Do keywords in metas count?

[dan_popescu]

It's been said that the kw density should be between 5%-20%. Does that include keywords in meta tags?
Thanks
Dan Popescu

[agerhart]

There is a function to include or not include the META Keywords Tag within the Search Engine World Keyword Density Analyzer Tool [searchengineworld.com]

I wouldn't worry about the META Keywords tag, as there is little to no use of the tag anymore.

[dan_popescu]

Thanks agerhart
Dan

[paynt]

I wouldn't worry about the META Keywords tag, as there is little to no use of the tag anymore.

Except with many second level (not Google) directories and search engines which often do rely on the meta tags. I do include them if the client is following a strategy that includes second level linking. That doesn't address the keyword density issue. I personally do not include them when I'm doing a keyword density analysis.

[agerhart]

That is why I included "little to none", because these secondary and tertiary engines use the tag, but the amount of traffic that they send may not even be worth your time creating the tags.

[Marcia]

>second level linking

How is second level linking defined?

[Harley_m]

i think they are worthwhile. Second level (that is SE's that arent the top dogs ie yahoo,google) can produce a helpful amount of traffic, and certainly for an e-commerce site, or an income generating site...these few extra a day can help you - i wouldnt worry about being to careful about them, just list about 10 words that are on your page (this tag should be different for every page) and forget about them - spend the extra time getting your title perfected, or better still adding content - its those that will make your site...