Skip to main content

Meta Keywords in 2023: Are They Still Relevant for SEO?

Published by on in category SEO

Meta Keywords 2023 guide cover with search engine icons

Meta Keywords in 2023: An Overview

In the fast-paced world of SEO, understanding the relevance of meta keywords in 2023 is crucial. This comprehensive guide aims to shed light on the current status of meta keywords, their importance in various search engines, and how they fit into the broader SEO landscape. Dive in to learn whether meta keywords still have a role to play or have become a relic of the past.

How to Find Meta Keywords

How to find meta keywords in page source

To find out if a webpage uses meta keywords, right-click anywhere on the page and select 'View Page Source.' This will open a new tab or a pop-up window displaying the HTML code. Look at the 'head' section to see if meta keywords are present.

Are Meta Keywords Still Relevant in 2023?

Calendar marking the year 2023 and a red cross over meta keywords

As of 2023, meta keywords have lost their relevance in the context of major search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo. They are considered outdated and have no impact on search rankings. However, some search engines like Yandex and Baidu still consider them.

How Google Treats Meta Keywords

Google logo with a 'not allowed' sign on meta keywords

Google Search no longer uses meta keywords for indexing and ranking web pages. This change took place in 2009, making meta keywords obsolete for Google SEO.

Search Engines That Use Meta Keywords

Logos of Yandex and Baidu with a checkmark on meta keywords

While Google, Bing, and Yahoo have moved away from meta keywords, search engines like Yandex and Baidu still consider them. However, it's crucial to avoid keyword stuffing to gain any benefits.

Meta Keyword Examples

Example of meta keywords in HTML code

Meta keywords are terms placed in a webpage's HTML source code. For example, if the keyword 'download' is included in the meta keywords tag, the page may rank better for that term in search engines that still consider meta keywords.

Meta Tags and SEO

SEO chart showing the importance of meta tags other than meta keywords

Meta tags remain a fundamental aspect of SEO. They describe a page's content in a way that search engines understand. Unlike meta keywords, other meta tags like title and description still play a role in search rankings.

Why Were Meta Keywords Used?

Historical timeline showing the use of meta keywords

Meta keywords were initially used to provide search engines with more information about a page's content. They were part of a webpage's HTML source code and were meant to improve the page's search engine ranking.

Is DuckDuckGo a Meta Search Engine?

DuckDuckGo logo with meta search engine label

DuckDuckGo operates as a 'metasearch engine,' aggregating results from various sources like Bing, Yahoo!, and WolframAlpha. It prioritizes user privacy and does not track user activities.

Conclusion: Meta Keywords in Today's SEO

Meta keywords have become less relevant in most major search engines like Google and Bing. However, they are not entirely obsolete as search engines like Yandex and Baidu still consider them. For most SEO strategies, focusing on other meta tags and content optimization should be a priority.

Mastering the Custom 404 Page: A Complete Guide for 2023 Unlock the Power of Video SEO: A Comprehensive Guide