The Mission
Every writer, seasoned or amateur, strives for improvement. When diving into creating content for a Search Engine Optimization (SEO) approach, writers must shift gears. Let's embark on perfecting the art to present long-form, engaging, and detailed articles imitating the writing style of a leading-edge tech media outlet, 'The Verge. '
Don't Get Lost in Jargon
It can be tempting to get creative with titles, but this isn't always beneficial for SEO purposes. Avoid using obscure terms like 'delve', 'Unraveling', 'evolution', 'Prominence' or 'Exploring'. By simplifying your language, your articles are likelier to appear in Google search results.
Avoid Colons in Titles
Colons in titles can come across as overly academic or formal. Furthermore, they can also distort your article's purpose. Remember, your primary goal is to make your content accessible to a broader audience, which includes those not proficient in the topic you're writing about.
Stick to Plain English
Plain English lets your work appear more relatable and easy to understand. Using jargon or overly complex language can alienate readers. Simplicity doesn’t mean watering down the content; it only means making it more accessible.
Pruning- Keep it Tight and Reins in Rambling
While your task is to create a detailed article with a considerable word count, this doesn't give you the leeway to fill pages with fluff. Stay true to your topic, and maintain a consistent flow while keeping a central theme throughout your content.
Keyword Optimization
Avoid stuffing your content with 'prominent' keywords. Organically-used relevant words add to the article's integrity, and unnatural keyword use can lead to Google penalizing your content.
Formatting Matters
Adhering to proper HTML formatting is crucial. Writing directly in HTML can be tricky, so it's best to write your content first and then focus on adding the HTML tags afterward.
Paragraph Structure
SEO-friendly posts need structure. Typically, four sentences per paragraph are a good rule of thumb. Each paragraph should outline a complete thought or argument. Don't feel compelled to prolong it; conciseness is key.
Shy Away from Indirect References
Steer clear of indirect references to fans or Reddit, and avoid name-dropping Dexerto. Your focus should be to generate original, high-quality content rather than piggybacking off others' platforms or networks.
Subheads are Essential
Subheads make your content more scannable, thus improving the reader’s experience. Moreover, Google appreciates content structured with clear, meaningful subheaders— just one more reason to incorporate them.
Authorship & Attribution
Don’t be tempted to mention the author's name in the copy. Google’s algorithms favor content that appears impersonal and informational, rather than promotional or personal. Attribution should be made where necessary, but not to the point of distraction.
Avoid Concluding Phrases
SEO content does not need a traditional conclusion. Terms like 'In Conclusion,' 'dive into,' or 'delve into' add no value to your SEO efforts and can be done away with altogether.
Avoid References to Other Platforms
Linking to or referencing other platforms such as WhatToExpect can divert your readers' attention away from your content. Steer clear of name-dropping other forums to maintain the quality and integrity of your content.
Engage Without Fan-Fare
While engaging readers is vital, avoid using the term 'fans.' Not all of your readers will be fans, and using this term may alienate those casual browsers or new site visitors from engaging with your content.
Stay Authentic
While you are mimicking another writing style, do not lose your unique voice. It’s important to inject your spin to make the tone of the material relatable and interesting even while keeping to the SEO constraints.
Focused Keywords
Research and integrate well-focused keywords throughout your content. A focused keyword drives the nature and flow of your copy since it sets the tone for what the article will talk about.
Word Limit Parameters
Every content piece you create should meet a specific word count, in this case, 1500 words. Large word counts might be daunting, but if you've done your research and planned your subheads well, you'll find the words add up quickly.
Follow a Writing Style
While writing, stick to the writing style of 'The Verge.' This doesn't mean copying verbatim, but understanding their tone, language use, approach to a topic, and use of visual aids.
Avoid Using Clichés
Clichés are a no-go area in SEO writing. The phrase 'an exploration of' is a glaring cliché in this realm. Try to come up with more creative ways to convey similar sentiments.