Search Engine Optimization (SEO) isn’t just about writing great content for your website. It’s about writing strategic content that lets Google know to place your site at the top of page one when someone searches for a topic related to your product or service.
Because Google skims the information from your article to figure out what your article is about and how relevant it is to different keywords, you need to structure your articles properly to give you an edge.
By focusing on keyword research, clear headings, and incorporating multimedia, you’ll not only attract readers but also improve your chances of ranking higher. This guide will show you how to craft articles that are both engaging for readers and optimized for Google.
1. Decide on Your Primary and Secondary Keywords
To write a successful SEO article, begin by identifying your target keyword and any relevant secondary keywords. For example, if you were writing an article about the best tattoo schools in your state, you might choose “tattoo school” for your primary keyword and “tattoo school near me” for your secondary keyword.
Once you have these, research the top three articles or videos that rank for your main keyword (skip the ad content, as those pieces of content are paid for and not necessarily ranking organically) and examine how they cover the topic.
Your goal is to improve on their content, either by offering more value, simplifying complex ideas, or enhancing readability. By understanding what works for the competition, you can create an article that stands out and ranks higher in Google search results.
2. Optimize Meta Title and Meta Description
Your meta title should include the target keyword and be a shorter version of your article’s main title, with your brand name added for credibility. The meta description (160 characters) serves as a brief, clear summary of your article that tells readers exactly what to expect.
By optimizing both, you can improve click-through rates and help search engines better understand your content, which can boost your ranking.
3. Make Your Article Easy to Digest
To make your article easy to digest, break up long paragraphs with short sections, clear headings, and use bullet points or lists where needed. Including images or videos can also improve the reading experience.
Using Proper Headings and Subheadings
Headings and subheadings strategically improves readability and helps Google understand your content, so make sure that your primary keyword appears in key sections. Organize your headings logically, making it easy for readers to skim, and use “listicle”-style headings for instructional or “ranking” articles.
Skimmability
Make your content skim-friendly by using short paragraphs, bullet points, and clear headings to highlight key information. This improves user experience, keeps readers on the page longer, and signals to Google that your content is valuable.
Photos and Video Content
Incorporate relevant images or videos to break up text and make your article more engaging. Including visual content helps keep readers interested and can improve your chances of ranking higher, especially if videos are popular for your keyword. For example, if you’re writing the “tattoo school” article, then you might show a few instructional tattooing videos from each school you’re highlighting.
By adding these elements focusing on readability, you enhance user engagement and boost your chances of ranking higher in search results.
4. Write an Engaging Introduction
An engaging introduction explains the topic, highlights its importance, and reassures readers that they’ll gain the valuable insights they came looking for. Start by stating the subject’s relevance and outlining what the article covers without giving away all the details.
Include a quick list of three key takeaways that entice readers to keep going, ensuring they understand the value of continuing through the rest of the article.
For example, in an article about tattoo schools, you might write something like:
In this article, we’ll cover:
- Tattoo school length and curriculum.
- The average cost for tattoo school and what you can skills you can expect to walk away with.
- What you should look for in a good tattoo school and tattoo instructor.
5. Identify Main Content Points
As you research, focus on key themes that appear consistently in top-ranking content, as these are what readers and search engines value most. Be sure to cover these main points in your article, but aim to improve upon them by offering more depth or clarity.
Addressing these core topics ensures your article meets user expectations and helps it rank higher in search results.
6. Use Alt Text for Images
Alt text helps search engines understand the content of your images while improving accessibility for visually impaired users. Make sure your alt text accurately describes the image and includes relevant keywords naturally, without keyword stuffing. Thoughtful use of alt text can enhance both SEO performance and user experience.
For example, you might use the alt text: “tattoo ink on fake skin” for the image below.
7. Internal Linking and Call-to-Action
Internal linking helps improve SEO by connecting related content on your site, making it easier for search engines to understand your content’s structure while keeping readers engaged.
Look for opportunities to link to relevant posts, enhancing both user experience and site performance.
Tell Your Readers What to Do After Reading Your Content
In your conclusion, avoid labeling it as such; instead, use a call to action that encourages further engagement, such as subscribing to your email list, exploring more content, or making a purchase.
Final Thoughts
Writing SEO-friendly articles that rank well on Google is both an art and a science, requiring attention to keyword usage, content structure, and user engagement.
By applying the strategies outlined in this guide—like using relevant keywords, creating skim-friendly content, and incorporating internal links—you can improve your chances of climbing the search rankings and attracting more readers. Remember, the goal is to create content that’s valuable not just for search engines, but for your audience as well.
For more tips and insights on growing your business through smart content strategies, check out our other articles. Whether you’re looking to refine your SEO approach or explore new ways to engage your audience, we’ve got plenty of resources to help you continue your growth.
