meta tag
.webp)
What is meta tag - Definition
Meta tags are snippets of text that describe a web page's content and provide information that search engines and social media platforms use to understand the page. Meta tags are placed in the HTML code of a webpage and are not visible on the web page itself. They provide information such as the page's title, description, and keywords. Meta tags are used by search engines to determine the relevance and ranking of a page in search results and by social media platforms to display preview information when a link to the page is shared.
Types of meta tags
There are several types of meta descriptions tags, including:
- Title tag: This tag specifies the title of the webpage, which is displayed at the top of the browser window and in search engine results.
- Description tag: This tag provides a brief description of the content on the webpage, which is typically displayed in search engine results and on social media platforms when the page is shared.
- Keyword tag: This tag provides a list of relevant keywords for the webpage, although it is no longer used by most search engines.
- Robots meta tag: This tag provides instructions to search engines on how to handle the page, such as whether to follow links or index the content.
- Viewport tag: This tag provides instructions to mobile devices on how to display the webpage, such as setting the width and initial scale.
- Open Graph tag: This tag provides information to social media platforms on how to display the page when it is shared, including the title, description, and image.
Importance of meta description in SEO
Meta tags are an important factor in search engine optimization (SEO), as they provide information that search engines use to understand the content and relevance of a webpage. Meta tags can affect the ranking of a webpage in search results, as well as the appearance of the page in search engine results and on social media platforms. It is important to use relevant and accurate meta tags for each webpage to ensure that Google search results and social media platforms display the correct information to users. However, it is worth noting that while meta tags are important, they are not the only factor in SEO and should be used in combination with other optimization techniques to positively influence search engine results for web pages.
Best practices in regard to meta description tags.
- Keep it concise - The recommended length for a title tags is between 150-160 characters. This is not a hard and fast rule, but keeping it short ensures that search engines show the entire tag in search results.
- Use active voice - Write meta description tags in the active voice, which is more engaging to users. Use strong action words that encourage the user to take action, such as "learn more," "explore," or "discover."
- Include the primary keyword - Including the primary keyword in the tag can improve the ranking of the webpage in that keyword search. However, don't stuff the tag with multiple variations of keywords, as this will not help.
- Avoid duplicating - Duplicating the meta descriptions across multiple pages can confuse users and harm the SEO of the website. Every page should have a unique description that accurately describes that specific page's content.
By following these best practices, you can write meta tags correctly and target keywords that can improve the visibility of your webpage on search engines, engage users, and increase click-through rates.
