In the world of SEO, there are a lot of tags that you need to be familiar with to optimize your website. One such tag is the robots meta tag. This tag tells search engines whether or not they should index your website and its pages.
Let’s know more about the robots meta tag and what it does! We’ll also discuss some SEO practices in doing robots meta tags.
What are robots meta tags?
Robots meta tags instruct search engine crawlers what they should and shouldn’t do when they visit your website. They’re a part of your site’s HTML code, and you can find them in the head section of your site’s source code.
Why is the Robots Meta Tag Important for SEO?
The robots meta tag plays a crucial role in making your website visible and friendly to search engines. It’s like a signpost that guides search engine crawlers, telling them how to treat your web pages.
Imagine your website as a library, and the robots meta tag as the librarian’s guide for organizing books. Here’s why it’s important:
Control Indexing Behavior
– The robots meta tag lets you decide which pages should be shown in search results and which ones should stay hidden.
– It’s like saying, “Let these books be seen by everyone, but keep those rare ones in the restricted section.”
Instructs Search Engines
– It tells search engines how to handle various aspects of your content, such as whether to index the page, follow its links, or show a text snippet in search results.
– It’s like giving specific instructions to the search engine librarians about how to handle each book – whether to display a summary, follow references, or keep it private.
Prevents Unwanted Indexing
– The robots meta tag prevents search engines from indexing certain parts of your web server. For instance, you might want to keep the librarian’s office off-limits to the public.
– It helps maintain the privacy of certain pages, like a locked drawer in the library.
Customizing Search Appearance
– You can use the tag to control how your pages appear in search results, specifying details like the maximum image or video preview size.
– It’s like deciding how the book covers should be displayed on the library shelves.
Handling Non-HTML Files
– The tag is not just for regular web pages; it also works for non-HTML files. It helps control how search engines handle various types of content on your website.
– Think of it as organizing not just books, but also DVDs, manuscripts, and other materials in the library.
Robots Meta Tag vs. Robots.txt
When it comes to managing your website’s relationship with search engines, the Robots Meta Tag and Robots.txt play distinct roles. The Robots Meta Tag functions at a page-specific level, like a personalized note on each book in your digital library. It offers instructions to search engine crawlers regarding whether a particular page should be displayed in search results, if its links should be followed, or how it should be presented in searches. It’s essentially a tailored guide for individual pages, much like a librarian’s note specifying who can access a specific book.
On the other hand, Robots.txt serves as a comprehensive plan for your entire web page. Positioned at the root of your entire site, this file provides overarching directions to search engine crawlers about which sections are open to exploration and which are off-limits. It resembles a blueprint for your library, outlining which floors and rooms are accessible to the public and which are restricted. It’s a more generalized set of guidelines compared to the detailed, page-specific instructions of the Robots Meta Tag.
In terms of their roles in relation to search engines, the Robots Meta Tag values with the nuances of individual pages, while Robots.txt sets the rules for the entirety of your website. They work in tandem to ensure that your digital library is well-organized, accessible, and adheres to the guidelines set by search engine librarians. It’s like creating a cohesive environment where both individual books and the library as a whole are easily discoverable and well-maintained.
What are Robots Meta Tags use for?
The meta robots tag is an essential tag for SEO. It controls how search engine spiders index and follow the links on your website. Here is the list of the use of meta robots tags.
– To tell search engines not to index a page
– To tell search engines not to follow the links on a page
– To tell search engines how to handle different types of content on a page
– To give instructions to web crawlers and other web robots
– To help search engines understand the structure of a website
– To control the appearance of a website in search engine results pages (SERPs)
– To specify the relationship between different URLs on a website
– To manage duplicate content issues on a website
– To indicate when a page should be updated
– To guide search engine spiders through JavaScript or Flash websites
– To help search engines index only the most relevant pages on a website
– To prevent phishing attacks that use search engine results pages to deceive people into clicking malicious links
– To direct users to the correct page
How Do Robots Meta Tags Affect SEO?
