Want to write content that helps in conversion? Need to create brand awareness for your clients? Then, SEO works wonders here. You need the perfect amalgamation of subject-matter expertise, impeccable writing skills and in-depth knowledge of SEO to create a masterpiece that brings in convertible leads.
Businesses and brands prefer hiring SEO content writers so that their websites rank high in the SERPs. If you, too, wish to work for some reputed brands and companies as an SEO content writer, then you need to acquaint yourself with the latest SEO algorithms. This blog discusses how you can master SEO content writing by following the SEO guidelines. Scroll down to know more!
Top SEO secrets you must know to slay as an SEO content writer
- Choose an eye-ball grabbing headline
The attention span of your reader is too less (around 8 seconds). So, always use a catchy, click-worthy headline which compels the readers to click on the blog and read further. Try adding trigger words and phrases to create the desired impact on the target audience.
- Incorporate the keywords in the sub-headings
Try incorporating primary and secondary keywords in the sub-headings. This will make your content appear in the top search results. Thus, you will experience better traffic on the website.
- Use Alt text for the images you use in the content
Using Alt texts or Alt descriptions allows your website to rank better in the search engine results by describing the images to visually impaired prospects. So, you must always use apt alt texts to describe the images. Try to be as specific as possible while writing alt texts. Make it relatable to the content that you have written. Ensure that your alt description is lesser than 125 characters. You can also use suitable keywords but limit the usage to just 1 or 2 keywords.
- Do not forget to use external and internal links
Internal, as well as external linking, can significantly improve the SEO performance of your content. You can link the blog with an old one from the same website. Also, adding a link to any authority website holds great importance.
- Use crisp and short sentences
Never ever use long, complicated sentences in your content. Search engine optimisation screams the idea of “less is more!” Keep it simple, straightforward and crisp for your target audience. The higher the readability of the content, the better it will perform in search engine results.
- Avoid passive voice at all costs
SEO hates passive voice sentences. So, be direct and use an active voice when writing a piece of content. As mentioned before, SEO wants the sentences to be short and simple. When you use passive voice, the sentence looks complicated, wordy and complex. Hence, use an active voice to get better SEO results.
- Use the keywords in the body of the content smartly
Incorporating keywords in your content is more like an art. You need to do it but without sounding pushy. Keyword incorporation needs to be done naturally. The keywords, especially the long-tail ones, should not break the flow of the readers. They should not impact the readability of the content.
- Divide your content into sub-heads and use bullet-points
Avoid writing endless paragraphs. No one is interested in reading them. Make your content skimmable by dividing it into easy-to-read sub-heads. Use bullet points to make it look appealing and organised.
- Add the primary keyword to the meta description
It is advisable to use the primary keyword in the meta description. This improves the ranking of your content, and it appears easily in the search results of your target audience.
In a nutshell
SEO content writing is no rocket science. By adhering to SEO algorithms and honing up your writing skills, you can easily become quite adept as an SEO content writer. Incorporate these actionable tips into your writing and watch your content perform well in SERPs.
A traveller at heart, writer by profession, Bidisha carries 5 years of experience in content writing. Her words give wings to brands, businesses and influencers and help them notch up their work to the next level. Writing is definitely her cup of tea, and she prefers sipping it now and then. When not writing, you will find her cooking and dancing.