How to implement Dynamic open graph meta tags in blogger?

om prakash December 11, 2024

 

OPEN GRAPH META TAGS

          These tags are pivotal in enhancing how your content is displayed across social media platforms. Initially introduced by Facebook, these have become a universal method for optimizing website links shared on various social networks. Without this, platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn might incorrectly guess what information to display when your blog posts are shared. This can lead to less engaging posts, potentially impacting your website's traffic and engagement rates. 

Open Graph meta tags example


         Implementing OG tags in your Blogger or Blogspot site is a straightforward process and can make a significant difference in driving user interaction and engagement. These meta tags allow you to control which image, title, and description are pulled from your content, therefore allowing you to entice readers with the best possible preview of your posts. To begin reaping these benefits, you'll need to delve into the HTML of your Blogger template, ensuring each post is correctly marked with the essential OG meta tags. 

     •          og:title: Set the title of your content as it should appear.

•          og:description: Provide a concise, engaging summary to attract clicks.

•          og:image: Choose an eye-catching image that represents your content.

•          og:url: Indicate the canonical URL of the page to avoid duplication issues.

         When setting up your Open Graph tags, attention to detail can make all the difference in how your content is perceived across social channels. To begin, ensure that each og:title not only summarizes the essence of your content but also aligns with your brand voice. This helps create a recognizable and engaging presence. 

         The og:description plays a critical role in capturing interest. Aim for a brief but enticing message that conveys the value of clicking through to your content. Remember, this is your chance to stand out in a crowded social feed. 

         Meanwhile, choosing the right og:image can significantly impact the engagement rate. Opt for images that are high quality, relevant, and likely to draw attention in a visual-centric environment. It's often beneficial to use the same branding elements or color schemes in your images to maintain a consistent identity. 

        Finally, confirming the og:url points users to the correct page is crucial in maintaining your SEO integrity and ensuring your audience knows the original source of the content. By establishing a single, authoritative URL, you avoid the pitfalls of duplicate content and enhance trust among your audience. 

       Remember, strategic use of these tags not only aids in delivering a coherent brand story but also optimizes user engagement across social media channels. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Open Graph Tags in Blogger

    By following these steps, you’ll ensure your content is well-represented on various platforms with appealing snippets that capture the attention of viewers. 

1. Open HTML Template: Start by logging into your Blogger account. Navigate to the dashboard and locate the Theme option on the left sidebar. Click on it and proceed to choose Edit HTML from the dropdown menu. This action allows you to access the raw HTML code behind your blog’s appearance. 

2. Add OG Tags: Within the HTML editor, search for the <head> section of your template. This is where you’ll add your OG meta tags. Insert the following standard tags to define your content for social media: 

  <meta property="og:title" content="Your Post Title" />
<meta property="og:description" content="A brief description of your post" />
<meta property="og:image" content="URL of Your Image" />
<meta property="og:url" content="URL of Your Post" />
<meta property="og:type" content="article" />
<meta property="og:site_name" content="Your Blog Name" />

              Modify these tags to reflect the content specifics of each individual post. Notably, the og:image is crucial as it defines the thumbnail that displays with your post on social media. 

3. Dynamic Values Using Blogger Variables: To make your OG tag setup more robust, consider using Blogger variables. This allows Open Graph tags to automatically populate with the correct metadata for each post. For example: 

         <meta property="og:title" content='<data:post.title/>' />
        <meta property="og:description" content='<data:post.snippet/>' />
        <meta property="og:image" content='<data:post.thumbnailUrl/>' />
        <meta property="og:url" content='<data:post.url/>' />

   4. Save Your Changes: Once you’ve added the OG tag, click on Save Theme to apply these changes to your blog. It's important to preview your blog to ensure no errors have been accidentally introduced during the coding process. 

         By carefully implementing these steps, your blog posts will display beautifully on social media, enhancing both visibility and engagement. Remember, well-structured and visually appealing shares are crucial for attracting clicks and traffic to your content!

Testing and Verifying

         Once you've added your OG tag, it's crucial to make sure they're functioning as intended. Proper testing and verification will ensure your blog content is presented attractively on various platforms. Here's how you can do that: 

•          Check Your Source Code: Start by viewing your blog’s source code to confirm that the tags are correctly implemented. Look for tags such as og:title, og:description, and og:image. Make sure they contain the right content and are formatted correctly.

•          Use Social Media Debuggers: Leverage tools like the Facebook Sharing Debugger. By pasting your blog post URL into this debugger, you can identify how your content will display on the Facebook feed and spot potential errors. This tool can refresh the cache and update any outdated information.

•          Utilize Plugins or Validators: Platforms like Blog2Social offer previews of how your OG tags will render, you can check in SmallSeoTools or Rankmath sites. Ensure your meta descriptions, titles, and images are displayed correctly. Use these previews to make necessary adjustments to your tags.

•          Conduct a Visual Test: Never underestimate the simplicity of conducting a straightforward visual test. Share a link on social media privately and check how it appears. Look for alignment in images, text, and links to ensure they convey the message you want to share.

                      By following these steps, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your tags are optimized, enhancing the chances of your content catching the eyes of your target audience on social media. Remember, the goal is to ensure that your posts not only work technically but also have social appeal.


om prakash

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