

While Google may not use meta keywords, other search engines do. For example, Yandex, Russia's largest search engine, still uses meta keywords.

Baidu, the leading search engine in China, also uses meta keywords. However, like Bing, it's not a major ranking factor.

So, while meta keywords may not be crucial for SEO, they can still be beneficial for certain markets. Especially if your target audience uses search engines other than Google.

Best Practices for Using Meta Keywords

Even though meta keywords may not directly impact your Google rankings, they can still be part of your SEO strategy. Here are some best practices to follow:

• Use relevant keywords that accurately represent your content.
• Avoid keyword stuffing as it can lead to penalties.
• Keep your list of keywords concise (aim for 5-10 keywords per page).‍

Selecting Effective Meta Keywords

Meta keywords should be chosen accurately and accurately represent the content of your page.

You can start selecting effective meta keywords by conducting keyword research and identifying the keywords that your target audience is using to find content like yours.

Next, select the most relevant keywords that are closely related to the content of your page.

Finally, consider the competition. If a keyword is highly competitive, it might be difficult to rank for.

Formatting and Implementing Meta Keywords

Once you've selected your meta keywords, it's time to implement them. They should be included in the meta keywords tag in the head section of your page's HTML code.

Each keyword should be separated by a comma, and there’s no need to include quotation marks around the keywords.

Remember, while meta keywords are not a major ranking factor, they can still help search engines understand your content. So, it's worth taking the time to implement them correctly.

Common Misconceptions and Pitfalls

There are several misconceptions about meta keywords that should be avoided to ensure your SEO strategy is effective and ethical. One common myth is that meta keywords are a major ranking factor for Google.

Google has publicly stated that they do not use meta keywords in their ranking algorithm. So, stuffing your meta keywords tag with irrelevant keywords won't boost your rankings.

Another misconception is that meta keywords can replace good content; however, quality content is the cornerstone of SEO.

Finally, some people believe that meta keywords are all you need for SEO. This is again a dangerous misconception, as SEO involves many factors, and meta keywords are just one small part of it.

The Future of Meta Keywords in SEO

The future of meta keywords in SEO is uncertain. Some experts believe they will become obsolete, while others believe they will evolve. 

Despite their diminished role in Google's algorithm, meta keywords may still hold value. They could be useful for other search engines or directories.

The rise of AI and semantic search could also impact meta keywords. They might become more important in understanding user intent.

Regardless of their future, it's crucial to stay informed. SEO is always changing, and what works today might not work tomorrow.

Conclusion: The Role of Meta Keywords in Modern SEO

In conclusion, meta keywords play a nuanced role in modern SEO. While not a major ranking factor for Google, they may still hold value elsewhere.

Understanding and using meta keywords effectively can contribute to a comprehensive SEO strategy. It's all about staying informed and adapting to changes in the SEO landscape.

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