Meta tags establish first impressions

Meta tags are the matchmakers of the internet. They help Google and other search engines recognize your webpage and the information you provide. When potential clients begin an online search, the metadata that best matches their request leads them to your content. There may be thousands of potential suitors, so your site needs search engine optimization (SEO) tools to quickly bring together users and you. That is why the team at Catalyst Healthcare Marketing incorporates website SEO into every webpage and blog prepared for clients.

Key parts of meta tags

Most people begin a decision-making process with a search on Google, Bing, Yahoo or other search engines. Search engines use meta tags, such as the page title and a summary, to identify what it thinks the user wants. After reviewing options presented, the user finally clicks through to the one that best suits their interest. Website SEO helped match your content with visitor needs.

Meta tags are not visible on the actual webpage. Your website developers will enter that information into the HTML code. You can see it if you click right on your mouse and select “View page source” or type Ctrl+U.

The two most visible parts of meta tags include the following:

1. Title tags are the short headlines that appear in search engine results as well as the browser tab. They are the first thing people see when they encounter your content. The most effective title tags incorporate keywords that viewers want and avoid unnecessary words. They should be unique to each page.
   <meta property="og:title" content="What Is Yoast Premium and Do You Need It?" />
2. Meta descriptions are informative. They briefly describe what the visitor will find on your site. You want to give visitors confidence that they will find their answers on your page. Keep in mind, sometimes Google does not use the meta description that is provided, but rather, features a bit of copy from the webpage. However, it does use the meta description for website SEO, which enhances the ranking. The more that people click through to your site, the higher it usually ranks.
   <meta property="og:description" content="You might have Yoast SEO on your website but have you heard of Yoast Premium? Learn more about this option and whether it’s right for you." />

A team approach to website SEO

Our expertise in healthcare marketing includes knowledge of the mechanics of getting your message noticed. When you receive a writing sample from your team at Catalyst, there is a large blue table at the top. This is where our writers feature the meta tags being used for your online content. You also see the keywords used several times within the document and in the meta tags. Our website developers and designers ensure that the information is coded correctly, and technical components operate smoothly. Finally, our account managers assess the meta tags and keywords and adjust them if the webpage isn’t getting the traction we intended.

If you would like to learn more about meta tags or website SEO, contact Catalyst Healthcare Marketing. We are the perfect match for your healthcare marketing needs.