Very Low CTR With Article Marketing

31 replies
Hi, all

I've been writing articles for my new website but also for article directories such as ezinearticles for about 6 weeks now. While all my articles are getting read a lot and re-posted on many other websites (I seem to be all over the internet already), my CTR is pathetically low. I've just checked and it's at 4.7% and the highest it's been is about 8%. I have a bio with every article linking to my websites.

I've read on here that some people have a CTR of 60% or more so clearly I'm doing something very wrong. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I've had one website for about 6 weeks and a second for about 1 week. Unfortunately I don't have enough posts on here to be able to post a link, but if you go to ezinearticles.com and search for David Hields you can get to all my articles.

I'm new to this site and pretty new to websites, online marketing etc so can't offer much in return yet, but I do have several years of writing experience. If anyone needs help with article writing etc just let me know.

Thanks in advance.

David.
#article #article marketing #ctr #low #low ctr #marketing
  • Profile picture of the author VideosByIvy
    60% is very high, I average about 15%. would love to know how they do that and if google will be watching you with thsoe high ctr
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    • Profile picture of the author WritingMadwoman
      Hi David,

      I think the problem is with your bio box - I've just looked at one of your articles and it was actually really good, quality writing, but when I got to the end of it all I saw was something like "more articles on abs, click here" "more articles on weight loss, click here".

      Those don't really inspire people to take action, in my experience.

      What I would do instead is create a short report or email course (if you don't already have one - you could even compile several of your previous articles into a short report), and promote that at the bottom of your articles.

      Use a compelling bio box that "meets them where they are" - struggling with their fitness routine, not getting the results they want, and then show them what you can do for them by offering your free guide or e-course as a solution.

      And of course, direct them to a landing page where they can enter their email address, and you can keep following up with them from there.

      But back to the bio box, think of it this way. They've just read your article and you've given them some good information, now they need to be directed to do what you want them to do next. What do you want them to do? Sign up for your mailing list, buy a product?

      Remind them of their problem and then lead them to your solution!

      That's the "formula" I use for my articles and it works.

      Wendy
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      • Profile picture of the author dreambody
        Thanks for the reply, Wendy

        I thought it must be my bio box and I have improved it with each email (tried to anyway). The current one I've just submitted today reads more like: "For more articles on how to get a six pack and to subscribe to my free email newsletter go to..."

        This takes them to the home page of my website where they can sign up for my email newletter and instantly get a report on how to get a six pack, or read some of the posts I've got on there (I've tried squeeze page only and didn't get such good results). At the moment I'm list building in order to create wanted products in the future and also sell affiliate products, for example protein shakes.

        For a writer and psychology fanatic I don't seem to be very good at writing compelling sales copy to get a better CTR! Can I ask you what you might put if you were me, Wendy?

        Thanks.

        PS Again I can't post my website address on here but obviously it's in my bio box so if anyone has the time to take a quick look I'd be extremely grateful.
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        • Profile picture of the author WritingMadwoman
          LOL I can sympathize - sales copy was one of those things that I really struggled with because I hated sounding "hypey". But you don't have to make your language hypey - you just have to stir up your readers' feelings and remind them that they want what you have (some of them won't want it, but the people who do, I mean).

          The way I do it is by reminding them of the problem they're having, how frustrating it can be, why it bothers them, and then I let them know that I can help them solve that problem.

          So, for your bio box, you could remind your readers that they hate not getting results from their fitness efforts; that they want to feel good about their bodies; that they want great results in less time, with less effort; etc. And then tell them that your free report can help them achieve those things. (Obviously I haven't read your report so I'm generalizing here; you could make it much more specific to the people you are trying to attract as subscribers and customers.)

          Here's a general formula you could follow:

          "Are you sick and tired of _________? My free __________ guide will show you how to get off the ___________ merry-go-round for good! I've revealed some powerful, effective tips that will help you ________, and ________, and finally get the body you deserve. Click here to download the guide and get started right away!"

          That's just one example for you, hopefully it will get some good ideas flowing!

          Wendy

          Originally Posted by dreambody View Post

          For a writer and psychology fanatic I don't seem to be very good at writing compelling sales copy to get a better CTR! Can I ask you what you might put if you were me, Wendy?
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          • Profile picture of the author dreambody
            Many thanks again, Wendy.

            I know I'm a good writer, but it's very reassuring that you think I've made a decent landing page because creating websites definitely isn't my thing!

            My free report is called how to get a six pack and it's about 3000 words, and the email newsletters that follow are expanding on each heading in the report. When I have a few more subscribers I'll sprinkle in some affiliate products and eventually write another ebook of my own to sell.

