I agree that it’s not all that useful for SEO ranking purposes, but I like the discipline of thinking of keywords as you develop the content. It helps me focus on the basics if I include them every time I post on my blogs. And who knows if Google is going to do a 180 degree turn and have them mean something at some point in the future? I figure if I include them now, and take the extra 60 seconds, it’s worth the time.

Thanks for the comment!
Chuck

I would argue, though, that the Keywords meta tag is virtually useless. Google explicitly states that it completely ignores the keywords meta tag.

It’s about the only place you should employ common mis-spellings of your keywords and is relatively easy to implement, but I wouldn’t castigate anyone for omitting that meta tag.

You’re right that Google Local and other directory links are not really website design, but are instead part of a local SEO strategy. The reality, however, is that if you’re going to be designing a website for a company, especially a local business, then SEO should be built into your proposal. The simple tactics I mention – meta tags, Google Local Business Center, and some incoming links – are not high-ticket items by themselves. There’s no reason that a website design company can’t do these simple tasks, and a lot of very good reasons why a local business can’t or won’t do these tasks (they are too busy, they have no idea of how or why, they expect their website to show up in local searches).

My argument is that if you’re going to be a website designer today, and you’re going to be building websites for small businesses who have no idea of how to upload files via FTP, let alone handle search engine optimization, then they should hire or partner with someone who does. Or, they should learn these basics as soon as possible.

Thanks for the comment!
Chuck

I agree with you there are some frustrating websites out there! Makes you wonder what anyone was thinking. I totally agree with your first point that meta tags should be default for any new web design done. However, correct me if I’m wrong, but I’m gathering that claiming businesses within Google Local and incoming links from websites like Yelp, seems more like Local SEO work and is separate from design work. Perhaps the client did not elect to have local seo work done through their website design company or it’s not a service that’s offered from the design firm or wasn’t a service that was budgeted for, etc?

Good basic local tips, nonetheless.

Take care,

Danielle