What is Metadata?

Metadata refers to the data that provides information about other data on a webpage, helping search engines understand the content and context of the page. In SEO, important metadata includes the title tag, meta description, and meta keywords (although the latter is no longer used by most search engines). The title tag, which appears as the clickable headline in search results, is a critical factor in SEO and should include relevant keywords.

The meta description, while not a ranking factor, influences click-through rates by providing a summary of the page content. Metadata also includes alt text for images, which helps search engines index images correctly and improves accessibility. Properly optimized metadata ensures that search engines can effectively index and rank a page, while also helping users understand what the page is about before they click on it. Regularly reviewing and updating metadata is essential for maintaining good SEO performance, especially as search engine algorithms evolve and user behavior changes.