Search Engine Optimization (SEO) can be a very confusing concept for a beginner in the digital marketing world. If you want your content read and higher search engine rankings, these 6 tips will help you craft an SEO friendly blog post, article, whatever it may be, for optimal engagement!
Content Type & Length Variation
Search engines love to see content of varying lengths because, like readers, they get bored too. Your site will get more reader engagement, and in turn loads of traffic.
A typical blog post should get your point across without too much “fluff” or without going off topic. The length can vary, but a minimum of 350-500 words tends to be a sweet spot.
The type of content that will offer the best search rankings and high traffic is evergreen content. Evergreen content means the articles or blog information stays relevant no matter if it’s 2003 or 2020. Evergreen content can also be re-published over time and still prove valuable to the audience. It’s advisable to re-visit evergreen posts once in awhile to make sure they are 100% up to date. Popular evergreen posts contain how-to guides, FAQ’s, or defining a specific aspect in your industry.
It’s also beneficial to your posts to spice things up with homemade infographics or relevant pictures from Pinterest or fellow bloggers! Please be sure to give credit to infographics that aren’t your own by linking back to the owner! Canva is a good beginner site to create your own infographics, as well as, Piktochart.
Linking to other Blog Posts, Landing Pages & External Resources
Internally linking to other blog posts has a benefit for both you the blogger and search engines, alike. Readers can explore similar content and it shows you really know your stuff on a certain topic. For search engines, linking gives Google an opportunity to explore every page on your site. Link structure is important for rankings.
When you provide links within your piece to reputable sites, it shows you genuinely want to help whoever is reading your material, further. Search engines appreciate your generosity and will provide you with higher rankings in return.
Remember the goal is to become more SEO friendly!
Update Content Frequently
When your page is updated often Google notices. If you fail to update, Google thinks your site is, essentially dead. Adding new fresh updates improves rankings tremendously!
As for updating your blog, a small business posting once a week should keep pace because readers will expect a post once a week. Once a pattern is set, follow that pattern.
Make your post mobile-friendly
Currently most internet usage is happening on mobile devices. Most notably, on Google’s search engine app. Surprise! If someone is searching on their phone Google displays the mobile friendly results first. Spend some time making your content mobile-friendly, or your rankings could suffer.
Catchy Optimized Blog Title
How will people find your amazing blogs? With a catchy optimized blog title of course! The first thing readers see within search engines is a creative and informative blog title. Depending on where your headline will appear (Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn) the length of your title will vary. If the title is too long, you risk it being cut off in search engine results.
Focusing on keywords will get your post to the right audience.
Integrating Keywords
When creating a new blog post you should first ask yourself who your target market is and what is it they’re actually searching for? When you know what people are already searching for, push that keyword close to the beginning of your title.
Example, you want to write a blog post about Golden Retrievers. With keyword research, people are frequently searching for this breed by typing: dogs that like water. You decide to write a post called “Top 8 Dog who Like Water.” Your blog post shows up on the first page of Google’s search results because of your blog title and post text. Keywords are so important when it comes to getting your content out there and it can make or break your website.
