Did You Know Google Could Be changing Your Page Titles?

by jazbo
18 replies
  • SEO
  • |
from John Mueller, a Google employee:

“In general, when we run across titles that appear to be sub-optimal, we may choose to rewrite them in the search results. This could happen when the titles are particularly short, shared across large parts of your site or appear to be mostly a collection of keywords. One thing you can do to help prevent this is to make sure that your titles and descriptions are relevant, unique and compelling, without being “stuffed” with too much boilerplate text across your site. “


So what do you think? Is that ethical? At what point is a keyword title "mostly a collection of keywords"?
#changing #google #page #titles
  • Profile picture of the author paulgl
    I have noticed this and always point out stuff like this when people stress out
    on meta descriptions, etc. and think google is forced to show what you
    want. They aren't.

    Best thing is to follow google guidelines for such things, even page titles.
    I have lost track of how many times I have said that.

    Since they are under no obligation to do whatever we want, I'd say it's
    ethical. Perfectly okay to say, "we think this is really what the site is about."

    Sort of like movie critics. "Here is what I thought the movie was..."

    Paul
    Signature

    If you were disappointed in your results today, lower your standards tomorrow.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2787689].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author JoeMbulu
    Originally Posted by jazbo View Post

    from John Mueller, a Google employee:

    “In general, when we run across titles that appear to be sub-optimal, we may choose to rewrite them in the search results. This could happen when the titles are particularly short, shared across large parts of your site or appear to be mostly a collection of keywords. One thing you can do to help prevent this is to make sure that your titles and descriptions are relevant, unique and compelling, without being “stuffed” with too much boilerplate text across your site. “


    So what do you think? Is that ethical? At what point is a keyword title "mostly a collection of keywords"?
    If you're playing in Google's playground, they can do anything they want. I remember a few years ago when this particular company tried to sue Google for losing their rankings which resulted in a huge decline in sales. The successful SEO mindset is to work your butt off to get rankings; however, there are not entitlements and no guarantees. Google does what Google wants to do. We all take risks and hope for the best, but at the end of the day, it's Google's sandbox.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2787762].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Mike Anthony
    Well they aren't breaking into servers and changing your page. They are changing the title on their server in their space. Nothing unethical about it. It stops their index from being spammed to the extent that that still works.

    I've never seen them do it on any of my websites so as long as you aren't trying something I don't see where it would concern most marketers. Seems to rarely happen.
    Signature

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2787838].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author perfect
    I think they are working for both sides interest. At least is better to to change than to drop the page out of their system for same reason they chose to change the title..
    Signature

    Submit your articles to www.365articledirectory.com FREE, approval within 48 hours

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2788043].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jazbo
    Interesting takes. Mine is that Google is a search engine, it displays relevant pages, it should not re-write what it thinks is not 100%. Looking at a few forum threads on other sites, this i not just re-writing "extreme" keyword titles, but is messing around with quite normal page titles as well in some instances. Perhaps its "teething problems".

    I think it's a step too far personally. If I write something as a page title, that's the page title I want.
    Signature
    CONTENT WRITER. Reliable, UK-Based, 6 Years Experience - ANY NICHE
    Click Here For Writing Samples & Online Ordering
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2788194].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author ThrillerAuthor
      Originally Posted by jazbo View Post

      I think it's a step too far personally. If I write something as a page title, that's the page title I want.
      I agree, and if Google doesn't like your title, then it should not rank your page that high in the SERPS ... that's what happens if they don't like your content - if they don't think its relevant enough, it won't get ranked that high - they don't go and change your content, after all...
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2792515].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author paulgl
      Originally Posted by jazbo View Post

      Interesting takes. Mine is that Google is a search engine, it displays relevant pages, it should not re-write what it thinks is not 100%. Looking at a few forum threads on other sites, this i not just re-writing "extreme" keyword titles, but is messing around with quite normal page titles as well in some instances. Perhaps its "teething problems".

      I think it's a step too far personally. If I write something as a page title, that's the page title I want.
      Missed this Jazbo, sorry for being late. I agree with tons of what you post.

