Constructing the perfect META Title - Ranking vs CTR vs Search Volume

[MozAddict]

Hello Mozzers!

I want to discuss the science behind the perfect META Title in terms of three factors:

1. Ranking

2. CTR

3. Search Volume

Hypothetical scenario: A furniture company "Boogie Beds" wants to optimise their META Title tag for their "Cane Beds" ecommerce webpage.

1. The keywords "Cane Beds' has a search volume of 10,000

2. The keywords " Cane Beds For Sale" has a search volume of 250

3. The keywords "Buy Cane Beds" has a search volume of 25

One of Boogie Beds SEO's suggests a META Title "Buy Cane Beds For Sale Online | Boogie Beds" to target and rank for all three keywords and capture long tail searches.

The other Boogie Bed SEO says no! The META Title should be "Cane Beds For Sale | Boogie Beds" to target the most important two competitive keywords and sacrifice the "Buy" keyword for the other two

Which SEO would you agree more with, considering

1. Ranking ability

2.  Click through rates

3. Long tail search volume

4. Keyword dilution

Much appreciated!

MozAddict

[Andy.Drinkwater]

Hi,

I certainly wouldn't go with the first SEO's recommendation as this is sacrificing usability and a title that reads well, for one that is only there to try and get as many keywords into it as possible.

There comes a point where you have to do a bit of a trade-off, and in this case, you trade a minor phrase "Buy Cane Beds" for a more highly searched one "Cane Beds For Sale".

This just doesn't read well at all... "Buy Cane Beds For Sale Online". Keyword stuffing at its finest.

Edit- Can I also point out that it doesn't really matter that the word "buy" isn't in there, as Google is pretty smart and knows how to apply the word "buy" to someone who is selling something.

If I do a search for the phrase "Buy cane beds", no-one in the top 10 has the word "buy" in their title.

-Andy

[TomRayner]

What else do you offer?

Do you do free shipping? Running any discounts?

I'd be much more inclined to click a title tag that says: "Buy Cane Beds - Free UK Shipping | Boogie Beds".  Looks like it fits in the Moz Title Tool too.

You definitely want to get your primary keyword in there - it's good for SEO and for users. But after that, make it as compelling as possible that will drive people to click your ad, even if you're #3 instead of #1.  Your title tag and meta description are your shop window - make sure you stand out.

[MozAddict]

Hi Andy,

Thank you for your response. There is a fine line between targeting search volume and trying to remain relevant and sacrificing certain keywords for others. With this example, I wanted to see where the fine line lies for different SEO's.

Since the site I am optimising is a new site, there isnt enough data to test the variation. But it would be interesting to test the variations and see how search engines and users respond.

My feeling is that CTR for "Buy Cane Beds For Sale Online" would be lower due to its spammy feel, even if its search volume is higher.

It would be interesting to see the argument of a Mozzer that supports the other case

[MozAddict]

Thats a good point Tom. A new site might not be able to outrank a competitor due to PA or DA, but one could try and win more clicks through a compelling Title and description. An offer like free shipping would certainly be more compelling.

[EGOL]

<title>Cane Beds:  Sleep like a Rock!    </title>

[MozAddict]

hah

Cane Beds: Boogie all night

[David-Kley]

I have seen a lot of sites that tie in main keywords closer together not rank as well as ones that use them in a more natural fashion.

We have done our own tests with this, and while it can take a while to find the right combination, the payoff is well worth it. When you construct the title, make sure the content, description and keyword list are all consistent.

On of the formats we have found to be successful for titles is to use the main keyword as the leader, and then be more descriptive in the secondary part of the title.

Example: Cane Beds | Boogie Beds Shopping Online Store

Keep in mind this is only an example, and could be polished better than this. If possible, use subpages to rank for additional terms or keywords rather than packing them all into one page and hoping for the best.

[EGOL]

lol... That is a lot better than mine.

Try it.   I bet you get great CTR.

Let us know how it works!

[MozAddict]

lol, if only it were a real scenario, id be on it!

[MozAddict]

What about keyword dilution. Would adding too many words dilute the strength of your main keyword "Cane Beds"?

[David-Kley]

No, not as long as it doesn't get overused. What Google doesn't want you doing is "Cane Beds | Cane Beds for sale | Buy Cane Beds"

If you are refering to character count, Keep it as compact as possible, while still being readable. Looks like you have already done the research on what is popular and ranking, now you just need to implement in a SEF and user friendly format. Think of it this way; what would you click on if you were looking for a cane bed? If you arent sure, draft a few examples, and show them to someone else for a few opinions.