Tags

• Define a small, consistent tag vocabulary and enforce it with a controlled list or taxonomy.
• Prefer noun-based tags that describe the item, not actions or opinions.
• Avoid tag sprawl by using a limit or tiered hierarchy (primary vs. secondary tags).
• Provide an autosuggest or autocomplete to encourage consistent tagging.
• Regularly audit tags for duplicates, synonyms, and deprecated terms.

Tags act as metadata that helps filter, search, and surface related items. They sit between content and structure, guiding navigation and discovery. When used well, they complement other metadata blocks and aid exploration across the system. This category is central to content organization without changing primary content itself.

Common pitfalls include over-tagging, inconsistency in naming, and overlooking synonyms. Establish a governance process for additions and rename workflows. Historically, tag systems emerged to improve retrieval and cross-linking in large collections, evolving toward controlled vocabularies that reduce ambiguity and improve user navigation.