What is the "news_keywords" Meta Tag?
The "news_keywords" meta tag is a specialized HTML tag used in the journalism and news publishing industry. Its primary function is to provide search engines with additional context about a news article’s content by specifying relevant keywords. This tag helps improve the visibility of news articles in news-specific search results, enhancing how search engines categorize and index the content.
Unlike the traditional "keywords" meta tag—now largely ignored by search engines—the "news_keywords" tag still holds value, especially within Google News and similar platforms. By clearly identifying the main topics, events, or people featured in a news piece, publishers can help search engines surface their content more effectively to the right audience.
However, its effectiveness may vary across different search engines, as each may treat this tag with varying levels of importance.
How to Use the "news_keywords" Meta Tag
To implement the "news_keywords" tag correctly, follow these best practices:
1. Identify Relevant Keywords
Choose keywords or short phrases that accurately represent the main themes or subjects of your news article.
2. Use 5 to 10 Specific Keywords
Keep the list concise and relevant—avoid overly broad or vague terms.
3. Add the Meta Tag to the HTML Head Section
Example:
4. Avoid Keyword Stuffing
Do not overload the tag with unrelated or repetitive keywords. This can harm credibility and search visibility.
5. Optimize Other SEO Elements
Combine this tag with optimized headlines, titles, URLs, and article content to maximize search performance.
6. Monitor Performance
Track how your articles perform in news search results and update keywords as needed for better targeting.
Pros and Cons of the "news_keywords" Meta Tag
Pros:
- Improves visibility in news search results by highlighting relevant terms.
- Targets a specific audience searching for news on related topics.
- Helps search engines categorize and index news content more accurately.
Cons:
- No impact on general web search — its utility is limited to news-specific platforms.
- Inconsistent influence — some search engines weigh it more heavily than others.
- Risk of misuse — irrelevant or misleading keywords can harm trust and visibility.
- Subject to algorithm changes — future updates may reduce its importance.
Final Thoughts
The "news_keywords" meta tag remains a useful SEO tool for news publishers aiming to enhance content discoverability in news search engines. While not a silver bullet, it can contribute to better visibility when used alongside other SEO strategies such as strong headlines, relevant backlinks, and high-quality reporting. Use it wisely, focusing on relevance and accuracy, to support your content's reach in today’s competitive news landscape.
If you found this article helpful, we encourage you to share it on your social media platforms—because sharing is caring! For more information about article submissions on our website, feel free to reach out to us via email.
Send an email
Written by RGB Web Tech
SEO Checklist - Boost Your Website Ranking
Enhance your website performance with our Complete SEO Checklist. This detailed guide covers essential aspects like On-Page SEO, Off-Page SEO, Technical SEO, Backlink Building, Mobile Optimization etc. Follow our step-by-step SEO Checklist to improve search rankings, boost organic traffic, and achieve sustainable online growth. Start optimizing today!
"Content is king, but marketing is queen and runs the household." – Gary Vaynerchuk