Why still use keyword meta tags?
Google has recently restated its position on Keyword Meta tags. They are very clearly saying that they don't use them. Ok, fine. But we still recommend them for all clients for all pages. Why? For the following reasons:
1. Google admits it may change their mind in the future. Per Matt Cutts:
Q: Does this mean that Google will always ignore the keywords meta tag?
A: It's possible that Google could use this information in the future, but it's unlikely. Google has ignored the keywords meta tag for years and currently we see no need to change that policy.
2. We don't know what algorithmic elements other engines are using;
3. We don't know what new search engines will use for optimization elements.
Additionally, my team at WebMama.com and I use the tags to help us and the client remember which keywords/phrases were mapped to which pages. It is a great tactic for helping content writers remember what keywords to use.
Labels: google, search engine optimization, seo
1 Comments:
Other than "why bother", which I think you have answered above, the other reason I've heard for not using meta keywords is that it lets competitors know what keywords you are targeting, so they can easily imitate.
I don't really buy this -- for sites that do SEO well, it is all too easy to see what keywords they target in places that matter: titles, content, headings, alt text, etc.
On the other hand, it is often very hard to get content writers to keep good keywords in mind, so the idea of having them well defined in a meta keywords tag is a really good idea. And yes, the keywords tag may play some role yet with some engines, and a role in the future, so you might as well use them.
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