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Is there a penalty for using "call to action" phrases on the title? For example:
<title> CLICK HERE FOR BLUE WIDGETS!! - Great selection of blue widgets</title>
Because the title is always shown on the search results, the way the title looks is critical for people to click into your site.
I would think that, even if you are 4-5 in the results page, someone would click on your site first, as opposed to a "boring" title.
I know some of you think that "click here" and phrases like that are stupid, the fact is, the clickthrough rate is higher if you have "call to action" phrases and words.
Thanks for the opinions.
My personal opinion is that yes, there is a trend towards devaluing titles like that. If a search engine is attempting to return "Editorial Results" they are not going to want to show listings that are full of marketing copy.
We've already seen Google impose very strict guidlines on their paid advertisments, in an attempt to make them look more editorial. If they are working to make their ads look less like ads, then I think it would be a safe to assume that they would take a similar position regarding their non-paid SERPS.
You can find a great past thread on the topic of clickability here:
[webmasterworld.com...]
Just have your titles be very relevant and descriptive in relation to the search query.
In Scotland, we have a "knack" for saying something is "quality". Thats "quality". ie Id have a title like "Quality Blue Widgets".
I think most people sitting behind a computer like to think they have control over what they are seeing and what they choose to click on, and by insinuating that they should click on your site almost suggests "why wouldnt I have clicked in the first place"?? just IMO
At least if you used "quality blue widgets" youd leave the visitor to decide whether they are or not AFTER clicking, i.e. whether they WANT to believe you or not. Purely IMO :)
also, "click" and "here" are words Id rather leave out in a very limited title tag!
