How to Write Title Tags

Writing Title Tags is still one of the most important aspects of Search Engine Optimization. In fact, quite often new title tags on your home page and other important pages can push you right up into the top ten (or better) search engine results for your target phrases.

Of course, this will only work if your target phrases are not very competitive. Want proof? This website ranks in the top five results for “The Jungle Map” (without the quotes) on all three major search engines. Why? That exact phrase is in the beginning of the Title Tag!

There are two keys to writing Title Tags:

1. Use your target keyword phrase, preferably at the beginning.

This may seem obvious, but it’s amazing how many websites don’t do this. For example, if you sell a particular line of products (such as Glaro Products), don’t just use your company name in your title tag. Use the phrase “Glaro Products” in the title. Note that the keywords in the beginning tend to count for more.

2. Make them want to click

Keep in mind that the title tag is what shows up on the search engine results page. So write something that captures the attention of the searcher and makes them want to click on your listing instead of your competitor’s.

To illustrate, I was researching Garmin Streetpilot GPS systems this weekend. (Those cool GPS systems you can mount in your car.) I typed in “Garmin Streetpilot GPS” and here are a few of results I got.

• Consumer Guide: Garmin StreetPilot® C340 GPS Receiver Prices
• Garmin StreetPilot C340 GPS Navigator with Built-in Antenna 3.5 …
• Garmin Streetpilot 2720, 2720 Streetpilot, Garmin GPS, Garmin GPS Unit, Garmin Car Navigation GPS

Which would you click on?

It probably depends on if you were researching or buying. But what about that third one? Seem strange? That is someone writing for search engines and not for humans.

So what it if read…

• Garmin Streetpilot C340 GPS Navigator with Free Shipping!
• Garmin Streetpilot C340 at a new special price!
• Garmin Streetpilot C340 - Why we recommend them to everyone.

Would you be more likely to click on one of those? Probably.

In Review…

Point one above is what most people concentrate on when writing title tags. But don’t be fooled into just writing for search engines. Write for humans. Just use your keywords in the process.

At times, we see more people clicking more on a search result that is lower in the search rankings, just because it is well written.

Think of your title tag as a heading. Write it well. Capture attention. (Just be sure to include your targeted keyword phrase.)

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