Top Tips for Content Writing to boost SEO

The relationship between content and SEO is like Batman and Robin. They really do work best together.

Without SEO, nobody is going to find your content as it will be hidden on page 40 of search results. Without good content, you will attract visitors who will leave without engaging because they feel let down.

Here are my top ten tips for making sure your SEO and content are working well together.

1.Know your Audience

This might sound obvious but honestly, it’s important not to forget who your target audience is.

Your blogs don’t always have to push your own product or sell a service but they do need to be closely linked to your industry. That’s because you want your audience to see you as an expert in your field.

2.Titles are important

Your titles and meta description are what appear in search results. Google is looking for titles that have meaning, are relevant and have the right keywords.

A good title that Google likes is an important way to get featured in search results and rank higher. Only then will your content get seen.

3.Get your keyword density right

So, you know you need to focus on important and relevant keywords. You have researched what keywords you want to use but how much should you use them?

Google dislikes keyword stuffing so make sure that you use them naturally in your writing.

Unfortunately, there isn’t an exact formula, but you might want to limit keyword use to once per 200 words. The most important thing is for your user experience to be good so make your chosen keywords appear naturally rather than forcing them in.

4.Small paragraphs

First, stick to short paragraphs. Maybe only two sentences per paragraph and start each one on a new line.

Reading online can be hard on the eyes and readers expect to see white space between the words to make it easier to absorb. Forget your essay writing. This is about organised and easy to read information.

5.Use Headings and sub-headings

You need to use headings to structure your format. Not only does this make it easier for the reader but Google uses headings to find information.

Don’t forget to use title tags (H1 for titles, H2 for subtitles etc) to create an optimum structure.

6.Use Images

Humans like visuals so make sure you include some form of images to make your content stand out. You can put tags on your images to help with search and they can be used when sharing on your social media.

If you want people to see your content then it’s important to share it across social media sites like Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Always post new content across all the sites with a call to action and also include share buttons on your posts for others to share.

8.Include links

It’s a good idea to include a link back to your own website so if your post is picked up elsewhere then the link will lead back to your site. Remember to ensure that your content is good quality, so it is more likely to be shared.

You should always post under your own domain so that it will directly link back to your site.

9.Do your research

Google likes your content to be accurate and to answer questions. So does your audience.

If you want to grow your audience then you need to be producing original content that shows you are an expert in your field and can be helpful to others. Check your facts and use your knowledge to ensure your content is meeting these high standards.

10.Use Google Analytics

I can’t stress enough how important it is to check how you are doing in terms of SEO. Without some analysis you won’t know what is working well and what isn’t.

Google analytics makes it easy for you to look at insights about different aspects. You can find out about your audience and their behaviours.

One really good idea is to check your bounce-back rate. This is where a user skips away quickly after landing on your page. A high bounce back rate basically means that you are not satisfying your audience and you need to think again about your strategy.