SEO Titles and Keyword Density

[SEOMyGod]

Hey guys,

I'm doing some on page SEO for a few clients and I've always wondered about this question. I have read tons of articles on the perfect <title>tag, but they don't often mention this.</p> <p>So my titles, like most others follow this format:</p> <p>Keyword 1 | Keyword 2 - Company</p> <p>So say for example I am trying to rank for 'life insurance' and 'life insurance quote' for 'axa sunlife'.</p> <p>It's my assumption that the title should be:</p> <p>Life Insurance Quote - Axa Sunlife</p> <p>rather than:</p> <p>Life Insurance | Life Insurance Quote - Axa Sunlife</p> <p>Am I right in thinking that putting it twice has no added value, and could in fact have an adverse effect?</p> <p>Thanks,</p> <p>Lewis.</p> <p> </p></title>

[wildnerakademie]

For sure the title tag is one of the most important elements in SEO. Make use of the maximum length of 70 characters. As this title is displayed in SERPs, make sure to integrate a call to action. The mention of the company name is usualy not so important, as long as you are not a brand in the eyes of Google.

For the keyword density: take a look at your competitors. Stuffing is dangerous!

[kdaly100]

In my opinion putting it in twice is not a good idea.  I assume that you have done the appropriate keyword research in this area and that the keywords are appropriate.  I personally don't even think there is value in adding the AXA Sunlife as AXA is meaningless to the Search engines.  It does help when the title is displayed to give some people idea.

I think your title should be along the lines of Main Target Keyword in Body of the  Page x 1 to 3 then stop.  I would not use multiples.  If you have multiple keywords you want to target create an additional page for the keywords.

So

Life Insurance Quotes

Life Insurance Premiums

Life Insurance Special Offers

the Title is of course only the beginning.  Get some nice meta description under it as well to if your link with this Title does show then it makes sense.  this may be the place to mention AXA or the company so people get some good company name visuals

[gfiorelli1]

You are right and not at the same time. Right telling that a redundant use of the keywords is not generating benefits (instead, it can look simply spammy)... not, because the title you are suggesting in not "exciting".

Remember that Titles are the first line of a Search Snippet. Therefore it should have to be crafted wisely:

1. In order to focus Search Engines on your page's main keyword;
2. In order to push the searchers into clicking your result and no other.

I usually suggest to think to Title as they where the Page Tagline. This also make easier its use into the same content of the page itself, as the HTML Title usually is converted to the H1 Title by many CMS.

Therefore, in your case, a Title could be:

Life Insurance? Ask now a life insurance quote to Axa Sunlife

And the Meta Description would renforce the Title call to action, maybe citing the main competitive advantage of the Axa Sunlife life insurance.

Ciao and I hope this helps

[kdaly100]

Thanks Gianluca

I agree 100% I was thinking of the actual site Title tag when typing this so answering it from that context.  Yes Keyword(s) + Hook

[mattbeswick]

Hi Lewis,

I've done a couple of tests (nothing scientific - just trying things out and looking for trends) on this in the last few months and have found the following:

• Using the same keyword more than once doesn't seem to have any impact on keyword rankings
• The first keyword in the title element seems to be given priority, assuming that it's matched up with other on page elements (ie. Broad usage throughout the page, alt tags, etc)

The best title tag will most likely have your keyword first, followed by some kind of call to action, and then your site name at the end. This works on a few levels - namely that you're improving your rankings, click throughs and also brand awareness.

Kieran's definitely correct in saying that it should be tied in with the meta description, although I'd disagree that there's no benefit to having the brand at the end of the tag - particularly if you're working with a client who's looking to build, or reinforce, their name.

Remember that it isn't all about getting to the top. By including your call to action you're potentially helping with conversion rate optimisation and by including the brand you're helping build trust over the long term... which is incredibly hard to measure but will surely add hidden benefit and gives you another string to your bow!

As far as keyword density goes, the old ways of looking at it are completely outdated. If you aim to use your keyword 3-4 times in a reasonable sized page whilst also employing the ~ operator on Google to find, and use, related terms you'll be fine.

Hope that's helpful - would be really interested to hear how you get on

Matt

[JonathanLeplang]

Maybe you can read this tutorial : http://www.seomoz.org/learn-seo/title-tag

An advice don't repeat the keywords in the title

[Dan-Lawrence]

if you included the plural and singular versions of a keyword in title tag would that be considered a keyword repeat ?