Meta tag is a set of coded text used to describe the content of a webpage. It is inserted in the “head” part of your webpage. Meta data will not be displayed on the webpage but it can be viewed before clicking the link on your webpage.
Here is an example of a meta tag and some of its attributes:
<head>
<title>Web Tutorials</title>
<meta content=”This contains tutorials about popular programming languages.” />
<meta content=”HTML,CSS,XML,JavaScript” />
<meta content=”John Doe” />
</head>
Using a meta tag is important in promoting your webpage. It gives you more control on how search engines describe your webpage. If you do not provide a meta data on your webpage, some search engines will just grab the first few lines as a description about your webpage. In these two websites, which would likely click?
• example.com
Home Services About Us Contact Us
• example.com
This is a one-stop place about fully understanding the importance of meta tags.
It is evident that the first link is described by menus of its webpage. Meanwhile, the second link uses a meta tag and provided a description of the webpage. It is important to note that you are competing with millions of websites. A meaningful description of your webpage is essential since visitors would likely click the link to your webpage if they a better idea about your webpage.
Meta tags do not necessarily guarantees a top rank in search engines. However, it provides you more control on how search engines index and list your page. Meta tags take less effort to be incorporated in your webpage; it is a good idea to add them on your webpage.
