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  4. Search Volume vs. CTR

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Search Volume vs. CTR

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  • Motivators
    Motivators last edited by Sep 28, 2011, 3:13 PM

    Is it better to optimize based on search volume or click through rate? For example:

    If a keyword has a CTR of 19% and only 3,000 monthly searches, while another keyword that is relevant to that page has a CTR of 0.7% and 20,000 monthly searches, which keyword should that page be optimized for for better natural results and the bottom line?

    1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
    • Thos003
      Thos003 last edited by Sep 28, 2011, 3:32 PM Sep 28, 2011, 3:32 PM

      I agree with Egol. Conversion rate would be a deciding factor.

      Current position and ease of improving that position would also be a factor. Cost of maintaining a position should also be considered.

      If all things were equal and you are looking at pure traffic numbers...

      Keyword A - 3,000 at 19% = 570

      Keyword B - 20,000 at 7% = 1400

      Go for Keyword B.

      1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
      • EGOL
        EGOL last edited by Sep 28, 2011, 3:19 PM Sep 28, 2011, 3:19 PM

        I don't know where your data is coming from so it is difficult to give a reply in context.

        So, let's assume that you have data from google webmaster tools.

        Keyword A has CTR of 19% and 3000 monthly searches

        Keyword B has CTR of 0.7% and 20,000 monthly searches

        When I look at that data my conclusion is that KW A ranks highly - maybe in the top three... while KW B might be on the second page.

        I would reoptimize the page a bit towards KW B if I thought that it would yield valuable traffic.

        Always keep in mind that there is another step in the calculation... that if the 19% of people who click through KW A have a 0.1% conversion rate but the KW B people convert at 10% then that could alter any decision that you might have.

        1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 2
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