Meta tags are often "overlooked" by companies attempting to improve their search engine optimisation (SEO), claims an internet expert.

Writing for Promotion World, James Day, chief executive officer of submit-site.org, reports that although some perceive meta tags to be obsolete, they are "very much in use and extremely important to search engine rankings".

The tags were highlighted as important as they are the first thing read by search engine spiders.

Meta tags are also used as the title of listings in search results, helping to determine what ranking they are given.

Mr Day added using correct title tag optimisation is "essential" and is likely to result in a dramatic increase in search engine rankings.

He also reported that a title tag should contain at least one keyword which is of relevance to the webpage.

Earlier this week, Promotion World reported consistency and the need to keep internet content fresh was "vital" for SEO purposes.