Search engines make algorithm updates all the time. And good content will be preferred, let’s find out how to write an SEO friendly article
Even experienced digital marketing professionals who know the principles of what they need right still need to pay attention to the latest updates and changes. Here we will share SEO tips to help you reach more searchers and rank higher on Google.
What makes content SEO friendly?
There is no single clear answer to this question. SEO friendly content takes into account a wide range of aspects to make sure that readers get high-value, high-quality content and actionable information.
This means adding appropriate keywords, using headings for logical structure, and improving language in meta tags, images, and other media.
Let’s dig deeper:
8 tips on how to write an SEO friendly article
1. Search, search, search
Research is always the first step when you write with a clear goal in mind. But what you need to look for and depth depends on where you’ve already come into in the content creation process and your specific goals. However, to write an SEO friendly article, topic research and keyword research are usually basic.
It helps you understand if you can rank for a topic or keyword and if it will connect with your audience.
Research topics and keywords that you haven’t already covered. Once you discover that your audience will be searching for a particular topic, you can take a look at the relevant keywords. Consider whether you have the ability to arrange for them. Do you have enough authority or other articles on the topic that you can actually complete with articles on the first pages of Google?
If not, you want to build your authority by writing articles on keywords with lower volume. Using a tool like Likeweb can get you accurate information about search volume and who is also ranking for those keywords.
Once you’ve decided on the keywords you want to cover, you can delve into the highest-ranking articles on the first pages of Google and determine the structure, style, and strategies used. Find out what they do and find out how to do it better.
2. Create a logical structure
Draft an outline that guides you or the freelancer as to what should be in the next piece of high-quality content. Don’t forget headlines, keywords, and bullets to break down the structure of your post and support a positive reader experience.
You can get ideas about the potential structure from the blogs and articles you read during the research step. Make sure the structure and addresses are logical. For a refresher, there is one H1 tag per page. This is the page title. For this blog, the H1 tag is “How to Write an SEO Friendly Article in 8 Steps.” H2s are subheadings and always support the main point of the post (in H1). H3 supports those H2s. In this post “2. Find, Find, Find,” is the H3 subtitle.
Google is looking for a clear and easy-to-follow architecture for a positive user experience. If users find your structure confusing or can’t navigate and bounce, Google will notice and won’t direct people to your post.
Another thing to consider: keywords are in your head. If you can add them naturally, that’s great, otherwise don’t stress too much.
Another consideration: the length of the blog. Check the length of high-ranked articles for the same term to get an idea of the ideal length. Above all, be sure to provide complete information to answer the search query.
Pro tip: Tools like Clearscope or MarketMuse are a good place to check out the competition and create an outline with useful information to set yourself up for success in the drafting stage.
3. Optimize your profile
The meta title is the title that appears on Google. This is one of the parameters Google uses to rank your post, so be sure to use your keyword and use it near the front. It should be about 60 characters long, otherwise it will be cut off.
In addition to the meta title, meta descriptions are also important, although they are not a ranking factor. This is the description below the title and is (about 150-160 characters) a summary of your article. Google search results page, to help searchers understand if your content answers their query or question. It is important to improve the meta tag by adding the target keywords you selected to a piece of content.
Readers subconsciously check the meta description and their keywords are highlighted. It’s another opportunity to get their attention (along with the attention of search engines). Google may change the meta description, but it’s a good idea to include a call to action at the end of the meta description if it’s shown, it may prompt searchers to click and contribute to improving rankings over time.
4. Add an internal link above the correct words
Do you have other pieces of content or pages on your website related to the article or blog you are writing? You’ll want to link to it. Only link once, otherwise it could be a problem.
Make sure the links are useful and contain only a few words. Now that we come to the topic of words. The actual words you add the link to are important. This anchor text is stronger in the eyes of Google if it matches the keywords being promoted on the page you are linking to.
Linking internally for SEO optimization
For example, if I’m creating a link to the home page of a similar site, it’s better to link via “similar website” rather than the words “click here”.
You can develop a map to ensure that your link supports SEO, or even integrate it into your CMS. This type of linking helps bloggers and other websites to improve their search engine results.
5. Include keywords – of course
The key is to use keywords effectively, to show Google and search engines that you know what you’re talking about. This means adding your keywords and other related terms multiple times in the text in a way that makes sense and isn’t forced. No keyword stuffing!
Readability is the key here. When you’re done blogging about a particular topic, take a step back and see if it makes sense and that you enjoy reading it. Maybe even try reading it out loud and improving as you go.
6. Make it visible
Adding images can help you convey the message or clarify text. Images, videos, and other forms of media help enhance your content and make it SEO-friendly and user-centric.
Make sure you have the rights to use the images you include. Ideally, you have designers, but you can also purchase images when necessary, or find free resources like a Creative Commons license.
Pay attention to the appearance of the post. You don’t want the user to scroll and not come to any images. This can be good, overwhelming. Use pictures wisely.
7. Media tags and optimization
When using images and media, you should be sure to optimize them and include alt text. This helps Google arrange images for image search, and it also helps users with limited visual abilities or different disabilities/abilities. Screen readers can read the alt text, to let the user know what’s on, so they can still get the full experience.
However, it is important to keep this in mind and write clear alt text. You can also add the keyword if it makes sense.
8. Track your results
Once your blog is published, you want to measure and track its performance. Start by monitoring target keyword ranking
1- Use rank tracker to track keyword rank performance over time: Take advantage of our recently acquired rank tracker to help you stay on track with all your keywords and pages. The rank tracking tool provides a large number of data and metrics so you can quickly identify any issues. Instantly discover changes in the entire competitive ranking landscape for the keywords you follow.
2- Use a similar tool to check organic traffic, and keep tabs on how many people read your blog, if they come back, and if they click on links.
And if something doesn’t work, change it. The blog must be constantly modified according to the needs of the market in order to stay relevant.
