If you want your content to rank higher on Google, you already know how crucial it is to optimize your meta title with the right keywords. Many SEO experts swear by front-loading the main keyword—but let’s be honest, when every title in the search results follows the same formula, they start blending into one forgettable blur.
Click-through rate (CTR) is largely a game of positioning. The higher your page ranks, the more clicks it naturally attracts. But what if your title isn’t compelling enough to steal attention from the competition? That’s where the magic of copywriting headline formulas comes in.
My Experiment: Testing Copywriting Techniques for Higher CTR
A few weeks ago, I decided to shake things up. Instead of sticking to the same old SEO title strategies, I borrowed tried-and-true copywriting formulas designed to hook readers instantly. I gathered seven headline templates and put them to the test.
I selected 21 pages that were already ranking in the middle of page 1 and generating at least 10 clicks per week. The goal? Find out which formulas could boost my CTR by at least 10%—without relying on a ranking increase.
After a week of testing, four formulas emerged as clear winners. Here they are, along with real-world results.
1. The Only [SEO Keyword] Designed to [Biggest Benefit]
This formula is a powerhouse. It instantly conveys exclusivity and value, making readers feel like they’re missing out if they don’t click. One of my tests saw a 25% CTR boost—even with a slight drop in ranking!
The catch? It works best for short-tail keywords. If your keyword is too long, you’ll struggle to stay within the 50–60 character limit. Plus, you need to pinpoint a compelling benefit that resonates with your audience. Pick the wrong one, and you might see CTR drop instead of rise.
Examples:
- The Only Productivity App Designed to Reclaim Your Focus
- The Only Travel Backpack Made to Lighten Your Load
- The Only Pet Food Created for Allergy Relief
2. What Everybody Should Know About [Keyword]
If you’re targeting “What is X?” searches, this formula is pure gold. It promises deeper insights and a sense of authority—people don’t want to be left in the dark about something important.
One of my test pages using this template saw a 50% CTR boost, though rankings also inched up slightly. The takeaway? Google values well-structured, informative content, so if your article thoroughly answers the question, this formula will work wonders.
3. Here’s the [Best Adjective] Way to [Keyword]
This one is perfect for problem-solving searches. If someone’s looking for a solution, they want it to be fast, easy, or effective—your title should reflect that.
For example, a procrastinator searching for “how to stop procrastinating” is more likely to click on:
“Here’s the Easiest Way to Stop Procrastinating”
It may not match the search query word-for-word, but Google understands intent. My test page using this formula saw a 30% CTR boost, proving that the right adjective makes all the difference.
4. [Keyword] in X Minutes
People love speed. If your content promises a quick solution, this formula is unbeatable. It works best with “how to” keywords but must remain credible—claiming someone can “Learn Spanish in 5 Minutes” will scream clickbait.
I originally hesitated to test this on a low-performing page, but the results blew me away. Tweaking the title nearly tripled the CTR, proving that sometimes, a great headline is all you need.
How I Write SEO Titles for Pages That Aren’t Ranking Yet
These formulas work best if your page is already ranking on page 1. But what about new articles or older ones stuck on pages 2 and beyond?
For those, I take a different approach: stuffing my meta title with as many relevant keywords as possible while maintaining readability. If you’re curious, I break down this technique in another article.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking to boost your CTR on Google Search, give these four headline formulas a shot:
- The Only [SEO Keyword] Designed to [Biggest Benefit]
- What Everybody Should Know About [Keyword]
- Here’s the [Best Adjective] Way to [Keyword]
- [Keyword] in X Minutes
I tested them myself, and in some cases, they increased CTR by over 50%. The best part? You don’t need a higher ranking to see results—just a title that makes people want to click.
Ready to supercharge your headlines? Start experimenting today!