My common sense approach to writing SEO-friendly content…
Identify keywords: Before writing each page of content, take your sitemap and identify the 5-10 primary keywords or phrases you would like to be found for each page. Then create a second list (for each page) that includes synonyms or secondary search terms for the words on your primary keywords list.
- Keep in mind how someone may search for you
- The more specific you can get your keywords the better – using locations, industry specific terms can help narrow down a search.
- Don’t forget your name is a keyword! So use it often.
- Repetition is very important for SEO friendly content. So, once you’ve chosen your keywords and phrases, you want to repeat it several times throughout your content.
- Aim to repeat keywords and phrases 10-15 times from the headers to the contents to the links. (Keep in mind readability)
Writing content: Search engines prioritize original content (and you do not want to be in trouble for copy write infringement) So avoid taking even small or generic phrases from other sites. You also need to keep in mind the user experience – so write quality, relevant content.
- When writing you will want to use the primary keywords as much as possible (while still being readable) in the first one or two paragraphs. Make the top of the page as keyword dense as possible. (Keep in mind readability)
- Use the secondary list or the synonyms in the third or fourth (to avoid being too repetitive)
- Insert links into your copy – this works best when you link a keyword to another relevant page on your website. For example instead of saying “Click here to learn more” (linking the generic “Click Here” ) say ‘Learn more about our accounting jobs” (linking accounting jobs)
- Proofread, proofread, proofread – you may want to be found for accounting jobs but if you spell it ‘acounting jobs’ the ones who find you may not have the best attention to detail ☺
SEO Friendly Layout:
- Use headers (with keywords) and sub headers (with keywords) before each section
- Bold primary keywords and phrases (but don’t overdo it!) people should know what the pages is going to be about but not be hit in the face with it.
- Use lists instead of paragraphs: lists make it easy to insert your keywords and phrases without being too repetitive. (Try listing “Example Positions”)
Other Considerations:
- When putting a picture on your site (or when sending JXT your images) make sure to name the images with keywords to help your SEO (for example: miningbanner.jpg as opposed to picture1.jpg)
Most importantly you need to write quality, informative and engaging content. Why? Because (here’e the common sense part) the more times someone spends reading your content then the more “time spent on site” increases further boosting your SEO. If they REALLY like your content then they may share it increasing links back to your site (and again increasing your SEO rank).. Bam.
