Google and the Webmasterworld Thread Titles

Would it help Google to put the page number in the title?

[geckofuel]

As everyone knows, page titles are very important in Google's algorithm(s). I've heard many people say that you should not have multiple pages with the same title: different titles help Google to differentiate between pages.

I noticed that the Webmasterworld thread titles are the same for each page in a thread. I was wondering whether it would help (in general) if the threads with multiple pages include the page number in the title? Is this a good/bad/innocuous idea?

[heini]

Geckofuel, thanks for the suggestion.
BestBBS works exceptionally well in producing easily indexable content. But generally we are not overly concerned with search engine rankings. What counts is the user experience here for our members and guests.

[kevinpate]

If ever there was a single sentence to hang yer hat on as something to take away from this site, heini just nailed it:

>What counts is the user experience ....

Say it 10 times, real slow, a deep breath in between, right before you do any new page or update an existing page

[amoore]

Are you saying that it's your belief that it would detract from the user experience to put the page number in the title?

[Chris_R]

But generally we are not overly concerned with search engine rankings

I like that statement :)

Over time I have begun to believe that Brett has already thought of almost anything related to the forum.

I would not doubt when he reads this he has a SPECIFIC reason or reasons that instantly pops in his head.

I have never seen a forum as well indexed as this one (then again - I am not usually searching for underwater basket weaving). Even at pubcon - Matt Cutts made the (not so) joking remark and said [something like] "search for google such and such and you will see our page on that or the webmaster world page on that".

Your point is certainly a good one - and I think most people are well advised to heed it :)

Having a different title helps - but I don't think it is necessary in all cases - especially this one. I could easily test this out, but I have gone 30something hours without sleep - you you should probably just disregard this entire post.

[geckofuel]

Actually, I assumed that Webmasterworld has considered this before. I just wanted to know whether generally, this would be a good idea or not. Especially for those of us who haven't become as established as WebmasterWorldorld.

[Chris_R]

I always like to be better safe than sorry - I am 99% sure google wouldn't need it, but hey - why not more than 99% sure.

However - I would make sure it was clear what you were doing - just adding "2" to the title might confuse the user - p.2 might be better.

Of course this takes away from you title space that will show up. And there might be other things I am not thinking of.

[Brett_Tabke]

I'm not convinced that putting the word "Page" or even "P2" in the title is conducive to good rankings.
[webmasterworld.com...] [searchengineworld.com...]

...not overly concerned with search engine rankings. What counts is the user experience here for our members and guests.

Ditto.