My Article CTR Improved - Did Writing Short Articles Help?

[Michelle Strait]

I finally get it - people don't want to read long articles. I started writing shorter articles (between 300-400 words instead of more than 500 words). There was an immediate improvement in my CTR. I'm not saying to write short crappy articles. But you don't have to write an essay either. Just provide enough useful information so the article provides value.

[Tim Dixon]

Interesting viewpoint.

I must admit, I haven't measured CTR rates based on the length of article copy.

Might have to give that a try.

Thanks
Tim

[Michelle Strait]

Yes, I guess it's something you have to test for yourself. It could be my longer articles rambled on too long. LOL

[Daniel Deegan]

This is a good point, but it's not always the case. It depends alot on the subject matter and the writer. If you're entertaining and engaging while educating your reader they are more apt to read longer pieces of content. However chunking things down properly and using bullets,sub heads,etc are crucial since you want the physical act of reading your writing to be comfortable and fluid.

[Michelle Strait]

Originally Posted by Gorilla Writer

This is a good point, but it's not always the case. It depends alot on the subject matter and the writer. If you're entertaining and engaging while educating your reader they are more apt to read longer pieces of content. However chunking things down properly and using bullets,sub heads,etc are crucial since you want the physical act of reading your writing to be comfortable and fluid.

That's something else I started doing as well: using more subheads and bullet points. I suppose that helped as well.

[imaddict]

Originally Posted by Michelle Strait

I finally get it - people don't want to read long articles. I started writing shorter articles (between 300-400 words instead of more than 500 words). There was an immediate improvement in my CTR. I'm not saying to write short crappy articles. But you don't have to write an essay either. Just provide enough useful information so the article provides value.

Quick question: did your actions (e.g. sales, optins, etc...) increase as well? Stayed the same/decreased?

[Ldimilo]

I think that a shorter article may actually work better for two reasons....

1. The bio box is closer to being above the fold (if it isn't) making it easier to see.

2. Most of the better articles don't give away the all the information. With a longer article you risk giving a solution (which is a CTR killer)

[Jenni Mac]

I think the MTV generation who wants everything in a hurry has a lot to do with this also - try and keep them too long and they get nervous and click away!

[Michelle Strait]

Originally Posted by imaddict

Quick question: did your actions (e.g. sales, optins, etc...) increase as well? Stayed the same/decreased?

My affiliate sales increased. I never had luck with affiliate marketing until I started writing shorter articles.