Content Writing for SEO: Copywriting that RANKS

Are your blog posts not ranking in search engines? Do you understand copywriting for SEO? How about if we share with you proven and tested techniques to rank your content?

First of all, do you know how many blog posts are being published every month in WordPress alone? According to Hosting Tribunal, there are around 70 million new posts each month on that platform. Let’s not forget the fact that this figure is for WordPress only. This excludes other blogging platforms.

Some of you might feel that it is impossible to rank in search engines given the competition. But you know what, a good SEO expert will tell you that ranking is not an overnight success. It takes hard work and it is nearly impossible to predict when you are going to rank. The key here is to be consistent. 

The question is, what are the things you should be doing consistently with your posts? Read on to find out.

What is SEO Copywriting? 

We don’t want to make this too technical as we just want to touch all the basic things you need to know as of the moment. Simply put, SEO Copywriting is curating or creating valuable content using the right keywords. The objective of SEO copywriting is to reach as many organic hits as possible.  

Content Writing for SEO Tips for Beginners 

What should you take into consideration when content writing for SEO? 

Compelling Headline 

While most of us would spend hours writing content, you have to remember that your headline is as important as the body of your post. Your headline should instantly capture your readers’ attention and should make them want to read the entire article. If possible, make it specific. General headlines are not as effective as it was before. 

Another technique is to use numbered headlines, similar to what Buzzfeed or HubSpot do with their posts. Here are a few examples: 

• 7 Tips to Forget Your Ex-Girlfriend 
• 9 Ways to Lose 10 Pounds After the Holidays 
• 5 Tricks to Make a Rustic-Themed Wedding  

Useful Content 

Considering that there are millions of new posts every month, how can yours stand out? Again, this isn’t an easy task. In fact, you have to spend a lot of time and be committed to delivering valuable content to your readers. 

What we notice in a lot of online articles is that most of these are just re-written versions of other blog posts. There’s a lack of originality. 

As a writer, you have to find another angle. Regardless if you are writing a topic that has been widely discussed, giving your own flavor can win the market. It’s because you are giving them something new and something they haven’t read yet. 

If you want great content, take time to do research. Look for resources, not just online. If possible, interview people and from there, connect the dots. You would be surprised how original your article will be. 

As for the technique, please refrain from writing long paragraphs. If you can cut it down, please do so. Make it easier for people to read the entire post.

Use Headers

When writing online, don’t forget that your readers have a different behavior compared to those who read offline. Most of the time, they just scroll down to look for specific answers to their problems. And this is where your headers can help you.  

In addition, huge text blocks do not sit well with online readers. It can be overwhelming and that is why your headers serve as a break as well. 

Avoid Keyword Stuffing 

Ten years ago, people wrote articles and stuffed it with keywords to the point that it was unnatural to read. Good thing that search engines are actually discouraging this type of technique. The algorithm is now smarter as it can now identify what your article is about based on the keywords and other related terms you use in your article.

Just a simple trick when doing content writing for SEO. Re-read your article aloud and if your keyword sounded off, then better rephrase it. After all, your readers will be turned off with an article that has less value to offer and grammar that they need to mentally correct. 

Improve Your Meta Description 

Meta descriptions help search engines understand what they could get from your article. It’s also beneficial for your readers. If they believe that the post can help them solve their problem, they will likely click and read the entire thing. Use persuasive language to make it more effective. Here are the things you need to consider in your Meta description. 

• Limit it to 150 words 
• Use the right call-to-action 
• Don’t forget the keywords 

Include Links 

Content writing for SEO must also include links. When you link pages, it tells search engines that you are ‘sociable’ and you share other useful information.  It can be from an external source or from your own blog posts. Make sure that you are linking back to a credible page as well because it can also affect your SEO. 

This is a plus point for Google because by linking to credible and useful pages, you are adhering to Google’s intention of providing users with a seamless browsing experience.

Don’t Forget the Page Speed 

Technically, this is not included in a content writer’s scope of work. However, the speed of your website is so important in terms of SEO. 

Did you know that almost 50% of online users will close down your page if it doesn’t load in less than 2 seconds? You have that small window to show your readers what you’ve got. And that is why it is crucial to test your pages and see if it loads well. 

Content Writing for SEO Experts  

If you need help with your blog posts, then working with professionals such as the Content Fuel team is one of the best solutions. With them, you are able to get quality content that uses the right techniques to rank in search engines. Just send them your request and get the first draft as soon as possible. You save time and it makes you more efficient. 

Conclusion 

Content writing for SEO is a serious task as you also have to keep yourself updated with the latest algorithm. It’s about the perfect balance of creativity, substance, and SEO techniques which only experts can do fast.