Why The Title Tag Is So Very Important
The Title tag is Number #1 over the other two tags for helping your website achieve high search engine rankings. It’s right up there in importance next to the need for writing quality content for each and every one of your website’s pages. Do you know why you should NEVER ignore the Title tag? Let me educate you why …
The Title Tag Serves Two Purposes
First, let’s touch upon the basics. The Title tag is an HTML code snippet that does two very important things. One, it creates the words that appear in the top bar of your web browser (the blue bar that runs the length of your computer screen, up at the very top). Two, it also shows up in the SERPs (search engine results pages) when someone enters in keywords that also appear in your Title tag.
**Let me digress for one moment. Depending upon the search engine rankings for the specific keyword(s) used in your Title, combined with other SEO factors, you could find your web page listed on the first SERP, or maybe the hundredth SERP. Remember, the Title tag is but ONE contributing factor to search engine rankings.
Now, the HTML code for a title tag looks like this (very simplified):
<HEAD>
<TITLE> Title of Your Web Page Shows Up Here </TITLE>
</HEAD>
The Title tag belongs in the <HEAD> section of your source code, and is generally followed by your Meta Description and Meta Keyword tags. The order of these tags is not critical. (Some web building programs or WYSIWYG editors place them in a different position.)
The Significance Of The Title Tag To The Search Engines
All search engines use the Title tags to gather information about your web page’s topic. What you put in this tag is critical. It’s a major factor in which search queries you will be found for; and what ranking positions the web page will hold.
Every Title you write ends up as the clickable link on the SERP. Are you aware of this? Thusly, you want that web-surfing, possible visitor to want to click on your Title. You want their eyes to gravitate to YOUR Title … not your competitor’s Title! Make it jump right out at them because it’s interesting, compelling and gets right to the point of what your web page is all about.
Make excellent use of this small piece of “search engine real estate”. It is GOLD to your potential high rankings and to effectively enticing the searcher to click on your site, rather than a competitors.
Your Keywords MUST Be Integrated Into Your Title Tag
Whatever keywords, or keyword phrases, you are targeting for the web page you’ll be writing MUST be worked into the Title tag. Why? Again, to satisfy the hungry spiders AND because it helps let the potential visitor know what they will be reading when they land on your web page.
Also, I highly suggest you use “Title Case” for this tag, i.e. “SEO Strategy for the Small Business Owner”, or “Ten Reasons You Should Not Prepare Your Own Tax Return”. This format looks clean and has a professional appearance to it. Please don’t use all capital letters as you’ll look like you’re shouting and it’s poor internet etiquette.
Your Title Tag Should Clearly Reflect What The Page’s Content Is About
What comes first, the Title tag or the written text? Many SEO consultants will recommend you write the copy first, then figure out what the Title tag should be. I say whatever works for you! Just don’t forget to remain focused on the primary keyword phrase you will be writing about and again, make sure you have effectively incorporated that keyword phrase into the Title tag.
Remember: you want that potential visitor to say to themselves when reading your Title “Hey, this sounds interesting. I want to see what this page has to say.” And click … here they come to your website.
Bottom line … make darn good use of the Title tag. You’ll be glad you did!
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Check out what others are saying about this post...[...] The Title tag is also very important in helping you achieve high rankings. To learn more about the Title tag, please read this article: Using the Title Tag — Search Engine Ranking Significance [...]
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