Stop Words and keyword optimization

[TheWebMastercom]

Ok, so I understand Google doesn't use stopwords (like "a" or "the").

Therefore if I am optimize for a keyword phrase, and say find an opportunity for say:

"how to create stuff something"

But it actually reads better as (although doesn't sound completely out of place as above)

"how to create stuff in something"

Which is better for SEO? (ignore usability \ readability in your replies please and assume it reads reasonably either way as that was just an example)

[EGOL]

"how to create stuff something"   (some people would pick this because they think that the absence of "in" makes for better keyword optimization)

"how to create stuff in something"   (I pick this because in addition to sounding better to the user it might be clicked more, and being clicked more, in my opinion, is more valuable today than keyword optimization.  Why?  Because google is pretty good at getting the keywords from your article into the title tag but getting people to do what you want them to do takes much more finesse. )

[PatrickDelehanty]

Hi there

Use the latter. Google and search engines are phenomenal at topic association and reading the important aspects of what you are saying in your titles and content. If something reads better to your eyes and ears, but most importantly, your audience's eyes and ears, then go with that - remember, users will type in search how they speak naturally - they won't type like a search engine. Google and other search engines will catch up. Don't write for SEO, write for the user.

Hope this helps - let me know if you have any other questions or comments! Good luck!