            The general formula you've just given me is exactly what I need. I learn best from example, otherwise I just end up over-thinking all the ideas I have and never settle on anything. If you can expand that and turn it into a product I think you'd have something.

            I know I'd buy it!
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            • Profile picture of the author WritingMadwoman
              Thanks David!

              Hey, one more suggestion that might help: when you have some time, browse through other articles at EZA and pay close attention to the bio boxes. Which ones compel you to click and learn more about the author? Study those and model your own call to action after them.

              That will give you some good ideas!

              Wendy
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              • Profile picture of the author dreambody
                Originally Posted by WritingMadwoman View Post

                Thanks David!

                Hey, one more suggestion that might help: when you have some time, browse through other articles at EZA and pay close attention to the bio boxes. Which ones compel you to click and learn more about the author? Study those and model your own call to action after them.

                That will give you some good ideas!

                Wendy
                I tried that. I found some diamond and platinum authors in my niche and checked their bio boxes. To be honest I didn't think they were very good. They certainly didn't compel me to do anything except stop reading. They seemed very salesy and cliche and how not to do it. They're probably doing a lot better than me however, but if what works is what turns me off it explains why I aren't any good at doing it myself!
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                • Profile picture of the author dreambody
                  I've no idea how DawsOn got the real account statistics box in a post so I've done it the untechnical way:

                  Account Statistics
                  Article Views:752
                  Profile Views:46
                  EzinePublisher:11
                  URL clicks:35
                  Click Rate:4.7%
                  Pending Articles:1
                  Live Articles:22

                  For 5 weeks work it doesn't see bad except for the CTR
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                  • Profile picture of the author dreambody
                    Thanks to everyone who's already replied but especially Wendy, whose ideas I've alreadly implemented and changed my bio box. Give it a day or 2 to be resubmitted on ezine and I'll report back any changes.
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                    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
                      Dreambody, when you look at your article marketing, you have to look beyond just the raw number of clicks. In your first post, you said publishers were picking up your articles and reposting them. At this stage, that counts as a success - even more than just a click.

                      You also have to realize that there are a couple of ways to write a resource box.

                      You can write a bio that is geared purely to getting the click immediately, and get a higher ratio of clicks to views. In my experience, that type of bio box is going to cut back on the number of publishers who will pick up your article.

                      For the publisher, it's a balancing act. They want good content, and pay for it with the bio. They also want to keep visitors on their site, clicking their links, signing up for their mailing lists, and so on. If the bio is too enticing, the publisher may just pass it by in favor of someo other content.

                      You can also write a bio that doesn't generate as many clicks, but also doesn't scare publishers. This gives you a chance to put your article in front of readers you may not have been able to reach any other way, and reach them over a very prolonged time period.

                      I don't have time right now to chase down your articles, etc., but from what you've described here, you're on the right track. Wendy has given you some excellent suggestions.

                      One clue, though. A 'free newsletter' just doesn't have the panache it did 10 or 15 years ago when just getting email was a thrill. Put together a report or short ecourse that promises a quick, tangible benefit and make the newsletter a bonus for taking the course or getting the report. In your case, people want a six pack, not more email.

                      For example, give them a report demonstrating an exercise they can do at their desk in a couple of minutes. Tell them what they should feel, so they know they're getting a benefit even if the mirror doesn't show it yet. Then follow up with more tips, recommendations, etc. in your bonus newsletter.

                      I think you'll find that a much more compelling offer than 'more articles' or a 'free newsletter'...
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                      • Profile picture of the author myob
                        To expand a little bit on what others have observed, you should perhaps consider other outlets for publication in this very competitive niche. As with most such competitive niches, it can be difficult to separate yourself from all the others in the market or even from other affiliates selling similar products. What I have found to be a powerful method for competing in such markets is to position yourself as an "authority".

                        This can be accomplished rather simply by having your articles appear on high-authority websites, blogs, and niche ezine publishers. Effectively, you are then assuming an implied authority status when these outlets choose your articles as being valuable content to their readers. Rather than being just another newsletter or "free report" offer, your status as an authority then becomes a subliminal "recommendation" for your report, newsletter and subsequent product offers.
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                      • Profile picture of the author WritingMadwoman
                        Great point John; I wasn't even thinking about getting the articles republished when I made those suggestions but it's an important consideration.

                        David, it might be worthwhile to test a couple of different styles of bio boxes, see if you can strike a balance between upping your CTR and encouraging publishers to use your article.

