Dumb SEO Questions

(Entry was posted by Roy K on this post in the Dumb SEO Questions community on Facebook, 08/02/2014).

Is it true that two or more keywords in a title causes unwanted competition (cannibalism)?

Weekend quiz. What about these theories:
1. Two or more keywords in a title causes unwanted competition (cannibalism).
2. With every keyword in the title chances to rank better for each keyword grow.?
This question begins at 02:03:08 into the clip. Did this video clip play correctly? Watch this question on YouTube commencing at 02:03:08
Video would not load
I see YouTube error message
I see static
Video clip did not start at this question

YOUR ANSWERS

Selected answers from the Dumb SEO Questions Facebook & G+ community.

  • Roy K: Weekend quiz. What about these theories:
    1. Two or more keywords in a title causes unwanted competition (cannibalism).
    2. With every keyword in the title chances to rank better for each keyword grow.
  • Ryan Cramer: In theory 1, it could be assumed that having only one keyword in the title is beneficial as the first indexing process is superficial, however, subsequent indexing will make you drop.
    For instance:
    Title: "We have the best mechanics for you"
    The only keyword is "mechanics" and so you will be indexed under "mechanics", however, considering the number of mechanics in the world... you understand.
    But...
    Title: "We have the best mechanics in Amsterdam"
    Although you have 2 main keywords, because the categorization of one being a service, and another being a location, the indexing is clearer, and you will have long term benefits.
    Going Further...
    Title: "We have the best muffler mechanics in Amsterdam"
    The keyword "muffler" can mean multiple things, it can be a scarf or exhaust system or something else.  ;Instead of looking adding a keyword as cannibalism, consider it as a filtering mechanism
    Of course...
    Title: "Mechanic muffler engine tires automobile oil light Amsterdam"
    This kind of keyword stuffing will definitely get you the negative results you'd assume. ;
    Personally, I wouldn't have more than 3 keyword phrases in the title or meta description. If you feel the need to add more, it should be a good indicator that another page is warranted. (Obviously make sure the content is not shallow).

    I hope I understood your question correctly.
  • Roy K: Very good explanation Ryan. Thank you for your thoughts.
  • Ryan Cramer: Seems like Google was checking this Q out.  ;Today, Google's Doodle is a fun representation of how multiple keywords can be combined.  ;Perhaps the Venn diagram was an inspiration for some of the algorithm sections that handle multiple keywords.

    (Google Doodle may be different in your area, so here's the Doodle: google(dot)com/doodles/john-venns-180th-birthday
  • Roy K: Same Doodle here! Thx
  • Edwin Jonk: From the expert panel in this weeks SEO Questions hangout on air on 02:03:08 into the YouTube video: https://dumbseoquestions.com/q/is_it_true_that_two_or_more_keywords_in_a_title_causes_unwanted_competition_cannibalism +Roy K

    The cuetimes listed on this page are functional while the live broadcast continues and also once Youtube has finished processing the public broadcast. Processing time varies between 6-24 hours. During this period the clip is viewable in full but the cuetimes cannot be relied on.

    If our assistance with this issue was useful to you, please consider sharing your success story so that others might benefit.
    
  • Roy K: Sorry I missed the Hangout. As referred to in the video I will for sure pursue a refund :o)

View original question in the Dumb SEO Questions community on Facebook, 08/02/2014).

All Questions in this Hangout