Meta tags used to control how URLs are displayed when shared on social media.
Open Graph tags, or OG tags, are a set of metadata tags that are placed in the <head> section of an HTML document to control how a webpage is displayed when it is shared on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. OG tags are not a direct ranking factor for search engines, but they are crucial for a website’s overall SEO health. By using OG tags, you can control the image, title, and description that appear when a webpage is shared, which can significantly boost your click-through rate (CTR) and brand visibility.
Why OG Tags Matter
OG tags matter because they are a powerful tool for a website’s social media marketing. A well-optimized social share can lead to a significant increase in qualified traffic and sales. By using OG tags, you can:
- Increase Click-Through Rate (CTR): A compelling image, title, and description can entice a user to click on a link.
- Improve Brand Visibility: A well-optimized social share is a clear signal that your business is a high-quality resource.
- Enhance User Experience: A well-optimized social share provides a seamless experience for users, which can lead to a lower bounce rate and a higher time on site.
Across Different CMS Platforms
The management of OG tags is a content and technical SEO strategy that can be applied to any CMS.
WordPress
WordPress users can easily manage their OG tags by using a good SEO plugin like Yoast SEO or Rank Math. These plugins provide a dedicated field for you to write your OG tags, and they also provide a character counter to ensure it is within the optimal length.
Shopify
On Shopify, OG tags are essential for your product descriptions and blog posts. You can use the platform’s built-in SEO features to write a meta description that is relevant to a user’s search query and that entices a user to click.
Wix
Wix has a streamlined, user-friendly system, but you can still optimize for OG tags. The platform’s built-in SEO tools make it easy to manage your titles, meta descriptions, and on-page content.
Webflow
Webflow gives you granular control over your website’s design and code, which is perfect for a sophisticated OG tag strategy. You can use it to create a perfectly structured page that is optimized for a specific keyword or set of keywords.
Custom CMS
With a custom CMS, you have the most control but also the most responsibility. You can build a system that automatically tracks and analyzes your OG tags’ performance and provides your content creators with data-driven insights.
Across Different Industries
The way you use OG tags will depend on your industry and your goals.
E-commerce
E-commerce sites can use OG tags to entice a user to click on a product. A meta description that is relevant to a user’s search query and that entices a user to click can significantly boost your CTR.
Local Businesses
Local businesses can use OG tags to attract local customers. A plumber in Dubai, for example, can use a meta description that mentions “emergency plumbing services in Dubai.”
SaaS Companies
SaaS companies can use OG tags to attract a wide range of customers. A meta description that is relevant to a user’s search query and that entices a user to click can significantly boost your CTR.
Blogs
Blogs are a great way to capitalize on OG tags. A meta description that is relevant to a user’s search query and that entices a user to click can significantly boost your CTR.
Dos and Don’ts of OG Tags
- Use a clear, compelling image: The image should be a high-quality image that is relevant to your content.
- Use a clear, compelling title: The title should tell a user what your page is about and why they should care.
- Use a clear, compelling description: The description should be a short, compelling summary of your content.
- Avoid using a low-quality image: A low-quality image can harm your brand’s reputation and can lead to a lower click-through rate.
- Avoid a title that is too long: A long title can be truncated in search results.
- Avoid a generic description: A description that is a copy of your title tag is a missed opportunity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to use OG tags: This is a common and often devastating mistake. A lack of OG tags can lead to a poor user experience and a loss of organic traffic.
- Ignoring the importance of a brand: The Knowledge Graph is a key part of your brand’s reputation.
- Focusing on short-tail keywords alone: Long-tail keywords are often easier to rank for and can be a great source of organic traffic.
FAQs
Are OG tags a ranking factor?
No, OG tags are not a direct ranking factor. However, a well-optimized social share can lead to a significant increase in qualified traffic and sales, which can indirectly lead to a rankings boost.
What is the difference between an OG tag and a meta description?
A meta description is a summary of a page’s content that appears in search results. An OG tag is a set of metadata tags that are used to control how a webpage is displayed when it is shared on social media.
How do I add OG tags to my website?
You can add OG tags to your website by using a good SEO plugin or by manually adding the code to a page’s <head> section.
What is a good size for an OG image?
A good size for an OG image is typically around 1200×630 pixels. This is the recommended size for a Facebook share.
Can a website with a low domain authority still rank?
Yes, a website with a low domain authority can still rank. The key is to create high-quality, in-depth content that is relevant to a user’s search intent.