Robots Meta Tags wield a significant influence on a website’s SEO (Search Engine Optimization) by guiding search engines on how to interact with and index its content. These tags are essentially like signposts for search engine crawlers, providing crucial instructions that impact a page’s visibility in search results. Let’s break down how Robots Meta Tags affect SEO:
Controlling Indexing:
– Robots Meta Tags enable webmasters to determine whether a page should be indexed by search engines or not. For instance, using the “noindex” directive prevents a page from appearing in search results.
Example:
<meta name=”robots” content=”noindex”>
This tells search engines not to include the page in their index, making it essentially invisible in search results.
Preventing Search Engines from Following Links:
– By using the “nofollow” directive, webmasters can instruct search engines not to follow the links present on a particular page.
Example:
<meta name=”robots” content=”nofollow”>
This is handy when you have pages with less valuable content or links you don’t want search engines to explore.
Controlling Indexing Behavior:
– Robots Meta Tags provide detailed instructions on how search engines should handle different elements of a page, such as images, videos, or snippets.
Example:
<meta name=”robots” content=”noimageindex, noarchive, nosnippet”>
This prevents search engines from indexing images, archiving the page, and displaying a text snippet in search results.
Enhancing User Experience:
– By using directives like “max-snippet” and “max-video-preview,” webmasters can control how much content appears in search snippets, enhancing the user experience.
Example:
<meta name=”robots” content=”max-snippet:150, max-video-preview:300″>
This limits the displayed snippet length and video preview duration in search results.
Robots Meta Tags are a powerful tool for shaping a website’s presence in search engine results. They allow for precise control over what other search engines index, follow, or display, contributing to a more strategic and user-friendly SEO approach. By strategically using these tags, webmasters can align their content with search engine guidelines, ensuring that the right pages are visible to the right audience in search results.
What are the Specifications for the Name and Content of Meta Robots Tags?
The attributes and directives of meta robots tags tell search engine crawlers what to do with a webpage’s content.
An attribute is a piece of information that tells the crawler how to handle the content on the page.
A directive is an instruction that tells a search engine crawler what to do with a webpage’s content.
Name Attribute
A name attribute is an HTML element that allows the webmaster to specify a name for the document. It is useful when the document is being used as part of a more extensive website and helps to keep track of which documents are which.
There are many user-agents/bots, each with its name. The more popular ones include Googlebot, Bingbot, and Yahoo! Slurp. Each bot has its purpose and function, so it’s essential to know which one you want to target when using meta robots tags. You can specify which bot you wish to target by including the name attribute.
Content Attribute
The content attribute is the value of the content field in a meta robots tag. The content field specifies the indexed contents of the file by the search engine.
Noindex
The noindex is a value you can assign to a robots meta tag’s content attribute. This value tells search engines not to index the page or follow any links on the page.
It is helpful if you have a page you do not want appearing in search results, such as a thank you page after a form is submitted.
It is important to note that the noindex value is not a directive, meaning it is not mandatory for search engines to obey it. However, most major search engines respect the noindex value when they encounter it.
Index
The index tells search engine crawlers that they are allowed to index the page and include it in their search results.
You will use an index if you want a page to appear in search results.
Follow
The follow content attribute tells search engines whether they should follow the links on your page or not. It is an excellent way to prevent search engines from indexing pages you don’t want.
If you have a page with many links to other pages and you don’t want search engines to follow those links, then you can use the follow content attribute to tell them not to follow the links. It will help keep your site’s link popularity clean.
Nofollow
Source: https://mangools.com/blog/nofollow-dofollow-links/
If you don’t want the search engine to index a particular page, you can use the nofollow attribute. It will tell the search engine not to follow any links on that page.
Noimageindex
Noimageindex tells search engines not to index images on a page. It can be helpful if you have a lot of pictures on a page and want search engines to focus on the text content. You can also use this to prevent people from stealing your images.
None
None is a keyword as a value for the content attribute, which indicates that there is no content. It is helpful for tags with no content, such as the br tag.
