All businesses can achieve their digital presence by SEO writing. You may have encountered this topic a few times before, but it is still difficult to grasp. If you want to rank high on Google, it is important that you follow SEO practices.
The digital revolution has transformed the business world. How often have you used Google to search for something you are looking for and successfully obtained it? It’s true, it is 99% of all the time.
1. What is SEO writing?
Let’s set aside our technical hats and learn laymen’s language. Let’s get down to basics with SEO.
Consider where you get your product or your monthly provisions. You can be sure that it is a familiar Kirana shop. Trust that person for quality. Perhaps it was a friend who recommended the store to you. Maybe you have developed trust and recommended it to other friends.
You should now understand the meaning of “word of mouth”. Word of mouth and genuineness are two of the best ways to gain trust.
It is equally important to build trust in the digital age. SEO techniques help you achieve it. Search Engine Optimization (SEO), tells search engines (like Google) where and how to rank your site. SEO writing refers to using words and phrases that target specific keywords and increase site visibility online. It is a digital word of mouth in simple terms.
This ranking (visibility) can be achieved using various methods, which we will explore in this article. Ranking high in search engines via SEO takes time and is slow.
You can do it with patience and practice. Your loyal customers will increase your online rank by showing genuine effort. Let’s now look at the power of SEO. Of course, all masters were once beginners. Let’s take a look at some great online resources that will help you understand and learn the techniques of SEO writing.
2. Here are some resources to help you learn SEO writing
There are many technological advancements in the age of information and the internet. SEO writing is an ongoing process. In six months, what is fresh today may be outdated.
It is crucial to keep up the learning and keep up to date with new SEO trends. These tools can help you keep track of your progress.
a. MOZ Blog
This blog is for you if you’re new to SEO. This site is a must-see for anyone who has struggled to understand the concept.
This site is amazing, I swear. It is well-structured. It begins with an introduction to SEO, then moves on to analytics details. MOZ also offers keyword search for its premium customers.
This blog is very active. They post at most thrice per week. Whiteboard Fridays are one of their most popular posts. Each Friday, a team member explains complex concepts related to SEO and Marketing briefly and succinctly.
That is amazing, isn’t it?
b. Google Webmaster Central
Google Webmaster Central Blog, an official Google blog about SEO. Google updates you on changes in crawling, indexing and ranking algorithms.
This is a great resource if you want to keep up-to-date on the latest Google ranking trends. This guide also contains a step-by-step guide for beginners.
The Best Online Marketing Course teaches you how to create online campaigns that are successful.
c. SEMRush Blog
SEMRush is an excellent blog that offers valuable content about search engine optimization, social media marketing and content marketing. Check out their review of sites and the latest SEO trends for 2020 as we move into the new year.
d. Backlinko
Backlinko is a trusted site with high credibility. It’s all thanks to Brian Dean, its founder, whose sole purpose is to provide valuable information to bloggers around the globe.
Backlinko provides detailed case studies on different websites and information about how they perform in search engines. Every month, there are new articles that are of high quality.
e. SEO Theory
SEO theory was founded by Micheal Martnez in 2006. It focuses on advanced SEO techniques. If you are a beginner, start by learning the basics and then move on to their blog.
It is primarily focused on webmasters, search management, and other issues. Their most notable articles are ‘Advanced Search Strategies for 2018’ and “7 Ways You Do SEO Wrong”.
f. Yoast SEO Blog
If you are interested in SEO writing, how can you forget Yoast SEO blog? Joost De Valk founded Yoast, a huge boon for content writers.
WordPress is a popular choice for your first website. One reason is Yoast plugin. Yoast Blog posts articles to inform its readers about WordPress SEO. It also discusses the technical aspects of optimizing writing.
Yoast SEO Blog with its free plugin, are an excellent resource for sparking and nurturing your interest in search engine optimization.
IIM SKILLS offers more professional courses
Technical Writing Course
GST Course
Once you’ve read these resources, you can put these skills to use by putting them into practice. The key to learning is in the application of knowledge!
3. How to write SEO-friendly blog posts
After speaking with many web designers and friends, you may have purchased a WordPress host and started a business website. But how do you compare to your peers and competitors?
Understanding the purpose of a blog
Blogs are used to share information about your brand or business and encourage engagement from the public.
To solve a problem, your audience can visit the blog. You should present a problem and then offer a solution.
Your blog is an opportunity to build trust with your readers. It’s like welcoming a guest into your home. Before you offer coffee, make sure they feel at ease.
Blogs can be used to publish articles about your company or product. SEO writing uses your blog and articles. Let’s take a look at them right now.
Before you start writing online, it is important to do basic keyword research.
Google should be able to direct your readers to your site easily. Google makes it easier for you to get more traffic and thus a higher ranking.
Keyword Research
You will need a keyword that is related to your business. This is your seed keyword.
You can find your competitors by simply doing a google search for the keyword phrase. Take a look at what they wrote. Look for any gaps. Here is where you can start writing your article.
