The Drupal ecosystem just got a major upgrade with the release of the metatag_custom_tags submodule as part of the Metatag 2.1.0 release. Designed to replace and enhance the functionality of the now-merged Custom Meta module, this new feature empowers site builders to take full control of custom metadata management in a more streamlined and efficient way.
What is Metatag Custom Tags?
The Metatag Custom Tags submodule provides the ability to define and manage custom metatags directly from the UI. It addresses the growing demand for tailored metadata management, offering site builders an intuitive way to:
- Create custom metatags without relying on additional custom code.
- Extend metadata capabilities to cover unique SEO and personalization requirements.
- Maintain consistency and compliance with specific project needs.
Key Features of Metatag Custom Tags:
- Enhanced user Interface:
- A new admin UI makes it easier than ever to create and manage custom meta tags.
- Users can define tags with just a few clicks, setting attributes like property, name, and http-equiv.
- Streamlined tag creation:
- Add meaningful labels and descriptions for each tag.
- Manage custom tags directly from the admin interface without writing custom code.
- Future-proof functionality:
Fully integrated with the Metatag module, ensuring compatibility with Drupal’s evolving ecosystem.
The Origin of Metatag Custom Tags
This submodule is derived from the widely appreciated Custom Meta module, which simplified custom metatag creation for Drupal users. Officially merged into Metatag in the 2.1.0 release, this feature forms the foundation of the Metatag Custom Tags submodule. You can read more about this journey in our previous blog post: Custom Meta Module Joins Metatag.
Why Use Metatag Custom Tags?
With the flexibility to create custom meta tags tailored to your site’s unique requirements, Metatag Custom Tags opens up new possibilities for:
- Advanced SEO optimization: Tailor meta tags for specific search engine requirements and use cases.
- Personalization: Customize metadata for personalized content delivery.
- Compliance and Integration: Add meta tags required for external integrations or compliance with standards like Open Graph or custom analytics setups.
Websites Hosted on GovCMS: A Seamless Update
For websites hosted using Australia's Drupal distribution, GovCMS, the release of GovCMS 3.20.0 brings exciting news. The inclusion of the Metatag Custom Tags submodule allows users to create custom metatags directly from the UI, eliminating the need for complex, time-consuming code changes or the installation of additional modules.
Having worked extensively with many GovCMS customers, I’ve seen firsthand how challenging metadata management can be. One of my clients, a public sector organization, previously struggled with adding an alternate link tag like:
<link rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml" href="https://example.com/rss.xml"> This tag, crucial for enabling RSS feed syndication, required developer intervention every time an update was needed. Each instance of manually coding the tag delayed deployments and added unnecessary complexity to their workflows.
With the Metatag Custom Tags submodule now part of GovCMS, their content administration team can independently create and manage such tags directly from the user-friendly UI. This change saves valuable time, reduces reliance on developers, and enables quick, efficient updates.
This update is a game-changer for GovCMS users. What once required intricate coding and developer input can now be accomplished with a bit of site building, empowering content editors and site builders to manage metadata independently. By streamlining workflows, this enhancement boosts productivity and allows teams to make adjustments without technical bottlenecks. If your website is on GovCMS, it’s time to explore the potential of Metatag Custom Tags!
Getting Started with metatag_custom_tags
- Enable the submodule:
Install or upgrade to Metatag 2.1.0, then enable the metatag_custom_tags submodule through the Drupal admin interface.
- Create Custom Meta Tags:
- Navigate to the admin UI for Metatag.
- Select the Custom Tags option and start defining your tags by choosing attributes, names, and descriptions.
- Integrate with Existing Meta Tags:
Combine your custom tags with Metatag’s robust default options for a comprehensive metadata strategy.
- Test the configured custom meta tag: Check the source of your webpage to ensure tags are implemented correctly.
Transitioning from Custom Meta
For those using the old Custom Meta module, metatag_custom_tags is its natural successor. While there is no direct migration path, recreating your custom meta tags is simple and worth the effort, thanks to the advanced UI and added features.
Final thoughts
The Metatag Custom Tags submodule is more than just a new feature—it’s a game-changer for Drupal sites aiming to stay competitive in a metadata-driven digital landscape. Whether you’re an SEO enthusiast, a personalization advocate, or just looking to future-proof your site, this submodule is a must-have.
Ready to level up your metadata game? Dive into the documentation and start exploring the capabilities of Metatag Custom Tags today!
