What are Meta Tags? Understanding the META
Wednesday, January 2nd, 2008By: Gabriel Gervelis
What are Meta Tags and why are they important?
When researching search engine optimization and/or search engine optimization companies, it is important to understand the fundamentals of SEO. Meta Tags play a big part of modern day search engine optimization. This post is not going to review what every individual meta tag is and what they do, it will review the concept of meta tags to help with understanding SEO.
Understanding the META!
When was the last time you found yourself walking down the aisles of a book store reading book descriptions? I find myself in this situation on a weekly basis. Like most people I read a book’s description (found on back of book, or inside the book cover) before I decide to buy. The book’s description will heavily impact whether or not I make the purchase.
Think of the Meta Tags on your website in the same way. Meta Tags are book descriptions that search engines read, and every web page within your website can have them. Search engines read these book descriptions, based on certain criteria. The description helps the search engine classify your website. Like a bad book description, if your Meta Tags are not properly optimized, search engines wouldn’t index your web page properly.
Continuing with the book description analogy, the book description is not the only motivating factor when it comes to a buyer deciding to make a purchase. Other factors like the design of the book cover and the author’s reputation may have more weight in the buying decision. However, having a strong book description will help with the overall sales cycle.
The same holds true with Meta Tags. Many factors determine your website rankings on SERPS, but having strong meta tags helps the rankings process. Does every web page need Meta Tags? Will your website rank with out Meta Tags? Will a book sell with out a book description?
Other sources for Meta Tag information
Pill Bradley’s information on Meta Tags
Meta Tag Generator at Addme.com
Google’s source for Meta Tag Definitions
This post is part of SEOTIPS.ORG’s SEO Theory.
Define:Why Are Meta Tags Important
Define:Meta Tags
Good luck with your SEO ventures!