Copywriting is an important skill for any business, whether you’re selling a product or a service. However, when writing SEO copywriting, there are a few additional things to keep in mind so that your content is as search engine friendly as possible.
In this guide, we’ll go over the basics of SEO copywriting and give you some tips on how to write effective web copy that will help your business get more visitors online. So if you want to learn more about how to optimize your website content for Google and other search engines, read on!
What is SEO?
SEO, or search engine optimization, is the process of improving a website’s visibility and ranking in search engine results pages (SERPs).
SEO includes optimizing the website itself as well as optimizing its content. The goal of SEO is to attract more visitors to the Internet, which can lead to higher sales or greater brand awareness.
SEO can be divided into two main categories: on-page SEO and off-page SEO. On-page SEO refers to optimizing the website itself, e.g. by improving the structure or adding relevant keywords. Off-page SEO, on the other hand, refers to factors that lie outside of the website, e.g. Link building and engagement on social media. Both on-page SEO and off-page SEO are important to get good SEO results.
What is copywriting?
SEO copywriting is about writing content for the web that is both search engine friendly and resonates with your target audience.
It is a combination of SEO and copywriting techniques used to create content that ranks well in the search engine results pages (SERPs) and drives traffic to your website.
To do this, SEO copywriters need to understand how search engines work and what people search for online. They then use that knowledge to write content that is optimized for both search engines and people. This includes using the right keywords, structuring the content in a way that is easy to read and understand, and making sure the content is relevant to the user’s search query.
Why is SEO Copywriting Important?
SEO copy is important because it can help your website rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs) and attract more visitors. Writing good SEO copy makes your website easier for search engines to crawl and index, which means your website has a better chance of ranking for relevant keywords and phrases. Additionally, well-written SEO copy can help convince online shoppers to visit your website and buy your products or services.
What measures are there in SEO copywriting?
SEO copywriting requires some key actions to be successful. Here are some of the top SEO copywriting measures to keep in mind:
Keywords
The first and most important measure when writing SEO texts is choosing the right keywords. Keywords are the words and phrases that people use when searching for information online. By choosing the right keywords, you can ensure that your content appears in front of the people who are already interested in what you have to offer.
In order to choose the right keywords, you need to understand your target audience and what they are looking for. Once you know that, you can use keyword research tools like Google AdWords Keyword Planner and semrush.com to find the right keywords for your SEO copywriting project.
Once you have a list of keywords, you need to use them in your content in a natural and effective way. That means you’re using them in the right places, e.g. in the headings, in the body text and in the alt tags of the images. Beware of keyword stuffing, i. H. if a keyword is used too often in a piece of content, as this can negatively impact your SEO.
Headlines
Your headlines are the first thing people will see when they find your content on a search engine. That’s why it’s important that your headlines grab attention and are relevant to the rest of your content.
Your headlines should also include your target keywords as this will help your content rank higher in the search engines. However, don’t overload your headlines with too many keywords, as this could affect readability and negatively impact your search engine optimization.
In addition to including keywords, your headlines should also be memorable and interesting. A good headline makes people want to click on your content and learn more about what you have to say.
Content length
The length of your content is important for two reasons. First, shorter content is generally easier to read and understand than longer content. Second, longer content tends to rank better in search engines because it tends to be considered more comprehensive and authoritative.
Still, there is no magic number when it comes to SEO copy and content length. It is important that your content is long enough to adequately cover the topic and address the needs of your target audience.
If you’re not sure how long your SEO text should be, look at the top-ranking results for your target keywords and see how much content they have. This will give you a good idea of how long your text should be at least.
Images and Videos
By including images and videos in your content, you can make it more engaging and attractive. In addition, search engines tend to rate content with multimedia elements higher than pure text content.
When including images and videos in your SEO copy, make sure to include relevant keywords in the filenames and alt tags. This will help your content rank better in image search results.
Including multimedia is also a great way to break up your content and make it easier to understand. After all, a picture says more than a thousand words.
Internal links
In SEO copywriting, an internal link is a link from one page on your site to another page on your site. Internal links are important because they help search engines understand your site’s structure and find new content.
Also, internal links can help improve your site’s SEO by passing link juice from one page to another. Link juice is a measure of a website’s strength or authority. The more link juice a website has, the better it ranks in search engine results.
To reap the benefits of internal linking, you should link to other pages on your site whenever it makes sense to do so. However, don’t overdo it or you risk damaging your SEO. Too many internal links can be considered artificial by search engines and result in penalties.
