The best title tag

[ajkendall]

Hi guys,

Just a quick one here: i was just wondering what the best way of using the title tag is for keywords, i've been told not to exceed 80 characters including spaces so i know that much, but is it better to include 3-4 keywords in the title tag or keep to just one main primary keyword?

Thanks in advance, Alan

 

[Philleh]

Depends on what you're trying to optimize.

"advanced tech tips" is better then "very cool advanced tech tips for noobs". See my point? short and sweet.

 

[enlytend]

Make sure it matches your page content and don't forget that it's the first thing people see when your page comes up in search results.

 

[dan_Vt]

make a plan for your entire site, identifying which keywords/phrases you are targeting on each page. Make the title tag the keyphrase you're targeting for that page, you can add something after the phrase like " - MyDomain.com"

Don't water down the phrase by adding other words.

 

[Keral_Patel]

I mostly put the key phrase (Yes not exact keyword but the key phrase) itself and - my site name.

Thanks.

 

[ajkendall]

thanks for the comments guys much appreciated and helpful

 

[netzilla]

Take a look at this article by Rand at SEOMOZ (I am in no way affiliated). I have been researching SEO for a long time and this is one of the best references to title tags that I have found: http://www.seomoz.org/blog/best-practices-for-title-tags

 

[ajkendall]

thanks netzilla, checking it out now

 

[johnandrews]

Be careful about rand's article - it is a compromise/middle ground. He's trying to meet all needs with one title.

If you want optimal for ranking, the title should be an exact match for the search query. Depending on specific case, add extra keyword/synonym as well. No other content.

For "branding" as Rand describes, add your site or whetever. But that takes away from pure rank.

For "also ranking for long tail terms, and rounding out the site theme" extend the title tag with more descriptive words. Again, this takes away from ranking.

A camel is a horse designed by committee. Would you ride a camel in the Kentucky Derby? Would you ride a thoroughbred across the desert?