If you know anything about SEO, it’s no secret that title tags are key for SEO. They are one of the most basic, yet important elements to see success in organic search. When SEOs and digital marketers think “title tag” there is a tremendous focus on keyword targeting. However, an undervalued aspect of title tags is writing for users. It’s easy to overlook this opportunity, but increasing the quality of title tags to increase clicks will bring the impact of your title tags to the next level.

Wait, what is a Title Tag?

A title tag is an HTML element that tells web users what the title of a page is on Google searches. It’s the large bold blue text you see for each search result. They’re important because it’s generally the first encounter of your website for new users in the organic search process. Here’s an example of a title tag from my website:

Title Tags and Click-Through Rate Optimization: A Winning Combination

Targeting a keyword in title tags is an important factor in SEO, but bland-looking title tags won’t get many clicks online. That’s where optimizing title tags for CTR comes in to play. Giving users more of a reason to click on your search result brings you one step closer to reaching the ultimate KPI (key performance indicator) of getting a new customer or making a sale.

While click-through rate doesn’t have a direct effect on Google’s algorithm like keyword targeting, it can have an indirect benefit to SEO. In theory, you get more user engagement and more traffic to the website, which Google weighs in its algorithm. Remember, Google wants users to be satisfied with their search online, and webpages that get more clicks will be seen as a “good result” to Google.

Often, balancing keyword targeting and click-through rate can be a challenge, given Google’s title tag restriction of 600 pixels (which works out to be between 50-60 characters). It takes time to perfect a title tag, but in the end, you’ll see the benefit of increased traffic.

So that we know the importance of CTR optimization for title tags, you must be wondering, “how exactly can you do this”? Well, here are some ideas on how to increase title tag click-through rates:

Title Tag Formatting Ideas for CTR

Add Price:

If your company targets lower-prices, then show it in a title tag! It’s a reason to get someone to click while setting the expectation for what a user would pay for your products. Adding prices doesn’t necessarily have to be just products; it can be service-related as well.

Provide an Expectation by Adding Numbers:

Adding numbers to title tags can help persuade users to click on your search result as well. There are a few applications for this idea. Considering add claims from data or the number of products sold on your website (or webpage).

Spice it Up By Adding an Adjective:

Adding adjectives not only helps sell products and services, but they also describe what you’re selling. Certain adjectives help build trust – for example, if you’re searching for a Sheepskin Rug, it’s important to include a word like “genuine” or “real” as opposed to “faux” sheepskin rugs.

Get Users to Take Action by Including a Verb:

People are more likely to click on a search result if it’s action-oriented. Including a verb in a title tag is a useful tactic because it prompts online shoppers to take action. Often, you’ll find words like “find,” “buy,” or “learn,” among others.

Stand Out by Including a Unique Selling Proposition:

What better way to attract new users than adding a unique selling proposition right in the title tag? By adding a USP in the title tag, you display an important differentiator early on in the organic search process.

Make it Relevant by Adding the Year or Month:

For more time-sensitive businesses, adding a month or year in a title tag helps your company stay relevant to searchers. There will always new products or services coming out, so letting users know that your products and services are up-to-date will increase the click-through rate of your SERPs.

To increase your click-through rate, you want to give users a reason to click on your website in search results. These simple yet useful title tag ideas play on the notion. Which strategies to use will depend on your company. Ultimately, improving title tags’ click-through rate, along with keyword targeting and optimization, will help bring substantial traffic to your website. Try these out for yourself!