Description: Meta keywords are words or phrases that describe the content of a web page for search engines. These tags are inserted into the HTML code of the page and aim to help search engines understand what the content is about, thus facilitating its indexing and ranking in search results. Although their use has decreased in importance over time due to changes in search algorithms, they remain a relevant component in search engine optimization (SEO). Meta keywords allow webmasters to specify terms they consider relevant to their content, which can influence the visibility of the page in search results. However, it is crucial that these keywords are chosen carefully, as excessive or inappropriate use can be penalized by search engines. In summary, meta keywords are a tool that, although not as decisive as in the past, still play a role in a web page’s SEO strategy.
History: Meta keywords were introduced in the early days of the web, in the 1990s, as a way to help search engines classify page content. In their early days, search engines like AltaVista and Yahoo! used these tags to determine a page’s relevance to user searches. However, over time, the abuse of this technique, such as ‘keyword stuffing,’ led search engines to modify their algorithms. Starting in 2009, Google stopped considering meta keywords as a ranking factor, marking a significant change in their relevance in SEO.
Uses: Meta keywords are primarily used to describe the content of a web page and help search engines index it correctly. Although their importance has decreased, some webmasters still use them as part of their SEO strategy, especially on smaller or less competitive sites. They can also be useful for internal content organization, allowing site administrators to quickly identify the topics covered on different pages.
Examples: An example of using meta keywords would be on a web page dedicated to cooking recipes, where keywords like ‘healthy recipes,’ ‘quick cooking,’ and ‘easy desserts’ could be included in the meta tag. However, it is important to remember that due to their current lack of relevance, many search engines no longer consider these keywords in their ranking algorithms.
