If you have a WordPress website, you may have heard about the importance of meta keywords for SEO. Meta keywords are words or phrases that describe the content of a webpage and help search engines understand what the page is about. While some SEO experts argue that meta keywords are no longer relevant, many still believe that they can have a positive impact on your website’s search engine ranking.
In this article, we’ll discuss How to add meta keywords in WordPress without using a plugin, and why it’s important to do so.
Why Are Meta Keywords Important for WordPress Websites?
Meta keywords were once a crucial aspect of SEO, as search engines used them to determine the relevance of a webpage to a user’s search query. However, with the advancement of search engine algorithms, meta keywords are no longer the primary factor in determining a website’s ranking.
That being said, meta keywords can still have a positive impact on your website’s SEO. They provide search engines with additional information about your website’s content, which can help improve its visibility in search results. Additionally, meta keywords can also help attract more targeted traffic to your website, as they give users a better understanding of what your webpage is about.
How to Add Meta Keywords in WordPress Without a Plugin
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By default, WordPress does not have a built-in feature for adding meta keywords. However, there are a few ways you can add them to your website without using a plugin.
Method 1: Manually Add Meta Keywords to Your Website’s Header
The first method involves manually adding meta keywords to your website’s header. This method requires some basic knowledge of HTML and CSS, but it is relatively simple to implement.
- Log in to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to Appearance > Theme Editor.
- In the Theme Editor, click on the “header.php” file on the right-hand side.
- Scroll down until you find the tag.
- Add the following code between the and tags:
- Replace “keyword1, keyword2, keyword3” with your desired keywords, separated by commas.
- Click on the “Update File” button to save your changes.
Method 2: Use a Custom Field Plugin
Another way to add meta keywords to your WordPress website is by using a custom field plugin. This method is more user-friendly and does not require any coding knowledge.
- Install and activate a custom field plugin, such as Advanced Custom Fields or Custom Field Suite.
- Create a new custom field group and add a text field for “Meta Keywords.”
- Edit the page or post where you want to add meta keywords.
- Scroll down to the custom fields section and enter your desired keywords in the “Meta Keywords” field.
- Save or update the page/post.
Best Practices for Adding Meta Keywords in WordPress
When adding meta keywords to your WordPress website, it’s essential to follow some best practices to ensure they have a positive impact on your SEO.
Use Relevant Keywords
When choosing your meta keywords, make sure they are relevant to your website’s content. Avoid using generic or irrelevant keywords, as they can harm your website’s SEO.
Don’t Overstuff Your Keywords
Keyword stuffing, or using too many keywords in your meta tags, can have a negative impact on your website’s SEO. Search engines may view this as an attempt to manipulate rankings and penalize your website.
Use Long-Tail Keywords
Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific phrases that describe your website’s content. They are less competitive and can help attract more targeted traffic to your website.
Update Your Keywords Regularly
It’s essential to update your meta keywords regularly to reflect any changes in your website’s content. This will ensure that your keywords accurately describe your webpage and help improve its visibility in search results.
Other Ways to Improve Your WordPress Website’s SEO
While adding meta keywords can have a positive impact on your website’s SEO, there are other ways to improve your website’s search engine ranking.
Optimize Your Content
Creating high-quality, relevant content is crucial for SEO. Make sure your content is well-written, informative, and includes relevant keywords.
Use SEO-Friendly URLs
Your website’s URLs should be short, descriptive, and include relevant keywords. Avoid using numbers or special characters in your URLs, as they can make them difficult for search engines to read.
Use Alt Tags for Images
Alt tags are descriptions of images that help search engines understand what they are about. Make sure to include relevant keywords in your alt tags to improve your website’s SEO.
Use Internal Linking
Internal linking, or linking to other pages on your website, can help improve your website’s SEO. It helps search engines understand the structure of your website and the relationship between different pages.
Conclusion
While meta keywords may not be as crucial for SEO as they once were, they can still have a positive impact on your website’s search engine ranking. By following the best practices outlined in this article, you can add meta keywords to your WordPress website without using a plugin and improve its visibility in search results.
Remember to regularly update your keywords and continue to implement other SEO strategies to ensure your website’s success. With the right approach, your WordPress website can rank higher in search engine results and attract more targeted traffic.
