Meta keywords for SEO have been a topic of debate for years. Once a cornerstone of search engine optimisation, the meta keywords tag was used to tell search engines what a webpage was about. But as SEO has evolved, the relevance of this tag has come under scrutiny.
So, is the meta keywords tag still important? The short answer is no, at least for major search engines like Google. However, understanding its history and role can help you focus on strategies that truly make a difference today.
In this blog, we’ll break down meta keywords, whether they still work, and how to optimise your SEO efforts for the best results.
What Are Meta Keywords?
Meta keywords are HTML tags traditionally used to list specific words or phrases relevant to the content of a webpage. These tags were meant to help search engines understand the primary topics of a page and match them to appropriate user queries.
For example, if your page was about “meta keywords SEO,” you might include terms like “meta keywords tag SEO,” “do meta keywords work,” and “are meta keywords still relevant” in the meta keywords field.
In the early days of search engines, meta keywords were vital to SEO. Website owners could use this tag to communicate the page’s focus to search engines directly. It was simple and effective at the time because search engines relied heavily on this information to rank websites.
However, as SEO became more competitive, meta keywords were often exploited. Website owners began stuffing the tag with irrelevant or repetitive keywords to manipulate rankings. This misuse reduced the reliability of meta keywords as a ranking signal. For instance, a page about “apple pie recipes” might include unrelated terms like “iPhone” or “tech gadgets” in its meta keywords to capture more traffic.
To combat these practices, search engines like Google gradually stopped considering meta keywords as a ranking factor. Instead, they shifted focus to more robust indicators of relevance and quality, such as on-page content, backlinks, and user behaviour.
Today, meta keywords are rarely used in modern SEO strategies, especially for Google. However, they may still have limited relevance for smaller search engines or specific platforms. For most websites, the priority should be on creating high-quality, keyword-rich content and optimising other on-page elements like titles, headings, and meta descriptions.
Do Meta Keywords Work Today?
Meta keywords no longer work as they once did, especially for major search engines like Google. In fact, Google officially stopped using the meta keywords tag as a ranking factor many years ago. This shift came as a response to widespread misuse, such as keyword stuffing, which made the tag an unreliable indicator of content quality.
For modern SEO, search engines rely on more sophisticated algorithms that assess content relevance, user engagement, and overall website authority. Rather than looking at a predefined list of keywords in a tag, they evaluate how naturally keywords are incorporated into your content, headings, and metadata.
That said, there are a few exceptions where meta keywords might still work:
- Smaller Search Engines: Some lesser-known search engines or tools might still reference the meta keywords tag as part of their ranking criteria.
- Specialised Platforms: Certain content management systems (CMS) or industry-specific platforms may still use meta keywords to categorise or organise information.
However, the impact of these instances is minimal when compared to optimising other aspects of your SEO strategy.
How To Approach Keywords Today
Although meta keywords are no longer adequate for improving rankings, they remain a cornerstone of SEO when used strategically. Here’s where your focus should shift:
- On-Page Content: Ensure your primary and related keywords are naturally woven into the body of your content. For example, a blog about “meta keywords SEO” should use this keyword organically in sentences and headings.
- Headings And Titles: Place your target keywords in headings and titles to signal relevance to search engines and users.
- Meta Descriptions: While meta descriptions don’t directly affect rankings, they are vital in click-through rates. Including keywords here can make your link more appealing in search results.
- Anchor Text And Internal Links: Use relevant keywords in anchor text to improve navigation and strengthen your site’s overall keyword strategy.
Conclusion About Relevance About Meta Keywords For SEO
While the meta keywords tag SEO no longer plays a major role in rankings for platforms like Google, keywords remain an integral part of your strategy. The key is knowing where to focus your efforts—on content, metadata, and user experience—to achieve the best results.
If you’re unsure where to begin or how to optimise your website effectively, take advantage of our FREE 30-Minute Strategy Session (Worth $1,000). Best SEO will help you identify areas for improvement and guide you toward achieving the Best SEO performance.
Schedule your free audit today and start optimising your strategy for success!
Frequently Asked Questions About The Relevance Of The Meta Tag In SEO
Are Meta Keywords Still Relevant?
The relevance of meta keywords depends on your goals and target platforms. Focusing on other elements of on-page SEO, such as structured data and user experience, will yield better results for most businesses.
Why Did Google Stop Using Meta Keywords?
Google stopped using meta keywords because they were often misused through keyword stuffing. This shift prioritises content quality and user intent.
Are Meta Keywords Still Relevant For Smaller Platforms?
Some smaller search engines or niche CMS platforms might still reference meta keywords, but their impact is minimal compared to other SEO elements.
What Should I Use Instead Of Meta Keywords?
Focus on optimising your titles, meta descriptions, headings, and content. These elements have a more direct impact on rankings and user engagement.
How Can I Improve SEO Without Meta Keywords?
Create high-quality content, use structured data, optimise for mobile, and ensure fast page loading speeds. These factors are far more effective for SEO.
