How to Increase Google CTR

Just because your website and pages are indexed in Google doesn't mean people are actually clicking on them. The click through rate (CTR) refers to the number of people that clicked on a page versus the total number of people that searched for the page's main keywords. The best strategies for improving your CTR on Google include getting as close to the number one ranking as possible and pulling writers in with a short and concise pitch.

Instructions

1. Increase your page's rank so that it's consistently on the first page of the Google search results for your chosen keywords. Any site beyond the first page of search results has a significantly less chance of being clicked on. Try backlinking, writing original content and ensuring that your title matches the focus of your content.

2. Obtain a rank that's above the fold -- that is, the content that a user can see without scrolling down. Try to push your pages to at least the fourth or fifth position on the first page, which are usually above the fold. Use the same strategies as in Step 1.

3. Create a title that pulls readers in. This is the first piece of information readers see about your page. Don't be boring. For example, if you're reviewing a product, "Product XX Review: A Must Buy" sounds better than "Product XX Review."

4. Write an intriguing Meta description. This is the block of text that appears under the title in the Google search results. It should serve as a sales pitch by giving the reader a sneak peak of what the page is about and telling him why he should come in.

Tips & Warnings

• Backlinking refers to a link pointing to your site from another site.

• While your ultimate goal should eventually be getting to number one in the search results, focus on getting to the first page, then above the fold, then to the first ranking. By adopting a slow-but-sure attitude, you increase your chances of getting to and staying at the top.

• Once you get above the fold, you'll find that it's increasingly difficult to increase your page's rank. Because your content has already been written, and your Meta description and title should be in place, concentrate your efforts entirely on backlinking.

• Do not create a host of websites that serve only as backlinking sites. Doing so can and likely will result in a ranking penalty from Google.

References

• Digital Inspiration: Being Number One in Google Makes a Big Difference; Sept. 2011
• Hostway: Your Meta Descriptions Now Affect Your Google Rankings Again; Richard Gilmore