The title tag is one of the most important factors in Search Engine Optimization.

Simply put, the title tag is a small amount of HTML code that creates the words that appear in the top bar of your Web browser. All search engines give substantial weight to these tags when they gather information about your Web site.

The words you place in the title tag also appear in the clickable link on the search engine results page.

How do you write a title tag?

Use the text copy on your page as your starting point. I personally believe an effective title tag is easier to create after the "visible copy" for the site has been written.

When writing copy for a Web site, think of the main words and phrases that best reflect your business. Also think of what keywords and phrases people might use to find your product or service with a search engine. Then compose the text around them.

You will use these same considerations when you compose your keyword-rich title. Put the most important keywords at the beginning of your title text.

Other considerations:

Page titles will show only a maximum of 60 (7-10 words) to 90 characters. Don't waste precious space with "stop" words like the, of, and, or - and welcome to.

It is ok to use your company name in the title. This helps people who already know your company seek it out by name. Don't forget to add a good descriptive phrase or two!

Today's search engines are not case- sensitive; so I generally like to use initial caps in the title because it looks the cleanest. Don't use ALL CAPS because it looks "spammy."

As you can see, it is important to use, and not too difficult to write, an effective title that will help you bring people to your web site and to your business!

It's time again for the Olcott Lions Polar Bear Swim For Sight. You can join in the fun this Sunday, March 1, 2009, as a participant or spectator when hundreds of hardy (and maybe a little crazy?) swimmers will frolic in the freezing water of Lake Ontario . This annual fund-raising effort aids the blind and visually impaired, as well as other worthwhile community projects. There will be food and many activities, including a Polar Bear Queen Contest. For more information, go to olcottlions.org.

Todd Firkins, owner of Shutterworks, Inc., will be at the Buffalo Home & Garden Show February 28 - March 8. They will be located in Décor Room 3, so stop by! Shutterworks, Inc. offers fine quality hardwood shutters customized by local craftsmen right here in our own historic Lockport, NY. For more information about Shutterworks, Inc. go to www.shutterworksinc.com

The Winery at Marjim Manor will be putting on two Murder Mystery Dinners in March.

The first, "Murder Plays a Sour Note," on March 27 is a fundraiser for Literacy Volunteers of Niagara County. For more information go to www.niagarareads.org.

The second, "The Lion Overslept Tonight," on March 28, is a fundraiser for the Barker Lions.
For more information, for to www.barkerlions.org.

Don't you love those titles?! Tickets for both events can be purchased online in the Winery at Marjim Manor Online Store.

Annette Riley Web Design combines an art background and many years experience working in small business settings.

My clients are small to medium size businesses, which I have watched grow and change over the years. Other clients, locally and around the country, have hired me to do updates and periodic maintenance on their web sites, even though I am not the original designer.

I enjoy helping other business owners grow their businesses. I measure my success by their successes.

You are good at your business. I am good at Web sites. Let's put our talents together! Call or e- mail me so we can talk about your business and how I may be able to help you.