                        (I also agree with you about some of the bio boxes, they're awful! But I've also found some interesting ones. Check other niches too, not just fitness.)

                        Wendy



                        Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post

                        For the publisher, it's a balancing act. They want good content, and pay for it with the bio. They also want to keep visitors on their site, clicking their links, signing up for their mailing lists, and so on. If the bio is too enticing, the publisher may just pass it by in favor of someo other content.
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      • Profile picture of the author Jaymark
        Yup the way you structure the resource box is critical. You want them to click on your webpage which should take them to a good landing page where you can capture their email address and other pertinent info. Sounds like you're on the right path. Keep it going.
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        • Profile picture of the author dreambody
          Originally Posted by Jaymark View Post

          Sounds like you're on the right path. Keep it going.
          Thanks. That's always good to hear!
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  • Profile picture of the author peejaydee
    David,
    You need to also consider what article marketing is actually offering you. My experience tells me that there's very little traffic to be had from the directories themselves. Yes, you'll get some clicks, especially if your article appears on the directory home page for a few hours. The traffic comes weeks or months later when your article has been picked up and reprinted by others, with your bio intact. This will give you a dribble (yes, a dribble) of traffic from each of the sites that syndicated your article every day - but dribbles add up. If your article is good and you get enough syndicated reprints of it around the web, you'll get traffic from all of those sites and the backlink juice (if there's any to be had).
    Don't get hung up on the CTR from the directory, that's not the prize as far as I've been able to see. You will, though, as Wendy as pointed out, need to have a good bio to have your articles picked up and reprinted. Most sites looking to reprint will be looking for a bio that paints you as an authority, thereby rubbing some authority off onto their site.
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    • Profile picture of the author WritingMadwoman
      Hey David, I just checked out the first site in your bio box (sorry I didn't do that before responding the first time!) and I think it's well put together and will work great as a landing page - but rework your bio box to reflect the spirit of that page and get people to click through.

      Mention your free report, mention what you can do for them, sharing the methods that worked for you, and then a strong call to action like, "Stop wasting time and start getting the results you want: Click here to get my free "How to Get a Six Pack" report.

      You can word it better than that, but you get the idea, make it compelling and inspire them to WANT what you have to offer them.

      Peejaydee's mention of article directories being better for long term traffic is also true. Are you doing other forms of promotion besides articles?

      Wendy
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    • Profile picture of the author dreambody
      peejaydee: I realise the article directories themselves aren't going to offer me too much traffic, it's the people that re-post my articles and help my seo. As I said, for 6 weeks work I'm all over google compared to pre-article directory when I wasn't on it at all. Again I'm thinking it's my bio though, as I don't get any traffic from the re-posted sites either so obviously a low ctr there too.


      Thanks for your reply
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      • Profile picture of the author dreambody
        I was doing pay per click with google and getting a 33% visitor to subscriber conversion which cost me about £1 per name, which is obviously pretty good, but then google banned me for technical reasons to do with my old website which I didn't understand so I couldn't rectify. Instead I went with yahoo's ppc but that wasn't as successful.

        I redid my dream body diet website and now have my dream body six pack website but so far have stuck with articles only as I've heard a lot about ppc not being a good idea. Plus I now can't really afford it to be honest. Free traffic is my friend at the moment.

        My problem is compelling sales copy, which is why my bio box isn't very compelling!
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  • Profile picture of the author Daws0n
    David, i have a similar CTR on e zine and i think its normal. 60% sound too much to be true, i don't know how people manage to get that high CTR. their are better ways to get clicks for your site besides Article marketing.

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    • Profile picture of the author dreambody
      Originally Posted by Daws0n View Post

      David, i have a similar CTR on e zine and i think its normal. 60% sound too much to be true, i don't know how people manage to get that high CTR. their are better ways to get clicks for your site besides Article marketing.
      What would your suggestion be instead of article marketing? I can't afford PPC at the moment and my facebook and youtube efforts have produced so little I forgot to mention them!
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  • Profile picture of the author igent
    Banned
    tis a shame that ezinearticles got rid of their "most viewed" section as I got a lot of click throughs there
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  • Profile picture of the author Matthew NY
    Take a look at my free ebook in my signature. I talk a lot about getting a sweet ctr in there, as well as give some examples. If you have any additional questions you can PM me or post here.


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  • Profile picture of the author WebPen
    Definitely try split testing a few different resource boxes.

    A lot of people seem to have the best results with one that doesn't seem like a resource box at all- it just blends in with the rest of the article.

