If you’ve been in digital marketing for a while, you’ve probably heard of meta keywords , those small snippets of code once thought to be a powerful ranking factor in search engine optimisation. Back in the early days of Google, Bing, and Yahoo, adding meta keywords was considered a best practice.
But what about meta keywords SEO in 2016? Did they still matter at that time, and what lessons can we take from it today? In this guide, we’ll explore the history of meta keywords, their role in SEO during 2016, and what strategies you should focus on now for better search rankings.
What Are Meta Keywords?
Meta keywords are a type of HTML tag placed in the <head> section of a webpage. They were originally designed to help search engines understand the main topics of a page.
Example:
<meta name="keywords" content="SEO, digital marketing, search engine optimization, Google rankings">
Why They Were Popular
- Helped search engines categorize content quickly
- Considered a direct ranking factor in early SEO days (pre-2010)
- Easy to implement — no advanced SEO knowledge required
Meta Keywords in SEO (Before 2016)
From the late 1990s to around 2005, meta keywords were a major SEO tool. Marketers stuffed pages with dozens — sometimes hundreds — of keywords, hoping to rank for all of them.
But soon, this led to abuse:
- Keyword stuffing became rampant
- Low-quality websites manipulated rankings
- Search engines had to find smarter ways to evaluate content
By the time we reached 2010–2015, Google had already confirmed that it completely ignored meta keywords as a ranking signal.
Meta Keywords SEO in 2016: Did They Matter?
The short answer: No.
By 2016, both Google and Bing had publicly stated that meta keywords were not used for ranking purposes.
What Experts Said in 2016
- Google’s Matt Cutts: Confirmed years earlier that meta keywords were not part of the algorithm.
- Bing: Stated that meta keywords were ignored, and in some cases, could even be a spam signal.
- SEO Communities: Considered them outdated, focusing instead on content quality, backlinks, and user intent.
Why Some Still Used Them in 2016
- Old-school SEO habits die hard
- Some CMS templates included them by default
- Marketers thought they might help with internal search engines or alternative platforms
Why Meta Keywords Declined
There are several reasons why meta keywords SEO 2016 no longer worked:
- Abuse & Manipulation
Spammers stuffed keywords to rank unfairly. - Better Search Algorithms
Google shifted toward analyzing content relevance, user signals, and backlinks. - User Experience Focus
By 2016, SEO was less about gaming the algorithm and more about creating valuable content. - Transparency Issues
Meta keywords were visible in page source code, allowing competitors to see your entire keyword strategy.
SEO Best Practices After Meta Keywords
If meta keywords weren’t useful in 2016 (and still aren’t), what should SEO professionals focus on instead?
1. Content Quality & Relevance
Search engines now prioritize high-quality, engaging, and original content that meets user intent.
2. On-Page Optimization
- Title Tags (include your primary keyword)
- Meta Descriptions (encourage clicks, even though not a ranking factor)
- Header Tags (H1, H2, H3) for keyword structuring
- Image ALT text for accessibility and SEO
3. User Signals
- Click-through rate (CTR)
- Bounce rate
- Time on page
4. Backlinks & Authority
Relevant backlinks remain one of the strongest ranking signals.
5. Technical SEO
- Fast site speed
- Mobile-friendly design
- Secure HTTPS protocol
Lessons from Meta Keywords SEO 2016
Looking back, the meta keywords debate teaches us several important lessons about SEO:
- SEO is always evolving — what works today may be obsolete tomorrow.
- Shortcuts don’t last — spammy tactics eventually get penalized.
- Focus on the user — if your content satisfies users, search engines will reward it.
Should You Use Meta Keywords Today?
In 2025, meta keywords are still irrelevant for SEO rankings. Google ignores them, and Bing doesn’t use them.
However, there are a couple of niche cases where they might still be used:
- Internal Search Engines: Some custom-built CMS platforms use them for categorization.
- Archival Websites: Where keywords act as metadata for indexing content.
But for mainstream SEO? Don’t waste your time.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, meta keywords SEO 2016 marked the era when marketers finally realized that keyword stuffing and outdated tactics no longer worked. Search engines had evolved, shifting the focus toward user experience, content quality, and relevance.
If you’re building an SEO strategy today, forget about meta keywords. Instead, invest your time in keyword research, content optimization, technical SEO, and link building , the pillars that still drive rankings in 2025.
FAQs
1. Did meta keywords matter for SEO in 2016?
No. By 2016, Google and Bing had completely stopped using meta keywords as a ranking factor.
2. Should I still add meta keywords to my website?
No. They have no impact on SEO rankings. Instead, focus on modern best practices like content optimization, backlinks, and technical SEO.
3. What replaced meta keywords in SEO?
Today, SEO success relies on content quality, keyword placement, backlinks, user experience, and technical optimization, not outdated meta tags.
