SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. SEO writing (or writing for search engines) is a way to write in a specific way to attract attention using a certain word or phrase.
It’s common to call it: writing using a key phrase or keyword to attract attention to websites via search engines.
Why is it so important for websites?
Websites must provide the content, service, or product that people are looking for on search engines if they are to be discovered.
Website owners need to find a way of bringing people to their website to interact with the content, products, or services they offer. They, therefore, need search engines to direct people to their sites. This is all done by simply providing valuable content.
There are some things you need to know if you want to get started with SEO writing on your new blog. Relevant content, as well as SEO-friendly content, should always be top.
These will help determine whether visitors are able to interact with your site and how search engines refer you. All this by simply using keyphrases or targeted keywords.
This article will show you the essential SEO writing tips that I have learned through my blog journey.
Let’s get started!
1. Choose a keyword
The most important aspect of an SEO strategy is choosing the right keyword. A keyword is a term or phrase that people use to search for information.
To improve your search engine rankings, you need to make sure that your keywords are relevant and not too competitive.
Your website’s keyword choice will determine if it gets traffic. Take your time to search keywords.
Semrush is a good place to start your keyword research.
This SEO tool is one of my favorites. It allows you to do keyword research, check backlinks and competitor ranks, track keyword rankings, and perform a complete SEO audit on your blog.
Semrush will show you information about the keyword you are focusing on, such as its search volume, difficulty, trend, and keyword variations.
There is also a great chance that you will be able to rank your content for keywords with high search volumes and a little less difficulty (possible).
Pay attention to keyword trends. This means that there are keywords people search for at specific times of the year (seasonal keywords).
Example: At the end of the year, try to find keywords mostly related to Christmas. It can be an effective way to promote your business during the Christmas season.
Semrush provides a no-cost online SEO Fundamentals Course for beginners.
This course will help you increase your knowledge about SEO and keyword research.
Click here to sign up to Semrush and get a 7-days free trial.
2. Create a perfect title
Your title tells search engines and visitors about your page and its value to the search term. To improve your click-through rate (CTR), you can create a catchy title.
Your title should be between 50-60 characters. It is always better to include the keyword phrase at the start of your title.
3. In the URL, include the keyword
An optimized URL structure is essential for SEO writing. This basically means that your post URL should focus on your content, and it should be short and SEO-Friendly.
You can create your permalinks structure for WordPress from the “General settings” menu. Doing all this will make it easy for your visitors to understand what you’re sharing completely.
Also, ensure that your blog or website uses HTTPS (HyperText Transport Protocol Secure). You will need an SSL certificate (Secure Sockets Layer) to protect your blog or website.
Namecheap offers SSL certificates at the most affordable prices on the market.
You can also purchase an SSL certificate from your hosting provider if you are unsure.
4. Write Content That Includes Keywords
Your keyword should be included in your first paragraph. This will allow you to get started with SEO writing by simply providing an introduction to the topic you are writing about.
Make sure you include your keyword(s) in these places:
- Title
- URL
- The first paragraph
- Wherever possible in the subheadings
- Paragraphs (if you are able to)
- Image alt-tags
Another thing to consider is using the LSI keyword in content. Simply put, LSI keywords (latent semantic indexing), are terms and phrases that are related or similar to your target/parent keyword.
Although, you don’t have to modify your editorial style just to place these keywords. You can write your content in your preferred style and use those keywords naturally.
To optimize your WordPress blog with best SEO practices, install the Yoast WordPress plugin.
5. Link to other posts
Internal links are essential in SEO writing. They tell search engines exactly what is on your website.
This creates a structure for your website so that visitors can navigate easily on your site. Visitors will also be more likely to spend time on your website.
Simply put, you can link all relevant blog posts to one another.
6. Let Other Websites Link To Yours
These links are also known as “Backlinks”. A backlink is a link from another website that has been linked to your website. Search engines use backlinks to signal ‘trust’ in your content.
Backlinko found that one of the most important factors in Google rankings was the number of websites linking to a page.
This means that backlinks can have a significant impact on a website’s growth within search engine results.
Though, the quality of the backlinks you have is more important than how many of them you have. They should feel natural and relevant to your content.
This is best done by writing unique, up-to-date content and reaching out to other websites that can create or update links to certain posts on your website.
Final Thoughts
SEO is a broad topic. However, the above are the essentials of SEO writing. This will hopefully help newbies to understand the basics of SEO writing.
Always write content that is relevant to your readers.
My experience is that high-quality backlinks are essential to rank higher in search engines after publishing content. This quick guide will help you understand SEO writing.