To Write For SEO Or Not To Write For SEO
When it comes to writing content, articles or even blog posts for your site there’s a concept that Internet Marketing professionals like to talk about, which is writing for “Search Engines”. Basically this means you write content so it perfectly fits the search engine algorithm, which should then result in higher rankings.
Now in principle this makes sense, if you’re putting content on your site you should make it so the content adds to your Search Engine Rankings. Unfortunately though some writers and business owners take this a little bit too far, the content becomes so targeted to search engines that it almost becomes unreadable for website users.
It’s important to understand the purpose of writing search engine targeted content is to generate new visitors to your site. Those visitors will ultimately end up reading this search engine targeted content. So not only does it need to be content that gets great rankings but it also needs to be content that generates results.
This is the big mistake business owners make they forget about making sure the content will generate results. They are so focused on getting the Search Engine Ranking that they don’t make readable, interesting and persuasive copy. You can probably tell that we’re passionate about this topic, in fact we’ve got a couple of rules for you to follow when creating content for your site!
Rule #1: The Visitor Comes First
When creating content for your site the number one focus for your content should be the visitor. Make sure the content is readable, engaging and persuasive so it takes your visitor from browser to buyer.
Rule #2: Don’t Write To Length, Write To Result
This is a very important part of writing content, some people have a set goal of writing 400 words, as that’s generally a great length for search engine purposes. But there’s no need to make content longer or shorter then is required, if it takes 100 words to convey the message then use 100 words. If it takes 1000 words to convey the message then use 1000 words. The most important part is getting the message across, not the length.
Rule #3: SEO The Content AFTER Writing The Content
A little tip we’ve picked up over the last few years is to write the content completely and then once it’s written go back and check for keyword density, keyword placement and heading use. It’s a lot easier to edit great content and make it SEO friendly rather then edit SEO content and make it visitor friendly.
Keep these 3 rules in mind when you are creating content for your site, and for a little bit of humor, leave a comment below with the WORST written content you’ve come across on the web…
I would love to hear your content creation tips below? Go nuts!
Your rule #3 of “SEO The Content AFTER Writing The Content” is a very good tip. If you take the time to write every day, then you should find that you come up with great content (along with some rubbish too of course). Next, we can take your advice and look for keyword placement after coming up with a viral post. (One can wish!)
Hi Guys, I am enjoying the posts! I don’t have a clue about SEO but I found your article helpful (i.e. I understand SEO more than I ever have but please don’t give me a pop quiz.) Are you an Australia-only company or do you ever work with Americans?
Basically, I create content for my website without too much trouble but I never seem to be able to get the keyword placement (or is that keyword density?) right. Thank you, Nina Davis
We write our content together. It’s unconventional because it takes longer but we find it helps keep us focused.
We do admit to being very guilty of keyword placement before ever writing a word of content. We will definitely try your rule and see if it’s easier to write without the pressure of the looming keyword. Thanks for the idea.
Good thought, “Don’t Write To Length, Write To Result”
I get tired of lengthy web content that is keyword dense but not at all interesting. Some of the best blog posts are short and sweet.
My best “content creation” tip is to think about what’s made you laugh recently (a joke, a film, a terrible piece of web content) and see if there is any way to share the joke with others. I don’t mean that you start your article with “A man walks into a bar…” but I do mean that you make some connections between humor and what you’re trying to convey.
The “WORST written content” that I’ve come across? Where do I begin? Certain “money making” websites that are just one big keyword fest. Each sentence is “Do you want to make money?” spun into a hundred different sentences. By the end, you’ll click any link they offer just to make it stop.
Once you write a post packed full of keywords, don’t keep changing the post or altering the keywords to find out if Google will rank you higher with a certain KW. I did that and found that Google then changes everything around and you end up with less visibility. Wendy
ASK YOURSELF IF YOU WOULD WANT TO READ THE CONTENT THAT YOU CREATE. IS IT SOMETHING THAT WOULD MAKE YOU WANT TO BUY THE PRODUCT OR PAY FOR THE SERVICE? BE HONEST. SOME ONLINE WRITING IS SO BORING.
Hello, would you have any strategies for keyword research? Any websites that are better than others to discover niche keywords?
Hi John,
do a quick search in the search bar above and you will find some posts. Also check out http://www.internetmarketsamurai.com for a great keyword mining tool
Always a smart idea to be as natural as possible when using key words so your Rule 3 is a good one. It’s very easy for me to see when a writer has gone bonkers with keywords. Not a pretty sight OR site.
A lot of websites forget your rule 1 that the “visitor comes first” and they fill their articles like a Facebook status update with personal anecdotes that may or may not interest other people. If the stories have an angle on their niche, then personal is fine. But a lot of it doesn’t add value.
I like the personal stories, Jay! If I want facts, then I’ll read an encyclopedia. Facts are helpful but if you want a customer to buy your product or pay attention to what you’re saying, then it’s worth wooing them with a little light conversation first.