Meta Keywords ... Client request

[lauratagdigital]

I have a client who would like to include Meta Keywords in their site as they have seen competitors with it, we haven't used Meta Keywords tag before as doesn't impact ranking as we all know - however if I am to put them in - is there a limit - would 200 + negatively impact the site?

Thanks

[TinaGammon]

I would use no more than seven remember Google stopped valuing the keyword tags because people were stuffing them.

30 keywords is stuffing, and could possibly send spam signals.

[simon_realbuzz]

It's also worth bearing in mind that while some search engines no longer use meta keywords others continue to do so, so you could negatively impact on the long tail of your search engine traffic from some of the smaller search engines.

[lauratagdigital]

Thanks for that Shaun - I've settled for about 30 then will work more into the text etc.  I thought Yahoo & Bing didn't use the tag either anymore? Maybe I'm mistaken?

Thanks again!

[DMGoo]

I would be cautious about of putting a volume of 200+ keywords as this could be interpreted as a spam signal.  It might be wise to take search market share stats (G v B v Y) back to the client and put forward for and against arguments to the client.

[Hughescov]

They won't negatively impact your rating. The only problem with using them is that your competitors will be able to view what keywords you are trying to rank for, whereas you currently have the upper hand on all your competitors. They are still used in Bing and Yahoo I believe though, so if you are focusing SEO efforts on these search engines then they will be beneficial.