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meta tag
Definition
Tags to describe various aspects about a Web page.
Information
Meta tags may be used for a wide variety of metadata--data that describes
other data--but many site promoters focus primarily on the description
tag and the keywords tag. Some search engines use the description tag
as the first choice for a search engine listing, using alternate methods
if the tag is missing. Some search engines may also use the keywords tag
to reinforce the main topics of the page. Not all search engine use meta
tags, and the other ones may not pay much attention to the contents.
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title tag
Definition
HTML tag used to define the text in the top line of a Web browser, also
used by many search engines as the title of search listings.
Information
The information contained in a title tag appears at the top of the Web
browser when viewing a Web page, and at the top of (most) search listings.
Writing descriptive title tags is an important part of optimizing a site
to rank well with the search engines (and get clicked by visitors). A
well-crafted title tag can stand on its own without the benefit of the
accompanying page content, as this is how it appears to Web searchers
who know nothing about your site.
Include at least one targeted keyword or phrase, maybe more, instead
of using all generic words that do not distinguish your page. If possible,
keywords should be used early in the title to help search engines and
visitors identify the main subject of the page, and also to avoid getting
cut off by search engines that use relatively short titles. Search engines
have limits as to how many characters are used from the title tag and
typically display between 50 to 70 characters.
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description
tag
Definition
An HTML tag used by Web page authors to provide a description for search
engine listings.
Information
Writing good description tags is an important part of optimizing a site
to rank well in the search engines and entice people to click on the listing.
Search engines typically display 150 characters from the description tag,
give or take a few dozen.
Descriptions should include very specific, keyword-rich writing. Do not
use any keyword excessively, as search engines may perceive this as spamming.
If possible, specific terms should be used early in the description to
help search engines and visitors identify the main subject of the page,
and also to avoid getting left out of the visible area.
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