Does combining keywords in the page title help or hurt you?

[ChristieC]

I am working on a site which sells elliptical equipment. I used Google Adwords to determine number of searches on the following keywords:

Elliptical trainer – 3.,600 searches

Elliptical machine – 14,800 searches

Elliptical trainer machine  - 22 searches

I am currently optimizing “elliptical trainer” – but after seeing results above would also like to optimize “elliptical machine”.  My question is:  if I add “machine” to “elliptical trainer” will Google now only read “elliptical trainer machine” or will it read “elliptical machine” in addition to “elliptical trainer”. How do you know what word or “chunk” of words Google picks up?

[Everett]

I'm going to go against the grain here and say that I don't think you need or want separate pages. These are synonyms. The phrases are obviously semantically related. When I type "elliptical machine" and search on Google I see results with the world "elliptical trainer" in bold as well. If it were me and I had one category page to optimize I would title it something like:

Elliptical Machines - StoreName Has the Best Elliptical Trainer Brands in Stock for Less!

Or some variation that allows you to get both of those two-word phrases in there once.

If you do have the opportunity to optimize more than one page, and both are equally relevant to the searches (e.g. Home page and category page), then I agree that you should target one per page, though I would intersperse the other variation here and there on each page too.

Product pages are likely going to rank best for the brand/model of machine/trainer so you can just write naturally and use each keyword interchangeably (e.g. The BrandX elliptical machine is an excellent value, combining affordability with the features, style and durability of the more costly elliptical trainers on the market...)

[BrianJGomez]

I agree completely...and yes I think when it's not possible to have individual pages, combining but doing so strategically and sparingly is key here. You want to maintain good keyword density for your most lucrative keywords.

[LeahHutcheon]

While I agree with the above comments, it's not always that easy i.e. an ecommerce product page when there is more than one way of naming the product. Also, 1000+ words of unique content on each page in that scenario may look a little bit odd (most people just want a product description and specifications, if necessary).

If she can make two pages, terrific! If not, is it better to combine your keywords?

[deaddogdesign]

Create a page with your keywords properly optimized for each keyword.  Make sure you create 1000+ words of valuable content and build links to each individual page.  Another thing you might consider is scrolling down to the bottom of Google for those keywords and creating more pages based on keywords Google suggest.  Internally link all your pages together using variations of your keywords.

[yoonet]

Hi Christle,

I too agree with SEO5 response. All the best.

Ben.

[SEO5Team]

Hi Christie,

Based on the search volume, both the keywords warrant their own individual pages. I would suggest sticking with one keyword per page for optimization for best chances to rank for that keyword.

Cheers,

SEO5