Probably the most popular use of META tags is to indicate Keywords and a Description for search engines.
Originally created as a method for large websites to catalogue their pages, the META Name Tags transformed into a tool that large search engines use to help define their search functions. Some disclude these tags, such as Excite, while others, including Altavista and Hotbot, use them to help better define where your page belongs in their index.
First, the description of your page should describe what is on the page. Most search engines use this value to show the description in their search results. An example of using the description attribute is:
<META NAME="description" CONTENT="Learnthat.com offers free web-based online computer classes in various topics, popular computer programs, programming languages, online teaching.">
Here is the actual search result from Altavista for one of my pages:
As you see, the actual description from my page shows up on the Altavista search results.
The other important attribute is "keywords". Using keywords can assist in improving your relevancy, if they are related to the text on your page. An example is:
<META NAME ="keywords" CONTENT="online computer courses, free training, tutorials, classes">
Using keywords will help with the relevancy rating, but if you use words that aren't related to the content on your pages, it won't help much.
Using Description and Keywords will assist in people finding your pages, then know what they found when they see it!
