What is meta keywords in SEO? In the ever-evolving world of SEO, many elements influence how search engines understand and rank web pages. One such element that has been widely discussed is meta keywords. But what exactly does this term mean?
In this article, GetFound will break down meta keywords in SEO, including their definition and role in web pages.
Let’s dive in!
Understanding Meta Keywords in SEO
So, what is meta keywords in SEO? Meta keywords are a type of meta tag used in the HTML code of a webpage to provide a list of relevant keywords that describe the content of the page.
These keywords are meant to help search engines understand the topic of the page and categorize it accordingly. Although meta keywords were once a crucial ranking factor, their significance has declined over the years due to misuse and keyword stuffing.
A typical meta keywords tag appears in the HTML source code as follows:
<meta name=”keywords” content=”SEO, meta keywords, search engine optimization, digital marketing”>
In this example, the keywords “SEO,” “meta keywords,” “search engine optimization,” and “digital marketing” are included as descriptors of the webpage’s content.
The Role of Meta Keywords in Web Pages
Although search engines like Google no longer use meta keywords as a direct ranking factor, they still play a role in certain search engines and internal search functions.
Here are some ways what is meta keywords in SEO is still relevant in certain cases:
1. Assisting Alternative Search Engines
While Google has largely abandoned meta keywords, some search engines still recognize them. For example, search engines like Yandex and Baidu continue to consider meta keywords as a reference for indexing content.
2. Internal Site Search Optimization
Some websites use meta keywords to improve their internal search engine functionality. By tagging pages with relevant keywords, site owners can enhance search results within their own website, making it easier for users to find relevant content.
For example, an e-commerce site selling electronics might use:
<meta name=”keywords” content=”smartphone, laptop, tablet, electronics, gadgets”>
This helps the site’s internal search function group related products together efficiently.
3. Content Categorization and Organization
Some content management systems (CMS) and digital libraries use meta keywords to help categorize and organize information. This can be useful in filtering and displaying relevant content based on tags.
For instance, a news website covering various topics might use meta keywords to group articles by category:
<meta name=”keywords” content=”politics, economy, sports, entertainment, health”>
This method allows the CMS to suggest related content more effectively.
Also Read: Master the Fastest Ways to Pinpoint and Identify Search Intent!
4. Preserving Historical SEO Practices
Older websites that still use meta keywords may retain them as part of their historical SEO practices. Although they don’t impact modern search rankings, they remain in the code as a reference.
Example of Meta Keywords Usage in Different Industries
To further understand what is meta keywords in SEO, here are examples of how various industries might use them:
- E-Commerce Website
<meta name=”keywords” content=”men’s fashion, women’s clothing, shoes, accessories, online shopping”>
- Technology Blog
<meta name=”keywords” content=”latest tech news, smartphone reviews, AI trends, cybersecurity, software updates”>
- Health & Wellness Website
<meta name=”keywords” content=”nutrition, fitness, mental health, healthy recipes, wellness tips”>
While these examples show how meta keywords were traditionally used, modern SEO strategies rely more on high-quality content, structured data, and other on-page SEO factors.
Maximize Your SEO Strategy with GetFound!
Even though meta keywords are no longer a primary ranking factor for Google, understanding what is meta keywords in SEO can still provide value in specific use cases. If you need expert guidance in implementing the best SEO strategies, GetFound is here to help.
GetFound offers tailored solutions to enhance your online visibility. Contact GetFound today to optimize your website and improve your search rankings!
