Is it good practice to use "SAVE $1000's" in SEO titles and Meta Descriptions?
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Our company sells a product system that will permanently waterproof almost anything. We market it as a DIY system. I am working on SEO titles and descriptions. This topic came up for discussion, if using "SAVE $1000's.." would help or hurt. We are trying to create an effective call to action, but we are wondering if search engines see it as click bait. Can you
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Thanks for the reply. Presented like that it doesn't look quite so offensive
I take on board your feedback; I did look at address your question, near the end of my post, though I confess my language was a little vague, so I'll try again:
Having this phrase as part of your title page will not hurt your rankings; there are far greater sins you can commit than that.
(Just don't expect to be rewarded - I'm sorry, I can't help myself!)
Something else to consider, mentioning specific savings (to the penny) might be more eye-catching than $1000s, which comes back to my point about case studies.
If you do use it in your title. you can split test delivery and engagement of a few variants and see what works best for you.
Good luck with the project - I'll hit you up if I start getting any damp problems
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**My intention for the questions was to discuss if some call to actions, or sales copy in the SEO Titles can hurt rankings. **
It certainly wont help Tyler. Google (or indeed anyone searching) wants to see something less in-your-face in terms of what is promised. I personally wouldn't visit a page with a title like that as it sounds like a sales page, even before you get there.
Put yourself in a shoes of a Google rater. Do you think they would see that as a worthwhile title or something spammy? Is someone searching for 'how much can I save' or are they searching for a solution to a problem?
I can't think of any situation where a title like this would be helpful for SEO.
-Andy
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I appreciate the response. There are points stated that i agree with such as, "If you want to talk about potential savings, deliver this message through the body copy, using real-world examples with case studies." I agree case studies are a very valuable tool in gaining trust and value to your product.
However, separating yourself from the competition with an eye catching call-to-actions, is extremely important. If you are not thinking about user behavior, and just focusing directly on the keywords i think your missing the point to my question. The example may be a bit "tacky" but its a differentiator from the competition. The structure of the title can be something like " DIY Basement Waterproofing | Save $1000's with "Company" Waterproofing System." Where my focus and page content is all about "Do-It-Yourself" waterproofing. Also filled with case studies and testimonials.
My intention for the questions was to discuss if some call to actions, or sales copy in the SEO Titles can hurt rankings.
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This approach has more than a whiff of tackiness about and I'd be keen to avoid it at all costs. With a little thought you can deliver something far smarter.
If you want to talk about potential savings, deliver this message through the body copy, using real-world examples with case studies perhaps? For example: Typical cost of waterproofing an X x Y basement using product Z = $3,200. Doing the same job with WaterAway = $27.55 (and break it down, with an itemised shopping list for the alternative method). That's going drive more sales than the hollow (and over-used) promise to save them'Save $1000s' (even if it later turns out to be able to do just that).
An effective Call to Action is borne out of successfully identifying a problem and positioning your product as the perfect solution to it. With that in mind, I'd do some keyword research around 'waterproofing' (<a>https://moz.com/explorer</a>) and see what real world waterproofing problems people are looking for solutions for and tailor your content (Including Titles and Descriptions) around that.
If this is done correctly, there's really no need to engage in cheap tricks. Understand your problems your potential customers are having and offer an easy and cost-effective solution.
To address your question (if using "SAVE $1000's.." would help or hurt) It certainly isn't going to help - as it doesn't relate to the user's search query in any way, which is what you should be focusing on. I wouldn't go as far as to say you'll be penalised for it, either (you'd need to engage in a few other nefarious practices for that to happen). Just don't expect to be rewarded for using it - by Google or your potential customers.
I hope that helps
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