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The Meta Keywords Tag Is Not Used by Search Engines to Determine the Topic of a Page

July 25, 2025
The Meta Keywords Tag Is Not Used by Search Engines to Determine the Topic of a Page

Let’s get right to the point — because, unlike the meta keywords tag, we don’t want to waste your time. If you’re still stuffing your HTML with meta keywords hoping Google will throw you a ranking bone, it’s time to put down the digital feather duster and step into 2025. The meta keywords tag is not used by search engines to determine the topic of a page. Yes, you read that right. Not by Google, not by Bing, not even by Yahoo (and they’re still around, we checked).

So, why does this myth persist? Why do some folks still cling to meta keywords like they’re the last donut in the breakroom? Grab your coffee — let’s break down what actually matters for SEO, and how we at bloggingmachine.io can help you focus on what works (while our AI handles the heavy lifting).

The Meta Keywords Tag: A Relic of the Past

Once upon a time, in the wild west days of the internet, the meta keywords tag was a big deal. You’d cram your page with every keyword you could think of — “cat videos, funny cats, hilarious felines, feline humor, LOLcats” — and search engines would (supposedly) reward you with traffic. Fast forward to today, and the meta keywords tag is about as useful as a floppy disk at a TikTok convention.

What the Experts Say (Spoiler: It’s Not Good News for Meta Keywords)

  • Google: Hasn’t used the meta keywords tag for ranking in over a decade. In fact, Google’s John Mueller has repeatedly confirmed that Google ignores it completely. Source
  • Bing & Yahoo: Also ignore the meta keywords tag for ranking. Bing’s documentation even suggests it might use the tag to sniff out spammy sites. Ouch.
  • No Recent Changes: As of 2025, there have been zero updates or reversals in this policy. The meta keywords tag is not used by search engines to determine the topic of a page. Still not convinced? Here’s a recent industry roundup.

Fun Fact

There are no regulations, policies, or government guidelines that require you to use the meta keywords tag. So if you’re still including it, you’re basically just giving yourself extra work for no reward. (We salute your work ethic, though.)

What Actually Matters for SEO in 2025?

If you want to impress search engines — and, more importantly, real human readers — focus on what actually moves the needle:

1. Meta Title and Description Tags

These are still your best friends. The title tag is a major ranking factor, and the meta description can boost your click-through rate (CTR) from search results. Write them for humans, not robots. (Unless the robots are your target audience, in which case, beep boop.)

2. Content Quality and User Intent

Search engines have grown up. They use AI and semantic search to understand what your page is really about. That means you should write naturally, answer real questions, and organize your content around topics — not just keywords. Learn more about semantic search.

3. Structured Data

Want to stand out in search results? Use schema markup to help search engines understand your content and qualify for rich results. It’s like giving Google a cheat sheet (and who doesn’t love a good cheat sheet?).

4. Page Experience

Fast loading, mobile-friendly, easy to navigate — these are the things that keep users (and search engines) happy. If your site feels like a maze, even the best keywords won’t save you.

Common SEO Myths (And Why You Should Ignore Them)

Let’s play a quick game of “Myth or Fact”:

  • Myth: The meta keywords tag helps SEO.
  • Reality: The meta keywords tag is not used by search engines to determine the topic of a page. It’s ignored. Like your last email to the group chat.
  • Myth: All meta-tags are equally important.
  • Reality: Only the title and description tags matter for SEO. The rest? Nice to have, but not critical.
  • Myth: Keyword stuffing in meta-tags boosts rankings.
  • Reality: Not only does this not help, but it can actually hurt you by flagging your site as spammy.

For more on SEO myths, check out this comprehensive guide.

What Do the Pros Recommend?

SEO professionals in 2025 are unanimous: ditch the meta keywords tag. Instead, focus on:

  • Writing for user intent and clarity.
  • Organizing content around topic clusters.
  • Using structured data for enhanced visibility.
  • Prioritizing user experience and page performance.

As one industry expert put it:

“Think of meta-tags in 2025 as foundational elements — not SEO magic bullets. They are part of the larger ecosystem that includes content quality, user experience, page performance, semantic relevance, and structured data.”

How Blogging Machine Makes SEO Effortless

Now, we know what you’re thinking: “All this sounds great, but who has the time?” That’s where we come in. At bloggingmachine.io, our AI agent handles:

  • SEO-optimized article generation (without keyword stuffing or outdated tactics)
  • Automated topic research (so you’re always writing about what matters)
  • Consistent, high-quality content (even when you’re busy “networking” at lunch)

We focus on what works in 2025, so you don’t have to worry about chasing SEO ghosts. Our platform helps you scale organic traffic, attract readers, and keep your blog fresh — without the hassle of managing an in-house writing team.

FAQ: The Meta Keywords Tag and Modern SEO

Q: Should I include the meta keywords tag just in case? A: Nope. It’s ignored by all major search engines. Save yourself the effort.

Q: Can the meta keywords tag hurt my site? A: While it won’t directly hurt you, keyword stuffing in any form can be a spam signal. Plus, it’s a waste of precious time.

Q: What meta-tags should I focus on? A: Title and description tags are still important. Make them clear, relevant, and enticing for users.

Q: Are there any regulations requiring meta keywords? A: None. Zero. Nada. You’re free to skip them entirely.

Q: How do I optimize my blog for SEO in 2025? A: Focus on content quality, user intent, structured data, and a great user experience. Or, let us do it for you at bloggingmachine.io.

The Bottom Line

The meta keywords tag is not used by search engines to determine the topic of a page. It’s not coming back, and you don’t need it. Instead, invest your energy in what matters: engaging, well-written, SEO-friendly articles that attract readers and improve your search rankings. And if you’d rather spend your time on literally anything else, let us at bloggingmachine.io handle your content creation. We promise, our AI doesn’t even know what a meta keywords tag is — and that’s exactly how it should be.

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