Skip to main content

How to Vary Text with RANDBETWEEN for SEO

Learn how to create randomized text variations in product descriptions to avoid duplicate content and improve SEO.

When to Use This​

Use RANDBETWEEN for text variation when:

  • You have many similar products with identical descriptions
  • You want to avoid duplicate content penalties
  • You need SEO-friendly text variations
  • You want to add variety to meta titles or descriptions

Understanding RANDBETWEEN​

RANDBETWEEN returns a random number between two values you specify.

Syntax​

=RANDBETWEEN(lower_number; upper_number)

Example​

=RANDBETWEEN(1; 5)

Returns a random number: 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 (changes each time Excel recalculates)

Step-by-Step: Add Random Terms to Meta Titles​

This example shows how to randomly insert varying promotional terms into product titles.

Step 1: Create a Terms Table​

Create a two-column table with numbered terms:

NumberTerm
1Premium Quality
2Best Price
3Top Rated
4Customer Favorite
5Bestseller

Step 2: Insert a New Column​

  1. Right-click the column header next to your product text
  2. Select Insert cells from the context menu

Step 3: Create VLOOKUP with RANDBETWEEN​

In the new column, enter this formula:

=VLOOKUP(RANDBETWEEN(1;5);TermsTable;2;FALSE)

What this does:

  • RANDBETWEEN(1;5) generates a random number from 1 to 5
  • VLOOKUP finds that number in your terms table
  • Returns the corresponding term from column 2

Step 4: Configure the Formula​

Adjust the parameters:

  • Lower_Number: 1 (your table starts at 1)
  • Upper_Number: 5 (you have 5 terms in your list)
  • Matrix: Select your terms table range
  • Column_Index: 2 (terms are in the second column)
  • Range_Lookup: FALSE (exact match)

Step 5: Make Matrix Absolute​

Add dollar signs ($) to the matrix reference so it doesn't change when copied:

=VLOOKUP(RANDBETWEEN(1;5);$A$2:$B$6;2;FALSE)

Step 6: Apply to All Rows​

  1. Copy the cell with the formula
  2. Select all cells in the column
  3. Paste

Each product now has a random term from your list.

Step 7: Add to Meta Title​

Incorporate the random column into your CONCATENATE formula:

=CONCATENATE([@Brand];" ";[@RandomTerm];" - ";[@Product Name])

Result: "Nike Premium Quality - Running Shoe"

Step 8: Apply and Save​

  1. Copy the formula to all products
  2. Click "Save products" to transfer to your store

Common Use Cases​

Random Promotional Phrases​

Create variations like:

  • "Limited Offer"
  • "Special Deal"
  • "Exclusive"
  • "New Arrival"

Seasonal Terms​

Rotate seasonal phrases:

  • "Summer Collection"
  • "Back to School"
  • "Holiday Special"
  • "Spring Sale"

Quality Descriptors​

Vary quality indicators:

  • "High Quality"
  • "Professional Grade"
  • "Premium"
  • "Deluxe"

Tips​

  • Create meaningful variations: Choose terms that are relevant to your products
  • Keep it natural: Don't overuse randomization; use it strategically
  • Test your terms: Make sure all variations make sense with your products
  • Update regularly: Refresh your terms table with new phrases
  • Combine with other functions: Use with CONCATENATE for complex variations

Expanding Your Terms Table​

Add More Terms​

Simply add more rows to your table and update the upper_number:

=VLOOKUP(RANDBETWEEN(1;10);$A$2:$B$11;2;FALSE)

Create Multiple Tables​

Use different tables for different product categories:

=IF([@Category]="Shoes";
  VLOOKUP(RANDBETWEEN(1;5);ShoeTerms;2;FALSE);
  VLOOKUP(RANDBETWEEN(1;5);GeneralTerms;2;FALSE)
)

SEO Benefits​

Avoid Duplicate Content​

  • Search engines penalize identical descriptions
  • Variations make each product page unique
  • Improves overall site quality score

Fresh Content​

  • Random terms change on each product update
  • Creates naturally varying content
  • Appears more dynamic to search engines

Troubleshooting​

Same term appearing multiple times?

  • This is normal - RANDBETWEEN is truly random
  • Each product gets an independent random selection
  • Terms will vary across your entire catalog

Terms changing unexpectedly?

  • RANDBETWEEN recalculates every time Excel refreshes
  • Save products quickly after generating to lock in values
  • Consider copying and pasting values to make them permanent

Getting #N/A error?

  • Check that your RANDBETWEEN range matches your table size
  • Verify the table is sorted by the number column
  • Ensure you're using FALSE for exact match

Making Terms Permanent​

To stop terms from changing:

  1. Select the column with random terms
  2. Copy (Ctrl+C)
  3. Right-click > Paste Special > Values

This converts formulas to fixed text.

  • VLOOKUP: Look up values in tables (coming soon)
  • CONCATENATE: Combine text fields (coming soon)
  • IF: Add conditional logic (coming soon)