Noarchive
If you set the content attribute to noarchive, your content will not be archived. It is helpful if you do not want search engines to index your content.
Additionally, the noarchive keyword can help prevent your content from being copied and pasted onto other websites. If you want your content to be available for archiving, then you can omit the content attribute or set it to archive.
Nocache
The content attribute sets the value for the cache-control header. The nocache value tells the web browser not to cache the page. It is helpful to ensure that your content is always up-to-date.
Nosnippet
The content attribute specifies whether or not a search engine should display a snippet of the content in its search results. It can help prevent your content from being displayed in the search results. If the content attribute has “nosnippet”, the search engine will not show a snippet of the content in its search results.
Noodyp/noydir
The content can be anything from “text/html” to “application/pdf”. Noodyp and noydir are two typical content types. Noodyp is a content type used for not intended indexed pages by the search engine, while noydir is a content type for unintended followed pages by the search engine.
The content attribute is an essential part of the meta robots tag because it tells the search engine what kind of content is on the page. By specifying the content type, the search engine can index the content more accurately. It is significant for pages that contain a lot of content that is not text-based, such as images or PDF files. It is also crucial for pages with many links, such as product pages or directories.
Unavailable_after
The Unavailable_after content attribute tells web robots when a page will no longer be available. It can be helpful if you have only temporarily unavailable pages, such as during maintenance periods.
Maxsnippet
“Max-snippet” is a feature that informs Google about the maximum number of characters it can display as a text snippet for a page in search results. There are two key options:
Setting it to “0” excludes your page from text snippets, similar to using “nosnippet.”
Setting it to “-1” indicates there is no character limit.
For instance, using “0” prevents Google from showing a snippet in the search engine results pages (SERPs).
HTML code max-video-preview
Specifies the maximum length of a video snippet in Google’s search engine results pages (SERPs). Similar to “max-snippet,” this directive has two key values:
Setting it to “0” excludes your page from video snippets.
Setting it to “-1” indicates there is no limit.
For instance, the following tag allows Google to display a video preview with a maximum duration of 10 seconds:
Apply this rule if you wish to restrict the portions of your videos displayed in the snippet. Failure to do so may result in Google showing a video snippet of any duration.
HTML code max-image-preview
Informs Google about the maximum size of a preview image for the page in search results.
Options for this directive include:
- “None”: Google won’t display a preview image.
- “Standard”: Google may show a default-sized preview.
- “Large”: Google may show a larger preview image.
It is suggested to use the “Large” value to represent the largest image on the page. Larger images, especially in Google Discover, can make the page more noticeable and potentially attract more traffic.
HTML code indexifembedded
The “indexifembedded” tag allows Google to index content embedded in another page using HTML elements like iframes, even if a “noindex” tag is present.
For websites embedding content, this tag provides greater control over how the content is indexed. It’s important to note that the “indexifembedded” rule only applies when used alongside a “noindex” tag.
As we discussed earlier, the name and content attributes are the two most important ones regarding robot meta tags. Here are some examples of each:
The name attribute tells search engines what the page’s content is about. In this example, the name is “keywords”:
<meta name=”keywords” content=”code examples, list, code examples”>
The content attribute tells search engines what the page is about. In this example, the content is “this is a blog post about robots meta tags”:
<meta name=”description” content=”This is a blog post about robots meta tags”>
You can also use the content attribute to tell search engines whether or not to index a page. The following example would tell search engines not to index the page:
<meta name=”robots” content=”noindex”>
And finally, you can use the content attribute to tell search engines not to follow any links on the page. The following example would tell search engines not to follow any links on the page:
<meta name=”robots” content=”nofollow”>
Search Engines that Support Robots Meta Tag
The meta robots tag is supported by several search engines, including Google, Microsoft Bing, Yandex, Baidu. To ensure proper indexing of your website on these search engines, it is crucial to incorporate the correct robot meta tag within the HTML head section of your pages.
What is the X-Robots-Tag?
X-robots-tag tells search engines what they can and cannot do with your website’s content.
