Simple MetaTag Rules

SEO Knowledge Base

Some people spend the time turning MetaTag optimization into an art. However, most of us don't have the time for that. The countless hours that can be spent on adjusting and re-adjusting Meta Tags could be better spent creating new content. After all, it is the content that search engines are "really" looking for. The Meta Tags just help the search engines to find it.

So, the best thing that you can do is to create a sensible set of Meta Tags which will be friendly to most of the major search engines, then MOVE ON. However, Meta Tags are quite important, so you should go about making them correctly the first time around. There is no such thing as a "magical" set of Meta Tags that will instantly explode your web site statistics and search engine rankings.

Example:
You could go to a site that has a #1 ranking for a great search term and cut and paste the Meta Tags into your site, but you will not get a #1 ranking out of it. There are many factors that determine how search rankings turn out, such as site popularity, page-loading speed and content. What you need is a set of Meta Tags that will match your site as best as possible. And remember, it is far better to have too few than too many.

Rule 1: If a keyword is not on your page then try to avoid putting it in the title, description or keywords. Many unwitting people seem to do this, and can be extremely damaging to your promotional efforts. All it will do is water the theme of your page down, and the search engines will be wondering who and what to show your page to.

Note: If you do know a word or phrase that is very common, and you want to use it, then you need to make sure that it is in your title, description and keywords 'as well' as on your page several times. Therefore you will most likely need to re-edit your content as well, (not just the MetaTags).

Rule 2: Don't try to trick the search engines. Search engines are getting smarter every day, and if you think you know of a way to deceive them then chances are... they already know about it.

Example:
Avoid repeating text hundreds of times, and be careful not to make it the same color as the background. Search engines woke up to this a long time ago. This is usually referred to as 'invisible text', and was originally invented as a way to artificially 'boost' the ranking of a website. Search engines know this trick inside-out, and would simply place your page at the bottom of their index. The time you waste trying to be "tricky" would be better spent working on your site, your site-content and REAL promotional efforts.

Rule 3: Keep your title, description, keywords and content as specific as possible. Many people try to add too many words and phrases all over their webpage, thus making it difficult for any search engine to categorize and index your site...

Example:
Imagine for a moment that you are lost and you need to ask for directions. If you were told to "drive under the bridge, past the green house on the left, over the little bump, past the red mail box, you'll see a house with a white gate and then you'll need to pass a school crossing and then turn left"... you would most likely stare blankly at the person in question. However, if the person simply says: "Take your next left" it would be much more helpful.

In summing up the above information, you must make all attempts to keep as specific as you possibly can. All you need to remember is to use as many informative words as you can to keep a "theme" on your page. By all means, use as many keywords as is necessary, but avoid going overboard with these at all costs.

admin @ марта 2, 2008