Conquering Keywords: Adding Meta Keywords to WordPress Without Plugins

How to add meta keywords in wordpress without plugin

Meta keywords have been a topic of debate. While they don't hold the same weight they once did, some website owners still see value in including them. But what if you want to add meta keywords to your WordPress site without relying on plugins? Here I will guide you how to add meta keywords in wordpress without plugin, with complete details.

Here's your guide to achieving keyword conquest manually:

A Gentle Reminder: The Power of Content

Before diving in, remember that high-quality content remains king in the world of SEO. Focus on creating informative, engaging content that naturally incorporates relevant keywords. Search engines prioritize this type of content when ranking websites.

The Manual Method: Editing Theme Files (For the Code-Savvy)

Adding meta keywords manually involves editing your theme's files. This approach is recommended for users comfortable with code:

1. Access the Theme Editor: Navigate to your WordPress dashboard and go to "Appearance" -> "Theme Editor." Caution: Editing theme files directly can introduce errors. It's wise to back up your theme before proceeding.
2. Find the header.php File: Within the theme editor, locate the file named "header.php." This file controls the header section of your website's pages.
3. Insert the Meta Magic: Locate the opening <head> tag in the "header.php" file. Here, you'll need to add some code. Here's a template to get you started:

HTML

<meta name="keywords" content="keyword1, keyword2, keyword3">

Replace "keyword1," "keyword2," and "keyword3" with your relevant keywords, separated by commas.

4. Save and Behold: Save the changes to your "header.php" file. You can now visit your website to see if the meta keywords have been implemented (though they won't be visible on the actual page).

Alternative Method: Using Custom Fields (For the Flexible Approach)

This method offers more flexibility and doesn't involve editing theme files directly:

1. Activate Built-in Feature: WordPress has a built-in feature for custom fields, but it might be hidden by default. You can activate it by adding the following code to your theme's "functions.php" file:

PHP

add_action( 'admin_init', 'my_custom_fields' );

function my_custom_fields() {

    add_meta_box( 'metabox_id', 'Meta Keywords', 'meta_keywords_callback', 'post', 'normal', 'high' );

2. Crafting the Meta Box (Optional): The provided code creates a basic meta box. You can customize its appearance and behavior with additional code if desired.

3. The Callback Function: Create a function named "meta_keywords_callback" (or a name that matches the one you used in the code snippet). This function will display the input field where you can add your keywords for each post/page.
4. Embrace the Flexibility: With this method, you can add custom fields for meta keywords on a post-by-post or page-by-page basis, offering more control compared to editing the "header.php" file.

Remember:

· Test Thoroughly: After making any changes, thoroughly test your website to ensure everything functions as expected.

· Consider SEO Best Practices: Focus on including relevant keywords throughout your content, not just in the meta keyword tag.

· Monitor Performance: While meta keywords might have a minor impact, keep an eye on your website's SEO performance to see if this approach yields positive results.

By following these methods, you can add meta keywords to your WordPress site without relying on plugins. But remember, high-quality content is still the ultimate weapon in your SEO arsenal. So, craft compelling content, explore these methods if adding meta keywords is your strategy, and watch your website climb the search engine ranks.