PILLAR 2, TOPICAL CONTENT · 2.1 Title & metaLowVerified
Meta keywords tag present
The meta keywords tag has been ignored by Google for well over a decade and only advertises your target terms to competitors. I remove it.
What it is
Obsolete keywords meta in use.
Why it matters
Google ignores it; presence signals dated SEO and can leak target terms to competitors.
How to fix it
Remove it.
How to find it on your site
- View source and check for a meta keywords tag.
- Confirm whether a CMS or plugin is adding it.
- Remove it, it provides no benefit.
- Re-check templates so it does not return.
Cross-reference to ranking and citation factors
Meta keywords carry no ranking value and can leak strategy. Removing them is pure hygiene.
Impact
Negligible direct; hygiene. Direct (Google ignores it).
Evidence
Google does not use the keywords meta tag. Google Search Central, SEO Starter Guide