Hi
I know most search engines do not use the meta keywords tag but some use the meta descrition tag now for page description etc. I have decided i might as well include them.
For the meta keywords is it the case that they should be listed as either keywords or keyphrases, separated by comma no space, dont repeat any keywords more than 3 times, and that i should create them by referencing title, meta description, page heading and my first paragraph in that order with most important ones first?
For meta description should I not go over 150 characters including spaces (for google), again not repeat keyword more than 3 times, and create it by looking at title, page heading and first para? Is it ok to mirror word for word the first para.
Should these be different on every page?
Thanks
Brooke posted this at 13:47 — 20th February 2007.
She has: 681 posts
Joined: Feb 1999
I would say yes to both. Except that I have heard not to use commas in the keywords. That way the search engine can put together its own phrases. Don't quote me on that.
I would say that it is good to have different keywords and descriptions on every page - that way you can optimize each page differently.
Like you said, the se's don't use these as much anymore - content is king.
Good luck!
Brooke
CATALUÑA - your Web and Print Connection
We develop effective web sites and print marketing materials for small service based businesses.
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Megan posted this at 13:55 — 20th February 2007.
She has: 10,232 posts
Joined: Jun 1999
Yes, they should definitely be different on every page. Google is working on their duplicate content filters and meta tags are one thing they look at to decide that.
The description is important because people do see it and could use it to decide to click on your result or someone else'se (more on that here).
Otherwise I wouldn't obsess over it too much. Have them, make them unique, but don't spend too much time on it. In page factors are more important.
Megan
My web design blog
HQHost.net posted this at 08:01 — 26th February 2007.
They have: 31 posts
Joined: Dec 2006
Sometimes search engines show your meta description on SERP. So you have to write it forusers first o all.
Mark07 posted this at 11:16 — 29th March 2007.
They have: 4 posts
Joined: Mar 2007
Well thats really an interesting point.
Along with search engines one should also focus on the users and their requirements. There should be a good blending between the two.Regarding meta tag I think using them is not at all harmful, but you should know till what extent to use them.
webchat posted this at 15:08 — 5th April 2007.
They have: 15 posts
Joined: Apr 2007
Obviously your page title is the most important tool you have for ranking. But don't do what far too many sites do which is copy your title into your meta description.
It's amazing how often search engines display your description so..
1) It's a total waste of an opportunity
2) It looks silly to have your listing repeating the same text twice
I always would recommend spending as much time on your meta description as on your page title.
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ChrisL posted this at 10:50 — 29th March 2007.
They have: 68 posts
Joined: Dec 2005
Thanks for that.