    But the cliche test, test, and test is generally the best thing to do :-p
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    • Profile picture of the author dreambody
      Thanks to everyone for all the advice, I will take it all as I get the time!

      An update regarding the bio box changes I made based on writingmadwoman's suggestion - in the 3 days since I changed it I've had several new subscriptions to my newsletter already so thanks again for that!

      One thing that is still concerning me however, is my 100% bounce rate on my site despite the new subscribers. While I know that a list is the most important thing long term, I am putting articles on the site that obvioulsy are rarely getting read. This obviously isn't good for seo purposes, which is why the articles on my site can be read without signing up. I don't know how obvious this is though, as this might only be apparent if people scroll down a little, depending on their resolution settings etc. I've tried browsershots.org but rarely get any screenshots appearing, so if someone could take a look at my site homepage (address in signature) and tell me how obvious it is that there are articles to read on the site without signing up I would be very grateful.

      Again many thanks for your replies

      David.
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      • Profile picture of the author DWolfe
        I saw the articles right below the sign up box. I did not notice them at first. Where it says " Recent Articles " Make it bold or change the color IMO it looks as if it blends in and people will skip over it.

        Also you may want to add a before and after picture some where on the page. A picture of an out of shape person and than one with a six pack abs after photo will give your program more credability.
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        • Profile picture of the author dreambody
          Thanks for that very quick reply, DWolfe. I'm trying to get recent articles in a lefthand sidebar so its at the top but it's messing up the sign up box on the right so far. No idea how or even if I can go bold but I'm on it right now.

          Update: Couldn't manage bold but increased the title font size, and changed title to "Click Article To View" so hopefully it's a lot more obvious there are non-subscriber articles available.
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          • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
            Originally Posted by dreambody View Post

            Thanks for that very quick reply, DWolfe. I'm trying to get recent articles in a lefthand sidebar so its at the top but it's messing up the sign up box on the right so far. No idea how or even if I can go bold but I'm on it right now.

            Update: Couldn't manage bold but increased the title font size, and changed title to "Click Article To View" so hopefully it's a lot more obvious there are non-subscriber articles available.
            David, I took a look at your home page. Here's a suggestion...

            Get rid of that big-ass blue arrow and move the subscription box right into the main section.Align it with the right margin opposite your head shot. You can leave it in the right column on interior pages.

            Then you won't need heavy bolding or big fonts. A nice 2-pixel border around the form will draw attention.

            You might also want to add another sign-up box at the bottom of the page.

            Moving the subscription form from the right column to the main one will allow your article list to rise to the top of the column.

            Another suggestion, if you haven't done it yet (didn't look at any interior pages)...

            If you're using Wordpress, you can use a plugin called 'whatwouldsethgodinsay' to add another opt-in box below each article, kind of like a sig here.
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            • Profile picture of the author dreambody
              Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post

              David, I took a look at your home page. Here's a suggestion...

              Get rid of that big-ass blue arrow and move the subscription box right into the main section.Align it with the right margin opposite your head shot. You can leave it in the right column on interior pages
              lol. The big ass arrow is for 2 reasons - the first is that I'm copying david d / eben pagan and also chris farrell who have big ass arrows, especially farrell whose sites seem far too cluttered to me but hey, he's making a lot more money than me. Second reason for the arrow - I have no idea how to get the box into the main section. I'm using wordpress and aweber and it took me long enough to get it in the sidebar. If anyone can advise me how to do this please let me know.

              If you're using Wordpress, you can use a plugin called 'whatwouldsethgodinsay' to add another opt-in box below each article, kind of like a sig here.
              I have that plugin but for some reason I can't remember I deactivated it. Given your suggestion I'll take another look.

              Thanks for taking the time I appreciate it.
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              • Profile picture of the author dibee
                Thanks to all above - this was an excellent review for me!
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        • Profile picture of the author dreambody
          Originally Posted by DWolfe View Post

          You may want to add a before and after picture some where on the page. A picture of an out of shape person and than one with a six pack abs after photo will give your program more credability.
          I would but as it says on the homepage, the photos on there are of me. That is my credibility.

          My USP is that I'm not some out of shape writer telling other people how to get a six pack, I'm a personal trainer with a six pack and am sharing the method I used myself. Unfortunatley I have no photos of me out of shape, though obviously as soon as someone can offer a testimonial with before and after photos I'll be sure to use them!
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  • Profile picture of the author dreambody
    Just a quick note about my ctr since I changed my bio box based on writingmadwomans suggestion. It's more than doubled. And I'm getting more subscribers to my list.

    Thanks to everyone who replied to my post
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