As a copywriter, you know your job is to write quality work that everyone loves, wants to read, and is well-known. As a copywriter focusing on SEO, however, you need to do all of the above while focusing on a certain subject or keyword. Before you start running for the hills out of nervousness and confusion, take a minute to breath; SEO copywriting is not as difficult as it seems! That is, if you know and abide by a few helpful tips that make your writing shine. Luckily, these tips have been passed down by the gods to allow copywriters like us the chance to shine. Crosscheck your next piece of work with these tips the next time you go to submit; you’ll be glad you did.
1. The Headline Is King.
While you may have heard the popular expression, ‘Content is King,’ here, you should understand that the title has taken over the throne. It’s not that content isn’t important – obviously it is – but the title is what is going to attract readers to your piece in the first place, so unless you have a catchy, alluring, and intriguing title, the chances of having your piece read at all is slim to none. Do your best to come up with a captivating title while using your given keyword; this needs to be used in your title because without it, you aren’t exactly practicing good SEO.
2. Ask A Question.
Asking a question is an easy way to capture the attention of your readers. For example, if you saw the question ‘Are You Struggling To Sleep Through The Night?’ you might assume that this article may provide some relief to your problem. Any way that you can make the reader think and become inquisitive about a subject is an easy way to lure them in to the content of your article. Again, don’t forget to use your keywords as they should be placed numerous times throughout your piece.
3. Use Lists & Numbers.
This blog post, for example, caught your eye. Why? Maybe it’s because you really enjoy copywriting, but maybe it’s because you knew there would be a promise of ten quick and easy facts to read. Society as a whole today loves to scan things rather than reading them, so anything we can give them that’s quick, easy, and memorable is something that they’re going to appreciate. Using a numbered list is easy to read, jot down, and understand, by customers and search engines alike, so consider using one the next time you go and write.
4. Avoid Weak Words.
People don’t want to read things that will ‘maybe’ or ‘perhaps’ or ‘possibly’ help them; they want to know exactly what they’re going to gain from your piece and how. Be confident in your writing and tell your readers exactly what you’re going to give them. Being direct is both helpful for search engines and customers alike, so using quick and factual terms is beneficial for everyone involved.
5. Fulfill Your Promises.
Okay, so you’ve mastered your title and captivated the attention of your audience. Now it’s time to get to the content of your piece. First, you need to make sure that any promises made in your title are fulfilled to a tee in your content. Promising 10 tips? Deliver the 10 tips. Offering a 5 step guide? Give the 5 steps. Neither your audience nor any search engine is going to appreciate lying or trickery, so be honest in both your title and your delivery. This will help your SEO ranking along with your reputation.
6. Write In A Reasonable Way.
As you’re writing your promising content, you need to make sure that your writing style and usage mirrors that of your audiences. What this means is writing in a style and language and they will understand and will respond to. There is no need to be technical and write a piece full or jargon that no one will understand; instead write in a manner that is relatable, conversational, and fun all the while using your keywords.
7. Don’t Overdo It.
With that being said, while it’s important to use your keywords throughout your piece, you definitely don’t want to overdo it. Keyword stuffing not only is confusing and annoying to your readers, but it is also a giant red flag to search engines. Often times, spam and other untrustworthy pieces of information are keyword stuffed, and the last thing you want for search engines to do is put your work in that same category. Instead of trying to push the envelope, simply write what comes naturally and slip your keywords in in a subtle way; you’ll be keeping everyone happy this way.
8. Use Sub-Headlines.
A great way to break up your keywords and fit them in in a subtle way would be through the use of sub-headlines. Not only are sub-headlines visually pleasing, they also help maintain an order and structure within your piece and keep the focus strong. You’re able to use the keywords within your sub-headlines and in the content below them, so they are an easy way to subtly squeeze in a few extra keywords. Again, people love lists and organization, so keep they headlines coming – the views will too.
9. Include Graphics.
Not only do graphics help gain the attention of your readers, they also can be another great way to subtly use your keywords. By simply creating, taking, or downloading an image and saving it to your computer, you’re able to name it anything you’d like, including one of your keywords. Although this is something that your readers may not pick up on, it’s something that search engines will, and the picture itself is also a great help.
10. Write For Everyone.
If you’ve taken anything at all from this post it should be that whatever your write should be aimed at both your audience and the search engines. Give your audience what they want to hear; write in a way that they understand and enjoy; use pictures to help illustrate your point; but all the while make sure to do your job as an SEO copywriter, meaning placing those keywords throughout. You not only want your intended audience to love your work, but perhaps also other inquisitive searchers. Perfecting the right balance may take time, but by following these tips, you’ll be well on your way.
What tips to you have for SEO Copywriting? Let us know in the comment section below.
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By Ken Franzen
President / Co-Founder of Neon Goldfish
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