Boost Your SEO with These 3 Tests

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding SEO Hypothesis
   • 2.1. The Three Core Levers
   • 2.2. Pulling More than One Lever
3. Prioritizing SEO Test Ideas
   • 3.1. Potential Impact and Level of Effort
   • 3.2. Test Quadrants
4. The First Three SEO Tests to Run
   • 4.1. Title Tag Tests
   • 4.2. On-Page Keyword Targeting Tests
   • 4.3. Structured Data to Win Rich Results
   • 4.4. Bonus: Internal Linking Tests
5. Conclusion
6. FAQ

Introduction

Welcome to this article where we will discuss the first three SEO tests that you should run to kick-start your SEO testing program. Before we dive into the tests, it's essential to understand the foundations of writing a strong SEO hypothesis and how to prioritize your test ideas.

Understanding SEO Hypothesis

When crafting an SEO optimization, it's crucial to have a clear hypothesis that relates to one of the three core levers that can impact organic traffic. These core levers are:

2.1. The Three Core Levers

1. Improving Organic Click-Through Rates (CTR)
2. Ranking for More Keywords
3. Improving Existing Rankings

By focusing on these levers, you can ensure that your test ideas align with specific goals and have a higher chance of success. It is also possible to target more than one lever in a single test.

2.2. Pulling More than One Lever

For example, title tags can influence both rankings and click-through rates. It's essential to include this information in your hypothesis, highlighting the multiple levers you aim to pull.

Prioritizing SEO Test Ideas

To prioritize your SEO test ideas effectively, two critical metrics can guide you: potential impact and level of effort (LOE).

3.1. Potential Impact and Level of Effort

Measuring potential impact helps determine the expected outcome of a test, while the level of effort assesses the resources required to implement the test.

3.2. Test Quadrants

By plotting potential impact on the horizontal axis and level of effort on the vertical axis, you can divide your test ideas into four quadrants:

• "Avoid": High level of effort, low potential impact tests that are not worth pursuing.
• High impact tests: High level of effort, high potential impact tests that require careful planning and coordination between teams.
• Low impact tests: Low level of effort, low potential impact tests that should still be run to uncover unexpected results or implement good practices.
• "Sweet Spot": High impact tests that are low level of effort, maximizing return on investment and should be prioritized.

The First Three SEO Tests to Run

Now that you understand SEO hypothesis and test prioritization, let's explore the first three tests you should run:

4.1. Title Tag Tests

Title tags have a significant impact on both click-through rates and rankings. Even with Google's overwriting, testing different variations can still yield positive results. Consider adding compelling elements like prices or primary keywords to optimize click-through rates and rankings.

4.2. On-Page Keyword Targeting Tests

Changing keyword targeting and optimizing on-page elements like content and headings can positively influence organic rankings. Experiment with higher search volume keywords and update your H1 tags to improve rankings.

4.3. Structured Data to Win Rich Results

Implementing structured data, such as schema markup or review snippets, can enhance your search results and increase organic traffic. While this test requires moderate to high effort, the potential impact on rankings and click-through rates makes it worthwhile.

4.4. Bonus: Internal Linking Tests

Internal linking tests, although high in impact, require considerable effort and careful measurement. These tests involve adding links between pages to boost SEO. While important, it's best to plan these tests after implementing the initial three.

Conclusion

By running these three crucial SEO tests and prioritizing them based on potential impact and level of effort, you can kick-start your SEO testing program and improve organic traffic. Remember to align your tests with the core levers and craft strong SEO hypotheses to ensure success.

FAQ

Q: Why is it essential to prioritize SEO test ideas? A: Prioritizing SEO test ideas allows you to focus on high-impact, low-effort tests that can yield significant results and maximize your return on investment.

Q: Can I run tests that target multiple core levers? A: Absolutely! Some test ideas, like optimizing title tags, can impact both click-through rates and rankings. Just ensure that your hypothesis clearly outlines the levers you aim to pull.

Q: How often should I run SEO tests? A: The frequency of SEO tests may vary depending on your specific goals and resources. However, it's recommended to establish a regular testing cadence to continuously improve your website's performance.

Q: Are there any SEO tests that I should avoid? A: Yes, high-effort, low-impact tests should generally be avoided as they consume resources without providing significant benefits. Focus on tests that align with the core levers and offer a substantial potential impact.

Q: Can SEO tests be applied to small businesses as well? A: Absolutely! SEO tests can benefit businesses of all sizes. By identifying and implementing improvements based on test results, small businesses can enhance their online presence and attract more organic traffic.

Resources:

• SearchPilot (https://www.searchpilot.com/)