Creating Search Engine Meta Tags

Meta Tags are "invisible" collections of words or sentences used to describe the content of your web site that help search engines index or catalog your site.

Meta tags are invisible in that they are hidden in the document's source code... they are specifically for the search engines - not the viewer. The most important Meta Tags to include in your web site are the "description" and "keywords" tags.

Meta Tag Tips

1. Search engines vary in their preferred size for Meta Tags. Some search engines will cut off your description at 250 characters and some even at 150. So make sure to put the most important information at the beginning of your tag. And avoid repeating keywords more than 3-7 times in your meta description. Some search engines consider it to be spam and will not include your site.
2. Visit Overture - Search Term Suggestion Tool for keyword ideas.

   When we did a keyword search for "web site design" at Overture, we discovered the most populer searches included the words: company, professional, flash, free, best, custom, wedding, affordable, development, graphic, hosting, commerce, ecommerce, small business, corporate, services, etc. We used this information to help compose our "description" and "keywords" tags.

Return to Top of Page

Search Engine Meta Tag Samples

Read our "description", "keywords" and "abstract" Meta Tag Samples below for ideas:

Description:  Professional web site design company creates affordable custom websites for small businesses. Free quotes. Services include Flash animation, graphic design, digital photography, domain name registration, hosting, eCommerce, search engine optimization and corporate identity development.

Note: The "Description" tag is especially important because it's the only tag supported by some search engines.

Keywords:  website, web site, design, designer, creation, development, maintenance, support, hosting, promotion, marketing, service, redesign, small business, best, wedding, baby, graphic designs, photography, ecommerce, shopping cart, Flash animation, advertising banner, corporate identity, best, professional, affordable, reasonable, classy, elegant, innovative, creative, solutions, marketing, makeover, update, web pages, homepage, search engine optimization, USA, United States, Sonoma, CA, California, Eugene, OR, Oregon, Spokane, WA, Washington, portfolio, samples, Flash, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, FrontPage, html, xhtml, dhtml, javascript, perl, cgi, programming.

Note: You can create a keyword list as long as you like, however we recommend keeping it smaller than 900 characters or approximately 85 words in order to avoid being disregarded as a "spammer."

Abstract:  Kestrel Designs specializes in carefully crafted, high quality, low cost web sites for small businesses. We work closely with all of our clients during every phase of the web site creation process - from goal setting and conceptual web site design to launching the finished product. Get your business on the web with a site specifically designed to boost your professional image and sell your products or services today.

Note: The "Abstract" tag is the perfect place to put your company's Mission Statement.

More Tags: There are many other tags that can be used to enhance your search engine placement such as "copyright", "classification", "rating", "coverage" and more...

Return to Top of Page

Where to next?