Are ALL CAPS construed as spamming if they are used in a meta description tag call to action?

[RosemaryB]

I know this seems like an old school question.  As a long time SEO I would never use ALL CAPS in a title tag (unless a brand name is capitalized).  However I recently came across a Moz video about creating better calls to action in the meta description tags.  Some of the examples had CTAs that were using all caps (i.e. CALL NOW!  or LOWEST QUOTES!)

I realize there is a debate about the user experience implications.  However I'm more concerned about search engines penalizing websites that are using ALL CAPS CTAs in their meta description tags.

Any feedback/advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

[Alick300]

Hi,

I'm using CTA in all caps and many other SEO's also used and not heard any penalty due to this ever. Second meta description is not a ranking factor it is just to increase CTR.

**Don't use whole meta description in caps only CTA part in caps e.g FREE DELIVERY OR FREE SHIPPING.

Thanks

[Cody_West]

Hi Rosemary,

I know ALL CAPS have been known to hurt CTR. If I am searching google and I see a title tag or meta description with phrases in all caps like CHEAP, BUY HERE, etc., I tend to lean toward the opinion of thinking the content is spammy and click on something that looks a bit more professional.

Also, take a look at Googles product search editorial guidelines here. https://support.google.com/manufacturers/answer/6124110?hl=en

In it they state, "Avoid any repeated and unnecessary use of punctuation, capitalization or symbols. Don't use exclamation points in your product titles. The use of symbols, numbers, and letters should adhere to the true meaning of the symbol."

I would err on the side of caution purely because CAPS can hurt CTR. I don't think there is a consensus on whether or not CAPS can help/hurt your ranking in the SERPs (there has been evidence that suggests both) from an SEO perspective.

Hope that helps!