You can use the X-robots-tag to control how your content appears in search results, whether it can be cached, and whether search engines can read it.
The X-robots-tag is a powerful tool, but you should use it carefully. Incorrect use of the X-robots tag can result in ignored content by search engines, so it’s essential to understand how it works before you start using it.
How to Apply Robots Meta Tag?
Applying Robots Meta Tag in HTML Code
You can apply the Robots Meta Tag directly in your HTML code. Place it within the `<head>` section of your HTML document.
Adjust the content attribute based on your preferences; for instance, “noindex, nofollow” if you wish to prevent indexing and link following.
<meta name=”robots” content=”index, follow”>
Applying Robots Meta Tag in WordPress
Using Yoast SEO Plugin:
WordPress Dashboard:
- Navigate to your page or post.
- Scroll down to the Yoast SEO section.
- Click on the “Advanced” tab.
- In the “Meta robots index” and “Meta robots follow” fields, specify your preferences.
If you’re using WordPress, the Yoast SEO plugin makes it easy to set the Robots Meta Tag for individual pages or posts.
Simply navigate to the page or post, find the Yoast SEO section, and customize the “Meta robots index” and “Meta robots follow” options.
Applying Robots Meta Tag in Shopify
Through Theme.liquid:
Shopify Admin:
- Go to Online Store > Themes.
- Click “Actions” and then “Edit code.”
- Open the “theme.liquid” file.
- Add the following code in the `<head>` section:
<meta name=”robots” content=”noindex, nofollow”>
If you’re using Shopify, access the theme.liquid file through the admin panel.
Insert the Robots Meta Tag in the `<head>` section to control indexing and following preferences for your Shopify store.
How to Apply X-Robots-Tag?
Applying X-Robots-Tag in Apache Server
Using .htaccess File:
- Access your website’s root directory.
- Open or create the .htaccess file.
- Add the following line to apply X-Robots-Tag:
If your website is hosted on an Apache server, access the root directory.
Either open the existing .htaccess file or create one if it doesn’t exist.
Insert the line mentioned to apply the X-Robots-Tag with specified directives.
Applying X-Robots-Tag in Nginx Server
Using Nginx Configuration File:
- Access your Nginx server configuration file.
- Add the following lines to apply X-Robots-Tag:
If your website runs on Nginx, access the server configuration file.
Within the relevant location block (commonly `/` for the root), insert the `add_header` line to apply the X-Robots-Tag.
When to Use the Robots Meta Tag vs. X‑Robots-Tag?
If you need a straightforward way to control the indexing and crawling of specific pages, opt for the Robots Meta Tag. It’s effective for general indexing control, allowing you to apply directives like “noindex” and “nofollow” on a per-page basis. This tag is seamlessly integrated into the HTML `<head>` section, making it convenient for standard HTML documents.
For more detailed control over how search engines treat your content, turn to the X-Robots-Tag. This tag provides finer control, allowing you to set directives like “noindex” and “nofollow” for specific pages or file types. It’s especially useful for non-HTML files, multimedia content, and situations where server-side configurations are preferred. The X-Robots-Tag is beneficial for granular control over caching and for explicitly instructing search engines not to index content meant exclusively for human users, like login screens or user-specific information.
Common Mistake to Avoid in Meta Robots Tag
1. Overlooking Proper Syntax:
Meta Robots Tag: Ensure correct syntax when implementing the Meta Robots Tag. Mistakes in tag placement or attribute values can lead to unintended outcomes. Always double-check your syntax against HTML standards.
X-Robots-Tag: Similar to the Meta Robots Tag, ensure proper syntax when using the X-Robots-Tag. Incorrect configurations may result in search engines misinterpreting directives, affecting how content is indexed.
2. Missing Crucial Directives:
Meta Robots Tag: Omitting essential directives like “noindex” or “nofollow” can lead to unintended indexing or crawling of sensitive content.
Clearly define your directives based on the desired outcome. For instance, use “noindex” to prevent indexing and “nofollow” to inhibit link following.
