The purpose of SEO copywriting is to increase the relevance of the written content. We are not only writing for the readers, but we also have to write for the search engines.
We, as writers, need to know what they are looking for, and then, provide them with what they want. In short, SEO copywriting helps to solve the queries of the readers with well written content. Search engine optimization copywriting is a step-by-step process. This guide walks you through each step of SEO copywriting.
SEO copywriting follows a similar goal but focuses on the content creation process, ensuring that it delivers maximum value and readability for Google as well as regular users looking for information. With each round of updates Google’s primary focus has always been on making search results more relevant to its users.
This is good news for content creators because if your focus is on building the best possible website for your audience, you are already optimizing for higher Google rankings. Still, there are additional steps to maximizing those rankings.
Headline
To get started with SEO copywriting, you need to write your headline. Not just a simple headline, but this time you have to include keywords in it. By having relevant keywords in your headline, you will have more chances to rank when people are searching for it.
The title is important not only for the readers but also for the writers like us as it will give direction to our writing. Trust me, because I’ve been through that stage where I just kept writing and forgot about the title. In the end, I spoiled the whole article. So, be sure to have a title before you start writing!
Keyword Research
Before you start writing, you need to know your topic. That’s why keyword research is essential. You want to target specific keywords that are relevant to your website’s established location and have less competition (which gives you a much higher chance of landing on the SERP first).
Optimization of Keywords
Don’t forget to keep an eye on keyword density. You may think that you already have enough keywords, but it is always safer to check the number of keywords used in an article.
As you know, your article cannot have excessive keyword density because Google can penalize you for including too many keywords.
To keep things under control, let me share with you guys a keyword density formula:
Keyword density= (No of keywords / total words in article)X 100
- Plan and outline your article
- keywords? check.
- Search intent? check.
- Time to start writing?
- Before you start writing, ask yourself:
- What is the purpose of the article?
- Are you hoping to inform, educate, promote a product or service, solve a problem, or answer a question?
- What do I want to achieve?
- What is your ultimate goal?
Knowing who will find and read your content is just as important as knowing what you are writing about.
If you are speaking to a Gen Z audience, your tone and language will not be the same as if you were addressing an audience of 65+. How will I order the information I submit?
What are the logical steps you need to take to get involved? For example, many articles present a problem and then propose a list of solutions to address the said problem.
Which structure will best frame my content? A list, for example, would be laid out differently than a how-to article.
Reader Friendly Content
You’re not only writing for Google to recognize your content, you’re also writing for humans to read. Therefore, you have to create engaging and easy to read content.
Use interesting visuals in your posts. You should tell stories through pictures. Our brains love visuals, which is why you need to include some visuals in your blog posts because too many words will lose readers’ interest.
Use Storytelling Techniques
You can incorporate your real life experience into the content because a personal story carries emotion, and emotions are what make readers feel.
Readers need to relate to your story in order to be inspired. When they are inspired by your story, they will share your article with their family and friends.
Structure your Article
As you create your outline, pay attention to the structure of your article. Readability is important not only to Google, but to readers who may be skimming through your article on a mobile device. Be on the lookout for such opportunities.
Publishing Your Content
Write your Meta Description
When you are finished writing the content, the next thing to do is to write the meta description. Also, include keywords in your meta description to improve relevance Planning Your URLs Last but not least, you have to plan the URL for your blog post because URL can really affect your ranking in Google.
This is also one of the reasons why I mentioned that you should include keywords in your title, the same goes for your URL.
judge your own writing
Moving on to the last step before publishing, you should always remember to check your work. Clear your mind and imagine yourself as a reader.
- Read the article again and ask yourself: Is the title catchy?
- Have I included keywords in the title, content, meta description, and URL?
- Are there too many keywords in a blog post?
- Does the content benefit me as a reader? Are the sentences too long?
- Do I have enough pictures in my blog post to attract readers?
- Have I provided data to support my facts?
Conclusion
SEO copywriting is a process. If you’re whipping up articles without much research or planning, you won’t see the same level of success as if you slather on content creation with a step-by-step approach.
Hope these SEO copywriting tips are useful for you guys and you can basically get the idea why you cannot have copywriting without SEO and vice versa.