Why do you use tags?
Tags are extra keywords for the search machines. So, they know what a picture is about.
But why and how to use tags on posts?
It is not mandatory to use tags on your post, some even advise against it. It is your own choice whether you want to use them, but if you do use them, do it well.
You can give your post a few tags. Extra keywords. The average amount can vary between the 3 and 10 tags.
That way you give search engines a little more information about your post. And this can be properly assessed.
But a tag does much more. It is also a sort of categorization system.
With this training I want to show you how that works.
Join the Discussion
StefanieT
Premium
Hi Loes, over time I have taken tags on and off my website due to the fact that I keep getting mixed messages about them. I can definitely see the value in them as you have explained, but do we need them if we already categorise our posts? I have about 10 different categories that I use and I have been told (from what I believe is a reputable source) that I should not use both categories AND tags as it's overkill and could been seen as over optimisation.
Please can you let me know what you think about this? Do you use both tags and categorise your posts too?
Thanks :-)
Please can you let me know what you think about this? Do you use both tags and categorise your posts too?
Thanks :-)
Reply
Loes
Premium
Some say this, some say that, I have also heard all pros and cons, no one actually knows for sure what's best, I use both, categories and tags. It's not for nothing that both are presented on wp. Just don't overdo, sometimes I see posts with over 30 tags, that's too much
MarionBlack
Premium
It's a great idea to use tags to link related posts together. Thanks for sharing, Loes.
Sebastian089
Premium
Loes
Premium
That's almost the whole post ;) When I search for this on Google, they often recommend 3-7, with 10 I am aiming to the high side already.
When you add tags, you do not add single words, but more like phrases. The same phrases you would use when you are searching for something on Google.
So make your phrases count.
When I would search this post on Google, I would ask e.g.
How to use tags on posts effective
Simple explanation about Wordpress tags
That's what people type into the search bar.
Take a look at your post and think about what people would ask Google if they were searching for your information.
When you add tags, you do not add single words, but more like phrases. The same phrases you would use when you are searching for something on Google.
So make your phrases count.
When I would search this post on Google, I would ask e.g.
How to use tags on posts effective
Simple explanation about Wordpress tags
That's what people type into the search bar.
Take a look at your post and think about what people would ask Google if they were searching for your information.
