Custom Meta Tags

Overview

Custom meta tags provide additional context about a webpage to the search system before indexing. Two specific meta tags, category and tags, allow you to define the content type and its specific properties. This metadata helps refine search relevance and can influence how pages are displayed, such as being recommended in specific contexts.

Meta Tag: "category"

The category meta tag is used to classify a page under a broader content type. This helps the search system understand the general purpose of the page.

Example

<meta name="category" content="Blog Post">

Use Cases

• Articles and Blogs: Specify whether a page belongs to a "Blog Post", "News", or "Guide" category.
• E-commerce: Classify product pages under "Electronics", "Apparel", etc.
• Documentation: Label pages as "API Docs", "User Guide", or "Tutorial".

Meta Tag: "tags"

The tags meta tag allows you to define specific properties or keywords related to the content. These tags can be used to improve search accuracy and recommend similar content.

Example

<meta name="tags" content="SEO, search optimization, metadata">

Use Cases

• Blog Posts & Articles: Tag content with keywords like "technology", "AI", "marketing".
• E-commerce: Use tags such as "wireless headphones", "Bluetooth", "noise-canceling".
• Knowledge Bases & FAQs: Identify relevant topics like "account setup", "billing", "troubleshooting".

Meta Tag: "default:recommended"

The default:recommended tag is used to indicate that a page should be prioritized for recommendation within the search system. This tag helps highlight content that is particularly relevant or valuable, ensuring it appears more prominently in search suggestions and recommendations.

Example

<meta name="tags"content="default:recommended">

Use Cases

• Featured Blog Posts: Highlight important or trending articles.
• E-commerce Promotions: Recommend special offers or best-selling products.
• Critical Documentation Pages: Ensure essential user guides or FAQs appear in relevant searches.

Best Practices

• Use a single category per page to maintain clarity.
• List relevant and specific tags, avoiding overly generic terms.
• Keep tags concise (3-7 words per tag) for better indexing.

Implementation Considerations

• These meta tags do not directly influence SEO rankings but improve internal search relevance and content recommendations.
• Ensure your search indexing system is configured to recognize and use these meta tags.
• Test the impact of these meta tags on search visibility and recommendations.

Conclusion

Adding category and tags meta tags to your pages enhances the search experience by providing structured information about the content type and its properties. Proper use of these tags can help users find relevant content more efficiently and improve content discoverability within your platform.