X-Robots-Tag: Failing to include necessary directives in the X-Robots-Tag can result in inadequate control over indexing behavior for specific pages or file types.
Explicitly state directives based on your objectives. Whether preventing indexing or controlling caching, ensure all necessary instructions are present.
3. Ignoring Page-Specific Considerations:
Meta Robots Tag: Applying blanket directives to all pages without considering individual content needs can impact SEO negatively.
Tailor directives for each page based on its content. Some pages may benefit from indexing, while others, like login pages, should use “noindex.”
X-Robots-Tag: Neglecting to consider the diverse needs of non-HTML files or multimedia content may lead to inconsistent search engine behavior.
For X-Robots-Tag, take into account the nature of each file type or content category. Apply directives that align with the specific needs of diverse content.
4. Inadequate Testing:
Meta Robots Tag: Failing to thoroughly test the Meta Robots Tag’s impact on search engine behavior can result in unintended consequences.
Utilize tools like Google Search Console to preview how search engines interpret your directives. Regularly test and monitor changes.
X-Robots-Tag: Not testing the X-Robots-Tag’s influence on non-HTML files or multimedia content may lead to unpredictable outcomes.
Test the directives in real-world scenarios to ensure they align with your expectations. Monitor changes and adjust as needed.
5. Overlooking Server-Side Configurations:
Meta Robots Tag: Assuming the Meta Robots Tag alone can handle server-level configurations may lead to missed opportunities for control.
Combine Meta Robots Tag with server-side configurations for comprehensive control. Familiarize yourself with server settings that complement meta directives.
X-Robots-Tag: Relying solely on HTML-based X-Robots-Tag without leveraging server-level configurations may limit control.
Integrate server-side configurations alongside X-Robots-Tag directives for a more robust approach to control indexing and crawling.
SEO best practices
SEO best practices for robots meta tags are to include relevant keywords in the content, make sure the robots.txt file is well organized, and use descriptive anchor text. SEO and robots meta tags go hand-in-hand to make sure search engines find and index your content.
Regarding SEO and robots meta tags, the most important thing is to include relevant keywords in the content. It will help search engines index your site correctly and make people find you when they search for those keywords.
Another SEO best practice for robots meta tags is ensuring your robots.txt file is well organized. It tells search engines what they can and can’t index on your site, so it’s essential to ensure it’s accurate and up-to-date.
Finally, descriptive anchor text is also a good SEO practice for robot meta tags. It helps search engines understand your site and can result in higher rankings.
SEO best practices for robots meta tags codes can be summarized as follows:
– Use the “index” and “follow” values for the meta robots tag on pages you want search engines to index.
– Use the “noindex” and “nofollow” values for the meta robots tag on pages you do not want search engines to index.
– Use the “noarchive” value for the meta robots tag on pages you do not want to save a cached copy of by search engines.
– Use the “nosnippet” value for the meta robots tag on pages you do not want search engines to show a snippet from in the search results.
– Use the “noodp” value for the meta robots tag to prevent search engines from using your page’s Open Directory Project description in the search results.
– Use the “notranslate” value for the meta robots tag to prevent search engines from offering a translation of your page in the search results.
– Use the “noimageindex” value for the robots meta tag to prevent search engines from indexing the images on your page.
Conclusion
The robots meta tag is a crucial tool for controlling how search engines handle your content, ultimately influencing your website’s SEO. Correct usage empowers webmasters to dictate indexing and search result displays. However, precision is key, as missteps can lead to unintended consequences, like content exclusion from search engine visibility.
To optimize the use of the robots meta tag, it’s imperative to avoid common mistakes highlighted earlier. These include ensuring proper syntax, incorporating necessary directives, tailoring instructions to individual pages, conducting thorough testing, and complementing HTML-based directives with server-side configurations. Adhering to these best practices will contribute to a more effective SEO strategy.
For those unfamiliar with SEO intricacies, seeking guidance from SEO experts is advisable to ensure a judicious application of the robots meta tag and overall SEO success.
