I thought META KEYWORDS tag was dead?

[SEOSHARK]

I have seen no drop in placement with my projects that have no kw tags on Google, Bing or yahoo.

[vmialik]

Thanks for your input Tom, that sounds right.  Now just curious, has anyone experienced a benefit?

[stevecounsell]

I read somewhere that BING use the keyword tag as a spamming signal. Anyone else see that?

EDIT: Read that here:

http://www.semrush.com/blog/tips/the-myths-behind-meta-keywords/

[KeriMorgret]

I'm working from home today and trying not to wake up my husband because I'm laughing so hard. Time to move downstairs before I read any more replies!

[Dr-Pete]

One warning - not to derail the discussion, which is amazing - I'm as sure as is reasonably possible that at least one major search engine used META keywords as a spam signal in the past, and I'd bet it's still corroborating evidence for Google. Probably goes without saying, but if you use it - use it well. Just because it's not a positive ranking factor doesn't mean it's not a negative ranking factor.

I agree that the competitor aspect never bothered me. Hopefully, you also use your keywords in your actual content. Otherwise, what's the point?

[RobertFisher]

Dr. Pete,

While I agree with what you have here, I am disappointed that you are unwilling to set up a single variable study of some type focusing on the aftereffects of putting the wrong keyword meta tags in to trap the lazy, unrepentant, claimers of SEOdom, etc.

I would love to see how many cosmetic surgery sites that do liposuction would end up ranked for Saw2 barbequed ribs! as a long tail keyword!!!

If anyone can do it, you can do it. We believe in you!

Best to you and the team!

[Dr-Pete]

That's the kind of study I don't do because I'm secretly afraid it might work and then I'd have to quit my job and just drink full-time.

[MiriamEllis]

Pete, you crack me up:)

[RobertFisher]

OK, now I am confused... Scientist vs sense of humor (and a good one at that). But, how can this be???? For he is the Kwisatz Haderach!!!

Good one Pete.

[KeriMorgret]

Oh meta keywords, curse you and your inevitable betrayal.

[vmialik]

Dr. Pete,

"at least one major search engine used META keywords as a spam signal in the past" - I heard that some where as well, that is partly why the question was asked

...Safe to assume some search engines still use it as a spam signal?

[ThompsonPaul]

"I'd have to quit my job and just drink full-time."

You say that like it's a bad thing?!

Paul

[mike-gart]

I read that Bing looks at the keyword tag to make sure there's nothing spammy going on. Ignore it and you'll avoid raising any red flags.

Mike