Not sure why they would want that? It looks spammy. I've seen a few sites around with upper case and I tend to click on them less...

I would strongly suggest to them to not use all upper case.

As long as the targeted phrase is included in the page title and close to the beginning of the title, that's fine.

I would lean towards the 2nd page title, but that particular title looks a bit spammy/unreadable (remember, your page title isn't just for SEO, it's to influence people in the SERPs and get higher click throughs). Try something like:

Buy Silver Bullion & Silver Bars Securely | Company Name

I've used the same basic tactics on some of my sites before. Sure it works, but you'll get caught out eventually. Half of these sites were hit by Panda/Penguin and now the rankings are way off in page 5+.

My advice - create a real SEO plan that is built with the future in mind. Don't go after short term gains. Try to predict where you want to be in 6-12 months and create a plan around that. Remember, content is king, so start developing some great content on your site and sharing it amongst your social profiles.

If you're unsure about the other more technical aspects of SEO, hire a reputable SEO firm. Have a look at their past clients, their site, their social profiles. Do they look spammy/too good to be true? If so, give them a miss and move along.

Hi Sacha,

This was recently asked here: http://www.seomoz.org/q/blogs-are-best-when-hosted-on-domain-subdomain-or

I agree with Alan and Todd in that thread, you should go for www.domain.com/blog

Thanks

Hi Rhys,

I agree with everything that Alan stated regarding existing links.

Moving forward, I'd suggest the following:

1. Add the ability for customers to share your products socially. I don't see any social media icons on any of the pages, especially the product pages. Add FB, Twitter, Pinterest, Google Plus.
2. Do you have social media accounts for your site? If not, create the 4 above and start posting! You'll get more of a sense of community and people will be able to share what puzzles they've completed, which ones they want to purchase next etc. I'm not personally in to puzzles but I know people that are, and they can't wait to get their next one as soon as they finish one.
3. Highlight your competitive advantage more (on the item template, page titles etc). What makes you stand out? Free shipping? (BTW really really confusing having two free shipping points in dollars and pounds), best customer service, fast shipping, the latest puzzles etc.) Give people a reason to shop with you.
4. You've got reviews but none of the products I viewed had any reviews. I'd suggest emailing customers 3-4 weeks after purchase asking for reviews if you don't already. This would also tie in nicely with a social media pages. Reviews are great for original content.
5. Your blog has no entries and is dated from 2010? This doesn't look great...
6. If you're struggling to get good/unique content on the site try adding more pictures/videos/staff testimonials/staff favourites etc.

Hope some of that helps

Rand agrees with this approach too - just check out http://www.seomoz.org/blog/understanding-root-domains-subdomains-vs-subfolders-microsites/

"Starting a blog? I almost always recommend yoursite.com/blog over blog.yoursite.com. Want to launch a new section of content? Use yoursite.com/newstuff rather than newstuff.yoursite.com."

There's also this: http://www.hyperarts.com/blog/blog-hosting-external-subdomain-subdirectory-best-seo/ which may help as well.