Keep in mind that your readers will be interested in the solution you offer to a specific problem. You can also ask your audience through FAQs and discussion forums to get ideas for writing about it.
Connect with the Audience
Use keyword phrases to define your business and get creative. Understand your audience.
Giving away something they don’t want is not a good idea. It is crucial that you
- Connect with your audience
- Find out the age of your audience.
- Get to know the language spoken by your audience
- The language that connects you to your customers.
Engage the Audience
SEO writing can help you reach more people and spread the word digitally. Your goal should be to get the audience talking about your brand or business.
Understanding the Search Intent
You must also understand your audience’s context and search intent.
Google now simply analyzes the context and ranks pages according to it. Understanding your users’ search intent can help you contextually address their concerns and increase your Google ranking.
Your business and customers will benefit from the right content. Keep in mind that you should include more keywords related to your seed keyword. Google is aware of relevance.
Play with Long Tail and Short Tail Keywords
You should use both long-tail and short-tail keywords. It is hard to stand out in the digital sea of competitors if you only use short-tail keywords.
These keywords are searched by a lot of people so there are many companies with a large presence that are already well-established.
Long Tail keywords – filter competition
Long-tail keywords allow you to be more specific about the services you provide and your solution. Because it is so specific, you can filter out lots of competitors.
Create catchy titles for your posts
Most customers only skim through your blog when they first visit it. Remember, the first impression is everything.
Your posts should have catchy titles. Your seed keyword should be included in your title. It is best to place it in the middle of your title.
Your title should have a positive tone. Your audience should feel they are getting something when they read the title. Avoid any ambiguity, and be specific.
Tell a Friend
You can also direct search engines to your article by changing the permalink (also known as a slug).
This tells search engines what your article is all about, and helps them index it appropriately.
Search Engine Attention and Audience
Be gentle with your audience. Your article should be easy to read. Psst! There is also a secret. This secret will help you get the most out of your SEO writing
Here are some things you can do. You must grab the attention of your audience and search engine.
Subheadings and Headings guide your readers
Nobody likes to read long articles. High school was probably the last time anyone ever read long essays.
Divide your articles into sub-headings so your audience knows what you’re discussing. They can jump directly to the section they are interested in if they don’t want to read other sections.
This entire article is divided into sections and sub-sections. These sections are so interesting. How did you feel? Good?? They are good!
Header Tags catch the eye of Search Engines
Search engines can index your work by using appropriate headings or subheadings.
Long-tail keywords can be used to name your headings, subheadings and sub-sub headings (H1,H2, H3 …).).
This attracts search engines’ attention.
ALT text with images to promote your presence
No one likes to just look at the words. Your articles will be more interesting and inviting if you include infographics and images. If there are photos, readers will spend more time.
Include a description of the contents of images when you insert them.
Sometimes, the internet connection may be slow and your visitor might not see the image immediately. This text is called the alt text and it can be very useful for your reader. The proper alt text can increase your visibility on search engines.
Creative Video Titles Lead to Play Button
Video is a great way to help people with limited attention spans. Video inclusion in articles can be a good idea.
If your company has a video editor/creator in-house, ensure that you give your video a title that enhances your digital presence.
Who knew images and videos could help you rank right? You can also use these techniques to increase your indexing.
Link Building
It is simply adding references to your work. It is slightly different than the traditional method of referencing.
It is known as linking in the digital space. Linking is a way to build authority and trust in the digital space. There are three types:
- Inbound
- Outbound
- Backlinking.
Inbound Linking
Let’s say you have many informative articles on your blog. If you write a new post that slightly references the previous articles, you could provide a link back to the original post.
This is called inbound linking. This is inbound linking. It lets your audience know about other articles that you have written.
Outbound Linking
You can increase your online presence by linking articles on other trusted websites. This is called outbound linking.
BackLinks
Backlinking is when other website owners mention your article, directing people to your site.
Backlinks to websites with high domain authority (online Trust Factor) direct search engines’ attention to your site.
It’s like buying a product just because an actor you believe in is in it.
Meta-Descriptions cajole your Reader
Meta descriptions are brief descriptions of the content’s purpose and nature.
Google will rank you higher if your seed keyword is used at least once in meta descriptions.
Dont’s of Meta Description
This doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t stuff your meta-description full of your seed keyword. Meta descriptions are limited to 155 words.
This is a short pitch for your article to your audience so they can visit your blog and read it.
You’ve made it this far! Perhaps you are wondering how to become a SEO writer or how to apply for a job. Here’s the deal:
5. How to become an SEO writer
No special degree is required. Many jobs require special training and a degree. SEO writing doesn’t require a degree, as it is a skill-based occupation. Companies don’t require a degree in any field. An engineer, teacher or homemaker can still get a job as a SEO writer.
Recommended: Buy pre-written blog posts around your niche at affordable rates.
