Writing for SEO is not all that different from writing well in general. You want to make it clear, compelling, and as concise as possible. But there are a few essential SEO writing tips you should know if you\u2019re new to the world of blogging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We\u2019ll start with keywords, word count, and a few notes on style.
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Writing for SEO means choosing your words carefully. If a word or phrase reoccurs throughout a web page, the search engine algorithms are more likely to dig up that page when someone searches for that phrase. Those are your keywords: words and phrases that help to define what your blog post is about.
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An effective keyword is one that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We visit the topic of how to use effective keywords in greater depth here<\/a>. Search engine algorithms look at more than the number of times a keyword reoccurs in a blog post; they also consider its semantic value. Algorithms penalize sites that engage in \u2018keyword-stuffing\u2019, which means cramming a dense volume of keywords into a post to try and game the system. While the ideal keyword density is up for debate, writing for SEO means integrating strategically-chosen keywords into natural-sounding prose. Ironically, it often takes longer to write a concise piece than a lengthy one. But there is such a thing as being too concise when it comes to writing for SEO. Like your high school English teacher, search engine algorithms may take points off if your work is too short. There\u2019s no strict word count for blog writing, but any page with fewer than 300 words may come under scrutiny for having thin content<\/a>. We generally aim for 500 words at minimum. Most readers are looking for fast, clear answers. Don\u2019t bury key information beneath a lengthy introduction or sprinkle it among irrelevant tangents. If you are stretching to reach 500 words, consider broadening your chosen topic. There are two ways to write action. One approach puts the force driving the action first; the second focuses on the person (or place, thing, etc.) at which the action is directed. That\u2019s the simplest way to explain active and passive voice<\/a>, a choice which can have a big effect on a blog post\u2019s readability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What does this have to do with SEO writing tips? It\u2019s simple: the more people enjoy reading your post, the more likely they are to consume it in full, explore the rest of your site, and share it with others. Search engine algorithms take these as signals of a high-quality post that should rank well in the search engine results. With few exceptions active voice makes for clearer, more effective writing. Active voice is generally more concise and transparent than passive voice, and it flows naturally. Try reading some examples of examples of active and passive voice out loud<\/a>: you\u2019ll notice how active voice is smoother. Passive voice, on the other hand, is often stiffer and less exciting compared to active writing. While most readers won\u2019t nit-pick your post for passive voice, it will affect their reading experience. Switching from passive to active voice is a small change that has a big impact on the quality of your work. Grade level is a way of measuring how easy a post is to read. The higher a post\u2019s grade level, the more work it takes to read and comprehend its content. You can assess your post\u2019s grade level using Microsoft Word\u2019s built-in writing tools<\/a> or a free tool like Hemingway Editor<\/a>. Don\u2019t shut out potential readers by using long, complex paragraphs and unnecessary jargon. For a general audience, we recommend aiming for a grade level of six to eight. This limitation also has the benefit of encouraging you to write clearly and concisely. Writing at a sixth-grade level doesn\u2019t mean you should make sixth-grade spelling and grammar mistakes. The occasional typo is fine, but readers are unlikely to read through a post that is rifled with errors.
<\/p>\n\n\n\nDon\u2019t: Stuff Blog Posts Full of Keywords.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Post Length<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nDo: Write At Least 500 Words.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nDon\u2019t: Pad It Out With Fluff.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n3. Active vs. Passive Voice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nDo: Use Active Voice Whenever Possible.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nDon\u2019t: Use Passive Voice Unless You Have To.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n4. Grade Level<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nDo: Write for An Accessible Grade Level.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nDon\u2019t: Make Errors.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n5. Be Connected<\/h2>\n\n\n\n