Meta Keyword & Meta Description Experiment in Y!

Hey all,

just finished an experiment to test how much weight was given to meta data as compared to text on the page. I used three pages that were identical in site hierarchy and contained similar type of content. They were DMV pages in 3 different states (Kansas, Illinois, Missouri).

The three pages did not rank at all (at least within the first 300) for the targeted terms. I used very non-competitive terms so that I could see the results easier (obviously competitive terms would require a lot more work). The keyword phrases targeted were "illinois dmv guide" "kansas dmv guide" and "missouri dmv guide"

So here are the pages:
http://www.safemotorist.com/Kansas/DMV_Locations.aspx (added keyword phrase once in the body copy)
http://www.safemotorist.com/Illinois/DMV_Locations.aspx (added the phrase once in the description tag)
http://www.safemotorist.com/Missouri/DMV_Locations.aspx (added the keyword once in the keyword tag)

All three pages are now ranking in Yahoo! (only the page added to the body ranks in G or MSN)

kansas dmv guide - 5
illinois dmv guide - 8
missouri dmv guide - 11

Though it's just one test, it appears that body copy gets more weight than meta data, though both the description and keyword tags are used in weighing a page for search in Y! I was surprised to find the description tag page in the serps at all and even seemingly weighted more than the keyword tag (though granted neither seem to be weighted very much).

So probably means little unless you need to try to go after long-tail terms in Y! that don't get covered in the text on the page.

Interesting.

How long did it take to make that experiment? Do you think it would have a different effect after another month or so? Please do keep us updated.

All pages were just cached with the new data within about a week, so new rankings, and yes it's very possible that there could be a difference a month or two from now, though due to the low competition I'd be surprised if there were much of a difference.

I don't believe there is much debate on ranking value...

Yes there is evidence that the Meta Description is used in calculating ordered ranks...

No it doesn't make any different for any meaningful ranks [those ranked terms that produce qualified traffic]

... even on long tail terms that produce 1 or 2 clicks every a month or two it will not move you into the top 10 so you can get that 1 or 2 visitors per month... links and titles (of the competing pages are just too overpowering.

I think, Meta desc. still plays vital role in ranking.

Seriously?

You should have a doctor check you out for alzheimer's.

once upon a time there was a king. From where you get stuff like that using meta tag in your website is worthless.
Sing

its not the meta description itself. . . I think its how you place the keywords/phrase and how its been repeated ( density and prominence ). If you created a great content you'll surely get a good position in the serp.

I am not getting it.......

Now search engines behave like a human being so, content is to be unique and theme based.

Since comparing results with and "without"... take the major risk of removing them from #1 ranked pages and finding... "nothing happened"...

Surely if something is [as you say] "plays vital role in ranking"... I would lose "vital positions"... correct?

If you attempt to rank sdkjrfd74nrfdowuyr4irf - Meta Description might indeed be "vital" if the competition catch on to your game...

If you attempt to rank 'rasberry favor gum drops wine recipe' and there is mild competition [a few competiting for that phrase and a volume of other pages with just the words on the page or in link -- but not targeting that phrase itself] then you can do from #999 to #60 quite easwily...

But in practical "SEO" where the ranks to gain are #1 - #10 - a Meta Description will not help...

Even in the top #30 you'll be extremely hard pressed to show a single "viable term" reach "vital positions" (top 30) ... [I define "viable term" as something that gains a qualified click 1once or twice a month (or month)... you search for, or your friends, to bolster a claim don't count.

Analogy - the next time it snows don't use a shovel... grab a trusted teaspoon (which does as the shovel does] and shovel your driveway with it...

when your done (or when you give up) then you'll understand... "yes you "CAN" shovel your shovel with a teaspoon [the teaspoon acts like the Meta Description] but surely the additional hours you spent doing the driveway... you could have been relaxing with the beer that everyone else drank.

Ok I agree fathem Ii have lots of forum some one just want to prove that meta tag is useful for SERPs they just give example here that they misspelled targeted keywords in meta tag and rank well is search engines........ e.g our main target keywords is seo company uk
the add in meta tag seo comapany (misspelled) uk on this keyword they rank.

That is a valid point... You don't want visitors reading typos in the content of your pages (typos would make you look unprofessional)...

But (follow this) all search engines scream "TYPO" and also "BOLD" your targeted mistake... and while you can have visitors going to a page clean of typos... I'd like to see just how many people "click" compared to how many jumped over you for the same reason you don't want the typos on your page...

So agree a valid use... BUT surely "IF" you can lose more searchers than you gain visitors -- I'd want to see those that suggest "its usefulness for this reason" also show the supporting data that suggest you gain more than your lose.... I'm not big on anyone say "trust me"!

Roseberry, regarding this issue and the one we've recently discussed regarding the Algo update and pages not being cached... I've discovered that Yahoo is not picking up info from any directories but actually takes this info from companies paying 50$ per URL for their paid basic search submission.... which then gives them a good organic result....
I am wondering if you can experiment on this. This is very unethical of yahoo but no wonder they are making some money right now.