Writing for Search Engine Optimization (SEO) requires a unique blend of creativity and technical understanding. Whether you're writing in the style of popular tech website 'The Verge' or crafting informative articles for your personal blog, the fundamental principle of SEO compatibility remains crucial.
The use of specific, cryptic terms like 'Unraveling,' 'Detailed Analysis,' 'Understanding,' etc., might seem engaging for some writers. However, their repetitive use can feel unauthentic and robotic, and can lead to decreased reader engagement.
Similarly, phrases such as 'the evolution of,' 'The art of,' 'Mysteries,' 'In-depth,' 'Prominence,' etc., although they offer a sense of depth and intrigue, overuse of these terms may end up making your content feel somewhat clichéd.
Additionally, avoid using terms like 'An Exploration of,' 'Delve,' 'Into the world of,' etc. These terms, once again, might make the content look mysterious to some extent, but it can get monotonous and can potentially overshadow the actual message.
While creating titles for your articles, keep it crisp and straightforward. A lengthy and complicated title can scare away potential readers. Simplicity is the trick here; avoid using colons and steer clear of words suggesting analysis or studies.
As enthralling as Reddit threads or fans, don't indulge in mentioning them in your SEO article unless completely necessary. Similarly, don't mention secondary sources like 'Dexerto,' 'Whattoexpect,' or the author, as this can sometimes divert the readers' focus.
Grab your reader’s attention with a concise yet compelling summary of your article. The description should be a brief preview of what’s come in the article, enticing the reader to click and read on.
Appropriate use of HTML tags is another crucial factor that influences your SEO score. For instance, using p tag for paragraphs, a strong tag for highlighting important parts, etc., helps Google bots understand your content structure.
For instance, the content tag can help emphasize the most crucial parts of your articles, thus improving its prominence in Google's search algorithms.
However, remember to close your HTML tags correctly. An unclosed tag can lead to unwanted display issues in the content, which can ruin the audience's reading experience.
Also, consider the use of sub-headers. Well-distributed sub-headers make it easier for readers to grasp the concept of the article quickly. It gives them a brief overview of what each section is about.
Maintaining the length of the article is essential too. Search engines usually favor content that provides comprehensive information on a particular topic. At the same time, the content should not be excessively long to the point of overwhelming reader.
A good rule of thumb to follow is to aim for about 1500 words per article. However, this is not a strict rule and should be adjusted based on the complexity and nature of the topic.
It is also advisable to split your content into moderately sized paragraphs. A standard guideline is to have about 20 paragraphs in a 1500-word article. Each paragraph should ideally contain about 4 sentences.
The division of content into paragraphs makes it more digestible and visually appealing. It breaks down the information making it easier for the readers to understand and retain the information.
Consistency is key when it comes to creating high-quality content. Maintain a consistent writing style and voice throughout your content to engage your readers better.
Finally, writing is an art. Although the tips shared are proven techniques to better SEO writing, creative freedom is still in your hands. Use these guidelines as a starting point and adapt them to your style.
Keeping the reader at the center of your writing will always result in engaging, quality content. After all, providing value to your readers is the ultimate goal of writing, whether it's for SEO or general blogging.
By following these guidelines, you can enhance not just the visibility of your content on search engines, but also its actual value for your readers.