HTML Meta Tags
Build a clean, complete <head> for a new page, with only the meta tags that still do something. Then check the reference below for what each one means.
Use a full https:// address. Best size: 1200 × 630 pixels.
The meta tags that matter
| Tag | What it does | Needed? |
|---|---|---|
<meta charset="utf-8"> | Tells the browser how to read the characters. Must be in the first 1024 bytes. | Always |
viewport | Makes the page fit phone screens. Without it, mobile shows a tiny desktop page. | Always |
<title> | The tab text and usually the link in Google. | Always |
description | Usually the snippet under the link in Google. | Recommended |
<link rel="canonical"> | Names the main URL when the same page exists at several addresses. | Recommended |
robots | noindex keeps a page out of search; max-image-preview:large allows big image previews. | Only when changing the default |
og:* and twitter:* | Share cards on social media and chat apps. | Recommended |
theme-color | Colours the browser bar on some phones. | Optional |
Tags you can delete
- meta keywords: Google has ignored it since 2009, and it shows competitors your target keywords.
- revisit-after: never supported by Google; crawlers decide their own schedule.
- robots “index, follow”: that is already the default, so the tag does nothing.
- distribution, rating “general”, generator, copyright: harmless, but no effect on search.
Order and placement
Put charset first and viewport second, then the title. Search engines read meta tags only inside <head>; a tag placed in the body is ignored. Keep one of each: two different descriptions or canonicals send mixed signals, and Google may ignore both. If a CMS plugin already prints these tags, don’t paste them again by hand.
How to use the HTML Meta Tags
- Fill in the title, description, canonical URL and share image.
- Pick a robots setting and tick the extra tags you want.
- Copy the finished <head> into your HTML file and replace the old one.
Frequently asked questions
Does Google still use the meta keywords tag?
No. Google has ignored meta keywords for ranking since 2009. You can safely remove it.
Do I need a robots meta tag on every page?
No. Pages are indexed and followed by default. Add a robots tag only when you want something different, such as noindex.
Where exactly do meta tags go?
Inside the <head> section, before </head>. Tags placed in the body are ignored by search engines.