This guide shows you how to add meta keywords in WordPress using popular SEO plugins, manual coding, or built-in theme options. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced user, you’ll find clear, actionable steps to improve your site’s search visibility.
Key Takeaways
- Meta keywords are no longer used by Google, but some smaller search engines still consider them for ranking.
- Use SEO plugins like Yoast or Rank Math to easily add meta keywords without touching code.
- Manual editing of header.php allows full control but requires caution to avoid breaking your site.
- Always use relevant, targeted keywords—avoid keyword stuffing to maintain SEO health.
- Test changes after implementation using browser tools or SEO checkers to ensure tags are live.
- Keep meta keywords under 10 and under 100 characters for best practices and readability.
- Combine meta keywords with strong content and meta descriptions for a complete SEO strategy.
Introduction: Why Meta Keywords Still Matter in WordPress
If you’re serious about improving your website’s visibility, you’ve probably heard about meta keywords. While Google officially stopped using meta keywords for ranking in 2009, many smaller search engines and internal site search tools still reference them. That means adding meta keywords in WordPress can still play a supportive role in your overall SEO strategy—especially when combined with high-quality content and proper on-page optimization.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to add meta keywords in WordPress using three reliable methods: SEO plugins, manual code editing, and theme-specific options. Whether you’re using a free theme or a premium one, these steps will help you implement meta keywords safely and effectively. By the end, you’ll know not only how to add them but also how to avoid common mistakes that could hurt your SEO.
Method 1: Add Meta Keywords Using SEO Plugins
The easiest and most recommended way to add meta keywords in WordPress is by using a dedicated SEO plugin. These tools are designed to simplify SEO tasks and reduce the risk of errors. Two of the most popular options are Yoast SEO and Rank Math.
Visual guide about How to Add Meta Keywords in WordPress
Image source: ahrefs.com
Step 1: Install and Activate an SEO Plugin
Go to your WordPress dashboard, then navigate to Plugins > Add New. Search for “Yoast SEO” or “Rank Math SEO”. Click Install Now and then Activate.
For example, Yoast SEO is widely used and beginner-friendly. Once activated, it adds an SEO meta box to every post and page editor.
Step 2: Enable Meta Keywords in Plugin Settings
Some plugins don’t show meta keywords by default. In Yoast SEO, you’ll need to enable this feature:
- Go to SEO > Search Appearance.
- Click the Content Types tab.
- Under “Show meta keywords?”, toggle the option to On.
- Save changes.
In Rank Math, meta keywords are enabled by default. You can customize their behavior under Rank Math > General Settings > Titles & Meta.
Step 3: Add Meta Keywords to Posts and Pages
Now, when you edit any post or page, scroll down to the SEO plugin’s meta box. You’ll see a field labeled Meta Keywords or similar.
- Type 5–10 relevant keywords, separated by commas.
- Example: wordpress tutorial, how to use wordpress, wordpress seo guide
- Keep it natural—don’t stuff keywords.
Tip: Use keywords that match the content and what users might search for. Tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest can help you find strong options.
Method 2: Add Meta Keywords Manually via Code
If you prefer full control or your theme doesn’t support plugins well, you can add meta keywords manually by editing your theme’s header.php file. This method requires caution—always back up your site first.
Visual guide about How to Add Meta Keywords in WordPress
Image source: soliloquywp.com
Step 1: Access Your Theme Files
Go to Appearance > Theme File Editor in your WordPress dashboard. From the right sidebar, select header.php.
Alternatively, use an FTP client or your hosting file manager to navigate to /wp-content/themes/your-theme-name/ and open header.php.
Step 2: Locate the <head> Section
Find the opening <head> tag. This is where meta tags belong. Look for existing meta tags like <meta name="description"> as a reference point.
Step 3: Insert the Meta Keywords Tag
Add the following line inside the <head> section:
<meta name="keywords" content="wordpress, seo, meta keywords, how to add meta keywords">
Replace the content with your own keywords. For dynamic keywords (different on each page), you’ll need to use PHP. Here’s an example for posts:
<?php if (is_single()) { ?>
<meta name="keywords" content="<?php echo get_the_tag_list('', ', '); ?>">
<?php } ?>
This pulls tags from your post and uses them as keywords. For pages, you might create a custom field instead.
Step 4: Save and Test
Save the file and visit your site. Right-click and select View Page Source. Search for “keywords” to confirm the tag appears.
Warning: Editing theme files directly can break your site if done incorrectly. Consider using a child theme to preserve changes during updates.
Method 3: Use Theme Built-in Options
Some WordPress themes include built-in SEO settings that allow you to add meta keywords without plugins or code. This is common in premium themes like Astra, GeneratePress, or Divi.
Step 1: Check Theme Customizer
Go to Appearance > Customize. Look for sections like “SEO”, “Header Settings”, or “Meta Tags”. Some themes let you add global meta keywords here.
Step 2: Use Theme-Specific SEO Panels
Themes like Divi have their own SEO tab in the page editor. When editing a page, click the SEO tab and enter your keywords in the designated field.
For example, in Astra, you can enable SEO meta tags under Customize > Header > Meta and add keywords globally or per page.
Tip: If your theme supports it, this method is clean and doesn’t rely on third-party plugins. Just make sure the theme is well-coded and updated regularly.
Best Practices for Using Meta Keywords
Even though meta keywords aren’t a major ranking factor, using them wisely can support your SEO efforts. Follow these best practices:
1. Keep It Relevant
Only include keywords that accurately describe the page content. Misleading keywords can increase bounce rates.
2. Limit to 5–10 Keywords
Avoid keyword stuffing. Google penalizes sites that overuse keywords, even in meta tags. Stick to a concise list.
3. Use Long-Tail Keywords
Instead of just “WordPress”, try “how to add meta keywords in WordPress”. These are less competitive and more targeted.
4. Combine with Meta Descriptions
Meta keywords work best when paired with strong meta descriptions. Both help search engines and users understand your content.
5. Update Regularly
As your content evolves, revisit your keywords. Update them to reflect new topics or trends.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your meta keywords aren’t showing up, here are a few things to check:
Meta Keywords Not Appearing?
- Clear your cache—both plugin and browser.
- Check if a plugin is conflicting. Deactivate other SEO tools temporarily.
- Ensure the tag is inside the
<head>section.
Changes Not Saving?
- If editing code, make sure you’re using a child theme to avoid losing changes on update.
- Verify file permissions if using FTP.
Plugin Not Showing Meta Keywords Field?
- In Yoast, ensure the feature is enabled in Search Appearance settings.
- Update the plugin to the latest version.
Conclusion: Make Meta Keywords Part of Your SEO Strategy
While meta keywords alone won’t boost your rankings, they’re a small piece of a larger SEO puzzle. By learning how to add meta keywords in WordPress, you gain more control over how your content is interpreted by search engines and users.
Use SEO plugins for simplicity, manual code for precision, or theme options for convenience. Always prioritize relevance and quality. And remember—great content, proper structure, and fast loading times matter far more than meta keywords. But when used correctly, they can still support your efforts.
Now that you know how to implement them, take a few minutes to audit your key pages. Add meta keywords where missing, and watch your site become a little more search-friendly.