      But if we allow google to add our sites to SERPS, whenever and where ever
      they want, then we are allowing them to make judgments. This would include
      how to list them.

      They change a lot of search terms as well. Do a search for rod iron,
      for example. There's no such thing, really, people mean wrought iron.
      So, google shows those.

      I would imagine in some rare cases they feel the need to change how the site
      gets listed.

      I can't see this being a problem, actually. Isn't google helping you out?
      Trying to get people to your site for relevant content? I dunno. Google is
      a two-edged sword.

      Paul
      Signature

      If you were disappointed in your results today, lower your standards tomorrow.

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2793579].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author AJsVRE
    Originally Posted by jazbo View Post

    from John Mueller, a Google employee:

    "In general, when we run across titles that appear to be sub-optimal, we may choose to rewrite them in the search results. This could happen when the titles are particularly short, shared across large parts of your site or appear to be mostly a collection of keywords. One thing you can do to help prevent this is to make sure that your titles and descriptions are relevant, unique and compelling, without being "stuffed" with too much boilerplate text across your site. "


    So what do you think? Is that ethical? At what point is a keyword title "mostly a collection of keywords"?
    I think it really depends on just when it's done. I agree to some point that "If I write something as a page title, that's the page title I want." because that's completely true.

    Saying "it really depends on just when it's done" means, is Google doing it when you've taken the time to write a unique, completely relevant, non keyword stuffed page title? If they are, then that's wrong.

    If they're doing it when every single page title on your site is "xwz widgets company" - that does not accurately describe what that page is about .... or your title is "red widgets blue widgets green widgets yellow widgets purple widgets" - that's keyword stuffing.

    So if they stick to:
    This could happen when the titles are particularly short, shared across large parts of your site or appear to be mostly a collection of keywords.
    that would be fine. (G changing it would probably help your serp get clicked on in those cases!)
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2788359].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author RR111
      I agree with you...


      Originally Posted by AJsVRE View Post

      I think it really depends on just when it's done. I agree to some point that "If I write something as a page title, that's the page title I want." because that's completely true.

      Saying "it really depends on just when it's done" means, is Google doing it when you've taken the time to write a unique, completely relevant, non keyword stuffed page title? If they are, then that's wrong.

      If they're doing it when every single page title on your site is "xwz widgets company" - that does not accurately describe what that page is about .... or your title is "red widgets blue widgets green widgets yellow widgets purple widgets" - that's keyword stuffing.

      So if they stick to:
      that would be fine. (G changing it would probably help your serp get clicked on in those cases!)
      Signature

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2792539].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jointaldc
    If they help you get more results, then I'm all for it...
    Signature
    Jointal ---- A CPA network that operates on trust -
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2789560].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Abhinandangarg
    Yes, that is true.

    i have experienced of this because some time google changed my site title due to high relevancy. i happy for this because it's can increase the chances of clicking
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2792665].message }}
  • I see how it can be beneficial for both sides, but in the end Google is taking peoples creativity and putting their own twist on it. Not sure how I feel about that one!
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2793596].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Mike Anthony
    Really pointless. Theres nothing anyone can do about it whether they like it or not..
    Signature

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2793668].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Carl Brown
      Google doesn't like manipulation to rank higher in the SERPS. Write for your audience and not the search engines and I'm sure they'll be happy with your title.

      On a related note, I was getting about $10 a day from one site until I got a message from them, made the changes the suggested, and that site now makes me $40-$60 a day!

      I'm listening to what they have to offer!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2793749].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author maddydp
    Yup, They are the boss. You have to agree to everything they do. Even if they change, what can you do?. Its good in a way, it will bring more discipline in the web world.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2796245].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author KarenMiller
    Google has their rules. Follow them and you'll be fine.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2796279].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author iloveseo
    I have seen many sites which force Google to rank them highly with keyword stuffing, same is the case with Yahoo and Bing.I do not know if they would be harmed in the long run.I would say follow the guidelines of the search engines and make full use of it.Thanks.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2796418].message }}

Trending Topics