How to use tags effectively on GoTrails.org

How to use tags effectively on GoTrails.org

Tags on GoTrails are one of the most overlooked features. However, using them effectively can boost your trail's visibility significantly. This guide will show you how to use tags on GoTrails.org effectively, while covering the dos and don'ts of tags on GoTrails.org.

If you would like our full guide on creating trails the best trails on GoTrails.org, click here.

Contents

Why Tags Matter on GoTrails.org

The importance of each section on goTrails.org

The Gotrails search feature considers certain data entered by a trail's publisher. Here's the order of importance: Difficulty, Location, Title, Tags, Description, and Information. This tells us that although not the most powerful ranking factor, tags are still among the most important, especially given the space you are given to write whatever you find important.

Rule of Thumb

Any data with a higher importance than tags can be omitted in the tags section. This means you don't need to include the difficulty, title and some location elements (explained in more detail further down).

Long vs. Short

Shorter tags are often better, since keywords will register more frequently in searches.

Example:

The term forest is a better tag than dense_evergreen_forest_trail.

This doesn't mean you should never use longer tags, more specific terms will require them.

Example of good uses:

Good uses of longer tags include: backcountry_camping, singletrack.

Singular vs. Plural

Similarly to the shorter tags rule, keeping tags singular will allow them to be registered more often on user lookup. Unlike longer tags, you will never need to use plurals in the tags section.

Example:

Village is a better tag than villages.

Synonyms

Elevation data can be a power tool provided by GoTrails

Our search algorithm may not be able to tell the difference between synonyms, such as swamp and marsh, so make sure to include a few of the most common terms.

Remember:

This does not apply to similar words such as lake and lakeside (the second should be omitted).

Location

Geographical locations make for good tags

The location you enter for a given trail shouldn't be included in your tags list, as mentioned in the rule of thumb section. However, you should definitely include location information that isn't in your location section. This includes country, regions, villages passed along the way, and geographical landmarks.

Example:

Add Blackcomb, but not Whistler.

Descriptions and Information

Since descriptions and information rank lower than tags, you should repeat their keywords in the tags section.

Example:

If your description says, "This trail features scenic waterfalls and backcountry camping opportunities," we suggest adding waterfall, backcountry, and camping to your tag list.

Improving Your Tags

Common tags on GoTrails

Your trails' stats are visible on the trail page.This includes the most common term people looked up to find your trail. This stat can be used to refine your tags. Keep tags that match top searches and replace those that don't with new tags. Over time, this will help you find which tags work best.

Advanced Tips for GoTrails Tag

Summary

Do include:

Avoid:

Tags may not be the top ranking factor on GoTrails.org, but they can be important to trail visibility when used strategically. Keep them short, singular, and relevant, recycle important keywords, and adjust based on performance stats.

Create your next trail

More helpful guides:

Now that you're ready to optimize your trails with better tags, explore these guides to learn moree.