Keywords Meta Tag et al

[thussain]

I'm getting mixed advice on the use of the name="keywords" meta tag by search engines. Historically, they were used to index your site but I've been told that the major search engines don't use them anymore due to misuse and abuse.

Also, does tweaking your website help your position in the NATURAL search listings?

Does anyone have an tips on how to up our position or, similarly, how these algoritms actually work? We've tried to frequently include relevant terms but there are still some obscure websites listed higher than us.

A bit of a long one this but I'd appreciate some informed advice.  Thanks.

[OBonio]

The Google algorithm is a well kept secret. It really is a bit of a dark art positioning on search engines. Some, if not most, still use meta tags as an indication. They used to use them solely for the info they wanted. They also index the content of the pages. Also, a site that isn't updated often will slip down.

Some more info from Google :

http://www.google.co.uk/intl/en/webmasters/