Discover Surprising SEO Test Results in Whiteboard Friday
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Importance of SEO Testing
- Surprising Test Results: Meta Descriptions
- Surprising Test Results: Internal Linking
- Surprising Test Results: Localizing Content
- Surprising Test Results: Adding Prices to Titles
- Surprising Test Results: Alt Text for Images
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction
In this article, we will explore five surprising test results from SearchPilot, an SEO A/B testing platform. These tests have revealed unexpected insights into various aspects of search engine optimization. By understanding these results, we can gain valuable knowledge for improving organic traffic and refining our SEO strategies.
The Importance of SEO Testing
SEO testing plays a crucial role in optimizing large enterprise websites. It allows you to explore different strategies, challenge SEO best practices, and uncover hidden potential for growth. In the ever-evolving world of search engine algorithms, testing provides a competitive edge by enabling you to identify what works and what doesn't. This section will highlight the significance of SEO testing in driving success.
Surprising Test Results: Meta Descriptions
🔍 Test Result: Using the data-nosnippet Attribute
One surprising test conducted by SearchPilot involved using the data-nosnippet attribute to force Google to respect meta descriptions. Google's tendency to overwrite meta descriptions with its own text can be frustrating for SEO professionals. However, this test revealed that employing the data-nosnippet attribute had a negative impact, resulting in a 3% decline in organic traffic. This unexpected outcome suggests that perhaps Google is better at crafting meta descriptions than we are, hinting that we should allocate our time and efforts to other SEO factors.
Surprising Test Results: Internal Linking
🔍 Test Result: Increasing Related Article Links
SearchPilot conducted a test on an e-commerce website's blog section, increasing the number of related article links from two to four. Surprisingly, this simple change led to an 11% boost in organic traffic. However, what makes this test truly intriguing is that the increase only occurred on the pages where the links were added, while the pages receiving the links did not experience a detectable impact. This result emphasizes the importance of internal linking not only for passing on link equity but also for establishing associations between different pieces of content.
Surprising Test Results: Localizing Content
🔍 Test Result: Localizing Product Page Content
SearchPilot conducted a test for an e-commerce website that targeted a specific market by localizing the content on product pages. By changing phrases like "trousers" to "pants" to cater to the U.S. audience, they witnessed a remarkable 24% increase in organic traffic. This outcome highlights the significance of considering local preferences and search volumes when optimizing content. Adapting to local language and terminology can have a substantial impact on organic traffic and user engagement.
Surprising Test Results: Adding Prices to Titles
🔍 Test Result: Including Prices in Title Tags
Adding prices to title tags is often seen as a best practice recommendation for e-commerce websites. However, one surprising test result revealed a 15% decline in organic traffic when implementing this change. The team hypothesized that their competitors used price snippets from structured markup instead of including prices in title tags. It is possible that users prefer consistency with competitors' SERP listings or that the competitors offered better prices overall. This test serves as a reminder that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to SEO, and understanding the unique dynamics of each website is crucial.
Surprising Test Results: Alt Text for Images
🔍 Test Result: Keyword-Rich Alt Text
Adding keyword-rich alt text to images is a common SEO recommendation. However, a surprising test conducted by SearchPilot revealed that this tactic had no detectable impact on organic traffic. While alt text contributes to accessibility and helps search engines understand image content, it may not directly affect rankings. Nevertheless, alt text remains an essential implementation for providing accessibility to visually impaired users and ensuring a positive user experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these five surprising test results from SearchPilot challenge conventional SEO wisdom and shed light on the intricacies of optimizing organic traffic. The world of search engine optimization is constantly evolving, and it is through rigorous testing that we can uncover valuable insights and refine our strategies. By embracing experimentation and remaining open to surprising outcomes, we can drive significant improvements in our SEO performance.
FAQ
Q: Why is SEO testing important?
A: SEO testing is crucial because it provides valuable insights into what works and what doesn't in the ever-changing landscape of search engine algorithms. By conducting tests, you can refine your strategies, gain a competitive edge, and optimize organic traffic.
Q: How can internal linking impact organic traffic?
A: Internal linking plays a vital role in not only passing link equity but also establishing associations between different pieces of content. This helps search engine bots understand the structure and relevance of your website, ultimately leading to improved organic traffic.
Q: Why should content be localized for specific markets?
A: Localizing content for specific markets ensures that it aligns with local preferences, search volumes, and culture. By adapting language and terminology to suit a particular audience, you can significantly enhance organic traffic and user engagement.
Q: Should prices be included in title tags for e-commerce websites?
A: Including prices in title tags is not a guaranteed best practice for all e-commerce websites. Each website has unique dynamics, such as competitor strategies and pricing. Conducting tests and analyzing the impact on organic traffic is essential to determine the most effective approach for your specific case.
Q: Does alt text directly impact search engine rankings?
A: While keyword-rich alt text is commonly recommended for SEO purposes, it may not directly affect search engine rankings. However, alt text remains crucial for accessibility, helping visually impaired users and search engine bots understand the content of images on your website.
Q: Where can I find more case studies on SEO testing?
A: SearchPilot regularly publishes case studies on their website and offers a case study email list, sharing new insights every two weeks. Even if you don't have the resources to conduct SEO tests, studying these cases can help you make informed business cases within your organization.
Resources:
