There are a lot of dynamic variables one must keep in mind when undertaking Search Engine Optimization.
One of which is increasing the number of clicks to your web page within the Google results list (click through rate).
We’ve pieced together 3 powerful tactics you can start implementing to help fatten up your click-through rate metrics.
1.) Inflate Your Title
Let’s say you’re not the best cook and your search intent is to find a web page that provides easy recipes.
Take a look at these two organic results.
Which one would you be more likely to click on?
or
The second one of course.
If you are searching for ‘easy recipes’ the more ridiculously easy the better right?
This title is using what are known as ‘power words’
Power words add an element of over exaggeration to your blog titles which makes them practically beg for attention.
For an exhaustive list of power words to choose from click here
2.) Embarrass The Searcher
Admitting you have made a mistake is never fun, and usually very embarrassing.
Realizing that you are making a mistake as early as possible is ideal since it could avoid possible public embarrassment.
Take a look at these two organic results:
and
Which of these two results would you be more inclined to click on?
The first one right?
‘If I am having trouble losing weight maybe it’s because I am doing something wrong?’
‘Maybe there’s a stupid mistake I am making that’s preventing my weight loss!”
These are the typical thoughts that might race through a searcher’s mind when they see this title.
The psychological power behind this tactic is that it plays upon the fear humans have of being classified as a loser.
It is this subconscious fear that motivates searchers to click on such results.
3.) Provide Value
Ask yourself :
Why should a searcher click on your link?
What value will you be providing?
Never forget that the entire Google algorithm is built upon the principle of meeting searcher intent.
In other words, Google wants searchers to find the information they are seeking as quickly as possible.
If your webpage successfully satisfies searcher intent, Google rewards you with golden SEO points!
Your title is an opportunity for you to scream out to the searcher that you have what they are looking for and it is amazing!
Take a look at some of these web results:
This result to the search query “Stargazing” claims that it provides 100 things to identify in the sky within a beginners guide.
This result to the search query “Snowboarding Tricks” is offering a comprehensive list of tricks ranging from intermediate to advanced.
The value that is being offered on the web page’s of the above two results is clearly indicated within the titles.
Just keep in mind that if you are promising to provide value in your blog title, make sure you deliver it!
Otherwise a searcher will click on your page, skim through it and then click out of it to find something more wholesome.
This would result in negative SEO and decrease your ranking.
If your primary focus is to create content that meets searcher intent, you will not have to worry about that.
Final Thoughts
If your webpage boasts amazing content but you are struggling with improving your Google ranking It may just be a matter of slightly tweaking your title.
Incorporate these 3 powerful tactics to make your titles impossible to resist!
Sources
- Moz
- Conversion XL
- Hubspot
- Optin Monster