How to Add Meta Keywords in Yoast SEO: A Step-by-Step Guide
When it comes to optimizing your website for search engines, understanding how to add meta keywords in Yoast SEO is crucial. Meta keywords, although not as heavily weighted as they once were, still play a role in helping search engines like Google understand the content and relevance of your webpage. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of meta keywords, exploring their importance, how to add them in Yoast SEO, and best practices to get the most out of this valuable optimization tool.
What Are Meta Keywords and Why Are They Important?
Meta keywords are a type of metadata that provides a list of relevant keywords or phrases that summarize the content of a webpage. They’re placed in the HTML header of a webpage and are only visible to search engines, not human visitors. In the past, meta keywords were a key ranking factor, but with the rise of keyword stuffing and spamming, their importance has decreased. However, they still serve as a useful way to provide search engines with a snapshot of your content’s relevance and can improve your website’s visibility in search engine results pages (SERPs).
How to Add Meta Keywords in Yoast SEO
Now that we’ve covered the importance of meta keywords, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of adding them in Yoast SEO. If you’re not already using Yoast SEO, it’s a powerful plugin that simplifies the process of optimizing your website for search engines. Here’s how to add meta keywords in Yoast SEO:
1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to the page or post you want to optimize.
2. Scroll down to the Yoast SEO meta box, usually located below the content editor.
3. Click on the “Advanced” tab within the Yoast SEO meta box.
4. In the “Meta keywords” field, enter your list of relevant keywords or phrases, separated by commas.
5. Click “Save” to save your changes.
Best Practices for Using Meta Keywords in Yoast SEO
Now that you know how to add meta keywords in Yoast SEO, it’s essential to understand the best practices for using them effectively. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
– Use relevant and specific keywords: Only use keywords that are directly related to the content of your webpage. Avoid using generic or broad keywords that don’t add value.
– Keep it concise: Limit your meta keywords to 10-15 relevant phrases. Any more than that can be seen as spamming.
– Use variations: Use keyword variations to cover different search queries. For example, if you’re optimizing for “digital marketing services,” you could also use “online marketing solutions” or “internet marketing agency.”
– Don’t duplicate: Avoid duplicating meta keywords across multiple pages. Each page should have its unique set of keywords.
– Don’t overdo it: Remember, meta keywords are just one aspect of SEO. Focus on creating high-quality, engaging content that provides value to your audience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Meta Keywords
As with any SEO technique, there are common mistakes to avoid when using meta keywords in Yoast SEO. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
– Keyword stuffing: Don’t overload your meta keywords with irrelevant or repetitive phrases. This can lead to penalties and negatively impact your website’s ranking.
– Duplicate content: Avoid duplicating meta keywords across multiple pages. This can lead to confusion and negatively impact your website’s authority.
– Ignoring user experience: Remember, SEO is about providing a great user experience. Don’t sacrifice readability and engagement for the sake of meta keywords.
By following these best practices and avoiding common mistakes, you can effectively use meta keywords in Yoast SEO to improve your website’s visibility and drive more targeted traffic.
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Optimizing Your Content with Meta Keywords in Yoast SEO
Now that we’ve covered the importance of meta keywords, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of adding them in Yoast SEO.
| Step | Action | Yoast SEO Section |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Log in to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to the post or page you want to optimize. | WordPress Editor |
| 2 | Click on the Yoast SEO icon in the bottom right corner of the page. | Yoast SEO Sidebar |
| 3 | In the Yoast SEO sidebar, click on the “Advanced” tab. | Yoast SEO Advanced Tab |
| 4 | In the “Advanced” tab, click on the “Meta keywords” field and enter your target keywords, separated by commas. | Yoast SEO Meta Keywords Field |
| 5 | Click “Save” to save your changes. | WordPress Editor |
Adding Meta Keywords in Yoast SEO: A Recap
By following the steps outlined in the table above, you can easily add meta keywords to your content using Yoast SEO. Remember to keep your meta keywords relevant to your content and target audience, and to separate them with commas. While meta keywords are no longer a direct ranking factor, they can still help search engines understand the context of your content and improve your website’s overall visibility.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Adding Meta Keywords in Yoast SEO
When it comes to optimizing your website for search engines, adding meta keywords in Yoast SEO is a crucial step. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions about how to add meta keywords in Yoast SEO to help you improve your website’s visibility and ranking.
What are meta keywords in Yoast SEO?
Meta keywords in Yoast SEO are specific words or phrases that help search engines like Google understand the content and relevance of your webpage. They’re an essential part of search engine optimization (SEO) and can significantly impact your website’s ranking and visibility.
How do I add meta keywords in Yoast SEO?
To add meta keywords in Yoast SEO, simply navigate to the Yoast SEO plugin on your WordPress dashboard, click on the “Edit snippet” button, and enter your keywords in the “Meta keywords” field. Make sure to separate each keyword with a comma and keep your list concise and relevant to your content.
Can I add multiple meta keywords in Yoast SEO?
Yes, you can add multiple meta keywords in Yoast SEO, but it’s essential to keep your list concise and focused on the most relevant keywords. Aim for 5-10 keywords that accurately describe your content, and avoid keyword stuffing, which can negatively impact your website’s ranking.
How many characters can I use for meta keywords in Yoast SEO?
Yoast SEO allows you to use up to 160 characters for meta keywords. However, it’s recommended to keep your list concise and focused on the most important keywords, rather than trying to use the maximum character limit.
Do meta keywords in Yoast SEO affect my website’s ranking?
While meta keywords in Yoast SEO don’t directly impact your website’s ranking, they do help search engines understand the relevance and content of your webpage. By using relevant and concise meta keywords, you can improve your website’s visibility and increase the chances of ranking higher in search engine results pages (SERPs).
Can I use the same meta keywords for multiple pages in Yoast SEO?
No, it’s not recommended to use the same meta keywords for multiple pages in Yoast SEO. Each webpage has unique content and relevance, and using the same meta keywords can dilute their effectiveness and negatively impact your website’s ranking.
How often should I update my meta keywords in Yoast SEO?
It’s a good idea to regularly review and update your meta keywords in Yoast SEO to ensure they remain relevant and accurate. This is especially important if you’ve made significant changes to your content or target audience.
Do I need to add meta keywords for every page in Yoast SEO?
No, you don’t need to add meta keywords for every page in Yoast SEO. Focus on adding meta keywords for your most important and high-traffic pages, such as your homepage, product pages, and blog posts.
Now that you know how to add meta keywords in Yoast SEO, take the next step and optimize your website for search engines to improve your online visibility and drive more traffic to your site!