Create a Portfolio to Highlight Your Skills
Let’s take a look at some of the best ways to land a job. A portfolio of work you have done as an SEO writer is a great idea. This will give your employer a better idea of your work and how you fit in with their company.
Keep a blog active and post articles that adhere to the best SEO practices. Your blog is your portfolio. Here are some other things you might like to follow.
Make use of LinkedIn to Maximize your chances
You should have a LinkedIn profile that is active. This will allow you to follow other people and publish articles. It will also showcase your SEO skills.
It’s also a great way to connect with people in your industry. It is easier to land a job if you have great connections. Recruiting managers will review your LinkedIn connections when reviewing your profile.
You can also follow communities and groups on other social media platforms like Facebook.
Do’s and Dont’s on LinkedIn
Do not visit LinkedIn to search for a job. LinkedIn is a platform for connecting and starting conversations with people.
By sending messages (messages), you might get to know someone. Don’t spam. It is crucial to strike the right balance.
Learn the basics of programming
You might also consider learning programming languages like HTML, HTML, PHP and CSS.
As an SEO writer, it is not necessary to code a lot. These languages will help you to understand the basics of search engine algorithms and create website content accordingly.
6. SEO Tools
There are many SEO tools online. Many are free with limited service offerings, while others are paid with more advanced tools.
Free SEO Suites are the best way to start your journey as a SEO writer.
a. Ubersuggest
Ubersuggest is a popular tool for content strategy and keyword research. Neil Patel is the creator of Ubersuggest, a popular resource for content writing.
Ubersuggest allows you to perform three keyword searches free of charge per day. After that, you will need to pay for their premium service. Even though you can only use three keywords per day, Ubersuggest offers great service for your keyword.
- The ‘Content overview allows you to see daily traffic, search volume, and other statistics.
- “Keyword ideas” gives you long-tail keyword suggestions and backlinks to your competition in the SERP Section.
This should give you an idea of how to outline your article according to the best SEO practices
b. SEMRush
SEMRush is another popular suite. You can choose from both paid and free services. Sign up on the website to get started.
You can request ten times per day for a free service, which includes
- Site analysis will provide you with site statistics, content ideas, and relevant keywords.
- Competitor information to help you borrow keywords from their websites or find a gap in your article.
You can opt-in to SEMRush if three searches are not enough for you.
c. Google Keyword Planner
Google Keyword Planner is free! You can sign in to any Google account and be good to go.
Google offers a paid campaign for its search engine. Google also offers a keyword planner, which is a free service. This tool will give you an overview of the competition and related keywords to your seed keywords.
It categorizes keywords based upon the following:
- Competition Low, Medium, and High (the number sites participating).
- Pricing If you are planning to run a campaign.
- Search Volume– The number of searches per month.
It would be very beneficial to use keywords from all three categories.
d. AnswerThePublic
AnswerThePublic is the perfect website for you if you’re looking to answer questions that have a lot to do with content.
You can submit up to 5 entries per day using their free service. The site frames relevant questions people search for on Google using any keyword. You can choose from verbal and pictorial data representations on the site.
Many questions can be asked, including who, what, where and why. This data can be downloaded as a CSV file so you can use it to outline and brainstorm your article.
e. Chrome Extensions
Chrome offers many extensions that will help you with your writing process.
The Ubersuggest and KeywordsEverywhere extensions are amazing in what they do. These extensions will provide you with the following:
- Stats on daily searches
- A graphic representation of site traffic for a specific keyword
- Information about the cost per Click (CPC).
- Similar search terms (related keywords).
- Site reliability score
These links will help you choose where your data should come from and point outbound links.
f. Social Media Bookmarks
Social Media Bookmarks such as Pinterest, Tumblr, and Mix can access a wide range of information from many websites for your keyword.
It is advantageous to have one account for all of these platforms. These platforms rank websites according to the amount of audience engagement they generate.
If you’re working on long-form content, such as the one you are currently reading, you could use this tool to create a detailed outline.
Let’s take a look at a premium tool for SEO writing that is widely used.
g. Ahrefs
Ahrefs Premium SEO Suite is an excellent choice.
They have a reputation for providing detailed and in-depth SEO analysis using data from millions of websites. A blog is also available that focuses on SEO writing techniques.
Ahrefs premium tools also include:
- Site Explorer – Provides information about backlinks, organic traffic, and other details.
- Keyword Explorer – This is one of their most popular tools. It gives you great insight into keywords used in your competitors’ websites.
- Site Audit – This allows you to analyze your site’s ranking
- Content Explorer – Find the best content for your needs
Conclusion to SEO Writing
Learning and constant effort are required to follow the best SEO practices. It may take you a while to master specific resources. Don’t limit yourself to using free resources.
You should seriously consider taking up premium certification courses in SEO writing if you’re serious. Take our Content Writing Master Class to unlock the power of SEO.
Comment below to let us know what SEO writing techniques you used in your articles.