If you’re managing a WordPress site, you’re probably aware of the importance of search engine optimization (SEO). Meta keywords used to be a big part of SEO strategy, and although they no longer hold the same weight, adding them can still offer value for niche-specific searches. But how do you add meta keywords without a plugin?
You might not want to overload your site with plugins due to security risks, performance concerns, or simply preferring a hands-on approach. In this guide, I’ll show you how to add meta keywords in WordPress manually, without a plugin.
- Why Meta Keywords Still Matter (a little)
- How to Safely Add Meta Keywords in WordPress without Plugins
- Step-by-Step Guide with Code Examples
- Best Practices and Tips for Meta Keywords
Why Meta Keywords Still Matter
Meta keywords are no longer a critical ranking factor for major search engines like Google, which disregards them completely for ranking purposes. However, certain smaller search engines, content management systems, or niche-specific search engines might still use them in their ranking algorithms.
While you shouldn’t rely solely on meta keywords for your SEO, adding them can still provide some benefit, especially in highly specific searches or for internal organizational purposes. Think of it as an extra layer of optimization that won’t hurt your site’s performance when done correctly.
How to Add Meta Keywords in WordPress Without a Plugin
To manually add meta keywords to your WordPress website, you’ll need to access and modify your theme’s header file. While this might sound intimidating, don’t worry—I’ll walk you through it step by step. Just make sure to back up your website before making any changes.
Here’s how to get started:
- Step 1: Access Your Theme Editor
- Step 2: Edit the Header.php File
- Step 3: Insert Meta Keywords Code
Let’s break down each of these steps.
Step 1: Access Your Theme Editor
In WordPress, you can edit theme files directly through the admin dashboard. Here’s how:
1. Log into your WordPress dashboard.
2. From the sidebar, navigate to Appearance > Theme Editor.
3. Once in the Theme Editor, look for the file named header.php. This file contains the header section of your WordPress theme, which is where we’ll be adding the meta keywords.
Step 2: Edit the Header.php File
Now that you’re in the Theme Editor, follow these steps:
1. In the right-hand menu, find and click on header.php under “Theme Files.”
2. Before making any changes, copy all the current code in the file and save it somewhere as a backup. This is important in case something goes wrong and you need to restore it.
3. Find the closing </head> tag in the code. This is where you’ll insert your meta keyword code.
Step 3: Insert Meta Keywords Code
Once you’ve found the closing </head> tag, it’s time to insert the meta keywords. Here’s the code you’ll need to add just before the closing head tag:
“`html
“`
In this example, replace “keyword1, keyword2, keyword3” with your desired keywords. Make sure to separate each keyword with a comma.
Your header.php file might now look something like this:
“`php
>
“`
Once you’ve added the keywords, click Update File to save your changes.
Best Practices for Meta Keywords
When adding meta keywords, there are some best practices you should follow to ensure that you’re not doing more harm than good.
- Keep Keywords Relevant: Don’t add irrelevant keywords just to fill space. Make sure every keyword directly relates to the content on your page.
- Don’t Overstuff: Avoid keyword stuffing. Limit your keywords to around 5–10 of the most important ones for each page.
- Use Long-Tail Keywords: Long-tail keywords can be highly specific and may offer better results in certain niches. For example, instead of “shoes,” use “women’s running shoes size 8.”
- Keep It Consistent: Consistently use relevant keywords across your pages. For example, if your site is about coffee, make sure that keywords like “coffee brewing techniques” or “best coffee beans” are used where appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do meta keywords still help with SEO?
No, major search engines like Google no longer use meta keywords as a ranking factor. However, smaller or niche-specific search engines may still consider them.
2. Can I add meta keywords to every page of my website?
Yes, you can add meta keywords to each individual page by modifying the header.php file, but it’s usually better to target keywords for specific posts or pages rather than site-wide.
3. How can I avoid breaking my site when adding meta keywords?
Always back up your website before making any changes to theme files. If something goes wrong, you can restore your backup to undo the damage.
4. What happens if I make a mistake in the header.php file?
If you make a mistake, your site may not load correctly, or it might display an error. Always save a backup of the original header.php file before editing it, so you can easily revert to the previous version if needed.
5. Are there any downsides to adding meta keywords?
While there are no major downsides, adding irrelevant or excessive keywords can clutter your code and provide no benefit. It’s important to use meta keywords sparingly and with purpose.
