Writing for the web is a daunting task for which one has to be prepared. You can’t just sit down and write the first idea that pops into your head; there are certain rules, regulations, and even laws you have to adhere to in order for you piece to be received successfully. One of those rules is writing SEO friendly content.
Search Engine Optimization, or SEO, is a very effective way in making sure people see your blog post or website in accordance with their keyword searches. This takes a lot of research and time in narrowing down the keywords that people search for. Once you have mastered this, only then you can begin to write your article.
Luckily, there are many tips on how to create SEO friendly content and with a few practice runs you’ll be doing it in no time at all. Here are a few tips on how to write SEO friendly content.
1. Use signal words
Going on what is said above, the first step will be to determine your signal words or keywords. What is it that you want people to see? What is it that should stand out in your article? You should include these keywords in your title, in the body of the post, and in your meta tags. Be sure not to over use them – many people will realise what you are doing and stop reading immediately.
2. Engage your readers
It’s all good and well to say you should use keywords, but that does not mean that your piece should be ungrammatical or boring. Make sure you keep the tone interesting and related to the keywords you have chosen. For example, if your keywords are ‘children’s birthday party services’, then you can’t approach the article as a business presentation.
3. Keep it short and sweet
The golden rule to writing SEO friendly content, is to keep sentences short and sweet. People don’t like reading too much and shorter sentences will allow them to absorb information faster. Begin every new idea as a new sentence and remember to write in paragraphs. Shorter blocks with short sentences are the best way to lure your reader into the article as a whole.
4. Use an image optimization tool
Images play an important role in how your text will be discovered and read. Your post can’t just be all text and no visual signals – this is boring! Readers will scroll past it onto a post with more colour. An image optimization tool allows you to resize the picture that you want to post so that it loads in the same time frame as the text itself, giving your post a polished look.
5. Proofread!
Before you post anything make sure to proofread your work. Ask yourself if the keywords are in the right places, if your spelling and grammar are correct, and whether you have expressed the idea that you wanted to in the first place. It will take you 2 minutes and it will make all the difference.