For some time now, I have been reading a lot about the notion that Tag pages should not be indexed in search engines. In fact, I have barely come across any articles which say otherwise. I am not sure if I am overlooking something here, or whether people are just regurgitating misinformation across the web.
Firstly, I understand that search engines do not want duplicate content. Secondly, I understand that Tags are capable of producing duplicate content. Thus, on the surface, I get the notion behind the majority; in that, Tags are known for its duplicate content.
Here is the bit that I am failing to see. Why aren't many people acknowledging the fact that you can create multiple Tag templates, ensuring that every Tag page is unique.
Lets take an eCommerce Shop as an example. The eCommerce shop has the following Category structures:
Category A: Paintings > Jungle > Monkeys > [Monkey Painting Product]
Category B: Drawings > Jungle > Monkeys > [Monkey Drawing Product]
Category C: Curtains > Jungle > Monkeys > [Monkey Curtains Product]
Category A could be optimised for Keywords, which are specifically targeting Paintings of Monkeys. As for Category B, we could focus our efforts targeting Keywords for Drawings of Monkeys. Finally, Category C could target Keywords seeking Curtains with Monkeys on.
So far, pretty straightforward.
Now, what if there are search queries looking for 'Monkey Art'. The search query does not indicate; what kind of art, genre, fabric, style etc. Simply put, it is a broad term. Too broad either of the above Categories.
For me, this is where Tags could come into play. A few simple Tag URLs, could be:
www.example.com/product-tags/monkey-art/
www.example.com/product-tags/monkey-designs/
www.example.com/product-tags/monkey-themes/
Let's take the first Tag: 'Monkey Art'. The 'Monkey Art' Product Tag page, will be made up of Products, it has pulled from across the 3 Categories; mentioned above.
That, in itself, is relatively unique. Personally, I would say it is not unique enough. Simply because although the page as a whole would be uniquely structured, with a different layout, it is still made up of duplicate content.
Up until now, I agree with those saying that Tag pages should not be Indexed in search engines.
To those who stop there, I feel they are missing out on ranking opportunities. Let's create a scenario:
We have a parent looking to theme their Kid's bedroom with Monkeys. Monkey Curtains, Monkey Paintings and Monkey Drawings. As such, they perform the search query 'Monkey Art'. Wouldn't the Product Tag page 'Monkey Art' be a great landing page?
Of course, I wouldn't stop there. I would then create a series of custom Product Tag Templates, which would be specific to each Tag and be unique from the Categories. Take the following examples:
Category A: Paintings > Jungle > Monkeys > [Monkey Painting Product]:
Title: Monkey Paintings
Description: If you are looking for Monkey Paintings, check out our range below.
Category B: Drawings > Jungle > Monkeys > [Monkey Drawing Product]:
Title: Monkey Hand Made Drawings
Description: Do you like drawings of Monkeys? We have a wide selection of realistic and abstract pictures, created by our own Artist.
www.example.com/product-tags/monkey-designs/:
Title: Complete Range of Monkey Designs
Description: Are you looking to redesign your bedroom? Maybe fancy a Jungle Theme? Check out all of our Monkey themed products below.
Of course, the above is overly simplistic and the Title & Description details could be better but it does give an idea of how I see Categories and Tags.
With so many people overlooking the fact that you can create multiple Tag Template pages, tailored to each Tag, I feel I may be overlooking something. Then again, maybe not.
Have I got it right so to speak, or have I overlooked something greatly here?
