You might start by downloading Google’s Search Engine Optimization Starter Guide, Google the name and it will be number 1, it was published Nov 13, 2008.
Where specifically did you get the information Google does not use meta tags anymore. I would really like to know.
Right now I am getting very good traffic from Google on my Website Promotion and Marketing blog bases on keyword rich articles. I have not traded any links, I simply submit the article URL's to Google, Yahoo and MSN. I do use the Free SEO Tools that are provided by Google, Yahoo and MSN. What is suprising to me is I feel the love from Google and Yahoo both. MSN has not been my friend.
At to specifically Google and keywords. If you go to Webmasters/Site owners Help and search keywords you will see a list of articles by Google. One in specific is titled Site doesn't appear for a specific keyword and specifies how to see if you are ranking on a specific keyword or keyword phrase.