An outdated SEO tag once used to list keywords for a page, now ignored by search engines.
Why a Meta Keywords Tag Matters
The meta keywords tag matters because it’s a piece of SEO history. Its evolution from a major ranking factor to a completely ignored tag is a powerful lesson in how search engines have evolved to fight spam. In the early days of SEO, a website could stuff a meta keywords tag with a lot of keywords and get a higher ranking. Today, a search engine’s algorithms are much more sophisticated. They can understand a page’s topic by analyzing the semantic relationships between words, rather than by relying on a list of keywords. The meta keywords tag is a relic of a bygone era.
Across Different CMS Platforms
The management of a meta keywords tag is a technical SEO strategy that can be applied to any CMS.
WordPress
WordPress users can still add a meta keywords tag using a plugin like Yoast SEO or Rank Math. However, the plugins often have a warning that the tag is not used by Google. The best practice is to leave the tag empty or to remove it entirely.
Shopify
On Shopify, you can add a meta keywords tag to your product descriptions and blog posts. However, it is not recommended. The best practice is to focus on creating high-quality, in-depth content that is relevant to a user’s search intent.
Wix
Wix has a streamlined, user-friendly system, but you can still add a meta keywords tag. 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 meta 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 keyword performance and provides your content creators with data-driven insights.
Across Different Industries
The way you use a meta keywords tag will depend on your industry and your goals.
E-commerce
E-commerce sites can still use a meta keywords tag, but it is not recommended. The best practice is to focus on creating high-quality, in-depth content that is relevant to a user’s search intent.
Local Businesses
Local businesses can still use a meta keywords tag, but it is not recommended. The best practice is to focus on providing clear, consistent, and accurate information about your business.
SaaS Companies
SaaS companies can still use a meta keywords tag, but it is not recommended. The best practice is to focus on creating high-quality, in-depth content that is relevant to a user’s search intent.
Blogs
Blogs can still use a meta keywords tag, but it is not recommended. The best practice is to focus on creating high-quality, in-depth content that is relevant to a user’s search intent.
Do’s and Don’ts of a Meta Keywords Tag
Do’s
- Do use a keyword in your title tag and meta description. This is the most important location for a keyword.
- Do use a variety of keywords. Use a mix of short-tail, long-tail, and user-intent keywords.
- Do use a keyword naturally. The best way to use a keyword is to weave it into your content in a way that sounds natural and is easy to read.
Don’ts
- Don’t use a meta keywords tag for ranking. It is an obsolete tag with no SEO value.
- Don’t use keyword stuffing. This is a dated tactic that can harm your SEO.
- Don’t use a keyword that is not relevant to your content. A keyword should be relevant to your products or services.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to use a meta description: This is a common and often devastating mistake. A meta description is a direct path to a new customer.
- Using as a ranking Factor: This is a major mistake. It is an obsolete tag with no SEO value.
- Using a meta keywords tag that is not relevant to your content: This can confuse a user and harm your click-through rate.
FAQs
Is a meta keywords tag a ranking factor today?
No, this is not a ranking factor. Google officially announced in 2009 that it no longer uses this tag for ranking.
Why did Google stop using the meta keywords tag?
Google stopped using the meta keywords tag due to widespread abuse. Websites would stuff the tag with a lot of keywords in an attempt to manipulate search rankings.
Should I still use a meta keywords tag?
No, you should not. It has no SEO value and can be a source of confusion for your content creators.
What is the difference between a meta keywords tag and a meta description?
This is an obsolete tag that was once used to provide a list of keywords. A meta description is a summary of a page’s content that appears in search results and can influence a user’s click-through rate.
Can a search engine use a meta keywords tag for a local search?
No, a search engine will not use this for a local search. The best way to rank in local search is to provide clear, consistent, and accurate information about your business.
