Meta data question

Gobbledegeek · 10 Apr 2006 at 13:53

Can anyone tell me if there is a limit to the amount of keywords one can insert? Is there an 'optimal' number? What about the description? What word count should I be aiming for?

Cheers.

iCraig · 10 Apr 2006 at 13:57

5-8 keywords should be enough with a brief description such as "My website all about mowing grass, written by me, Grass Mower Man."

Its all pointless anyway, Google doesn't really take much notice of keywords anymore. So unless you're aiming for the 3rd world search engines that still rely on meta tags I wouldn't spend too much time on them.

Gobbledegeek · 10 Apr 2006 at 14:00

The website I have in mind has nothing to do with mowing but if you think this meta data will help promote my campaign to reintroduce the ducking stool for nagging wives, I will bow to your expertise.

Cheers mate

The B.A. · 10 Apr 2006 at 20:59

iCraig said:
5-8 keywords should be enough with a brief description such as "My website all about mowing grass, written by me, Grass Mower Man."

Its all pointless anyway, Google doesn't really take much notice of keywords anymore. So unless you're aiming for the 3rd world search engines that still rely on meta tags I wouldn't spend too much time on them.

So what do you use to get up in Google's rankings then? I always thought it was meta data but I'm not up on these things.

Mr_L · 10 Apr 2006 at 21:01

This nice guide.

Edit: SEO has an entry on Wiki now. Unless I'm really dense and just not seen it before. :rolleyes:

Edit: It is confirmed. I am dense.

iCraig · 10 Apr 2006 at 22:44

The B.A. said:
So what do you use to get up in Google's rankings then? I always thought it was meta data but I'm not up on these things.

Content first and foremost, along with a proper document structure.

<title>

<h1>

<h2>

<h3> etc

With plenty of real text containing words related to your subject matter. If your site is produced well and contains enough relevant information, Google will reward you.

Al Vallario · 10 Apr 2006 at 23:32

iCraig said:
With plenty of real text containing words related to your subject matter. If your site is produced well and contains enough relevant information, Google will reward you.

Don't forget incoming links; it's all about the incoming links!

But yes, generally speaking meta data is redundant as far as search engines are concerned

unknowndomain · 10 Apr 2006 at 23:46

iCraig said:
3rd world search engines

LOL