Meta description
A meta description is a brief summary of your content that appears under your title in search engine results. Meta descriptions are important because they give searchers an idea of what your page is about and can influence their decision to click on your result.
When writing SEO copy, it’s important to write meta descriptions that are both relevant and interesting. Remember that your meta descriptions are not just for SEO purposes, they are also there to get people to click on your content.
If you’re not sure how to write a good meta description, look at the top results for your target keywords and see how they did. This gives you a good overview of what works and what doesn’t.
Meta title
A meta title is the title of your page that appears in search engine results. Meta titles are important because they give searchers an idea of what your page is about and can influence their decision to click on your result.
When writing SEO copy, it’s important to write meta titles that are both relevant and interesting. Remember that your meta titles are not just for SEO purposes, but also to get visitors to click on your content.
If you’re not sure how to write a good meta title, look at the top results for your target keywords and see what they did. This gives you a good overview of what works and what doesn’t.
H1 tag
The H1 tag is the most important headline tag on your page. Heading tags are used to structure your content and make it easier to read. The H1 tag should be used for the main title of your page and contain your target keyword.
Your H1 tag should be unique and accurately describe the content of your page. Avoid generic phrases like “Welcome to my website” or “Check out my new blog post”.
Including your target keyword in the H1 tag is a great way to signal to search engines what your page is about. However, don’t overload your H1 tag with keywords or you risk being penalized by the search engines.
H2 and H3 tag
H2 and H3 tags are secondary and tertiary heading tags, respectively. Heading tags are used to structure your content and make it easier to read.
The H2 tag should be used for subheadings on your page and can contain your target keyword. The H3 tag can be used for more subheadings or as a way to break up your content into smaller sections.
Including your target keyword in the H2 and H3 tags is a great way to signal to search engines what your page is about. However, don’t overload your heading tags with keywords or you risk getting penalized by the search engines.
Keyword frequency
Keyword frequency indicates how often a keyword appears on a page. When optimizing your SEO copy, it’s important to use your target keyword a few times in the content. However, don’t overdo it or you risk getting penalized by the search engines.
A good rule of thumb is to use the target keyword 2-5 times for every 100 words in your content. This ensures your keyword is used enough to be relevant, but not too much to be considered spammy.
In addition to using your target keyword throughout the text, you should also use it in the title, H1 tag, and meta description. This helps search engines understand what your page is about and can improve your ranking in search results.
External link
An external link is a link to another website. External links are important for search engine optimization because they show search engines that your website is connected to other relevant websites.
Including some external links in your SEO text is a good way to show search engines that your website is relevant and connected to other websites. However, do not overdo it with external links, otherwise, you risk being penalized by the search engines.
A good rule of thumb is 1-2 external links for every 100 words in your content. This ensures that your SEO text is relevant and informative without being overloaded with links.
Create organized, easy-to-read content
Half of the US population reads below the 8th-grade reading level. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t read more complicated texts.
People use search engines to look for specific answers or advice. That means they want an answer quickly, without sifting through lots of complex paragraphs.
If your content isn’t user-friendly, it probably won’t get many likes, shares, or conversions.
The first step is to know your target audience. While professionals in certain industries may be looking for something deeper, it’s still important to keep things legible. In this case, writing up to 12th-grade reading level would work just fine.
Let’s dive into some ways to make your copy more readable.
- Good structure: A good structure guides users and search engines through your content as smoothly as possible. Each new point should be reflected in the H2, H3 and H4 headings. According to our research, 36% of articles with H2 and H3 tags perform better in terms of traffic, shares, and backlinks.
- Skim-able Headlines: Readers typically skim articles before reading them. According to the Nielsen Norman Group study, only 16% of people read your texts word for word. Headings should inform readers what they will learn from reading individual paragraphs or the page as a whole. Think about user intent, provide answers in your headlines, and elaborate on them in the following sections.
- Clear and Informative Paragraphs: Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence that leads to the following sentences. The goal is that each paragraph should be easy to understand on its own.
- Simplified Language: Use short sentences and words that your target audience will understand. Jargon and industry terms can be intimidating or confusing for some readers, so it’s important to use language everyone can understand.
- Subtopics within the copy: Your previous keyword research should inform the subtopics in your copy. As users search for a specific query, they also likely have follow-up questions for you to answer. Be sure to use H2s, H3s, and H4s to include related subtopics. It’s also important to structure these subtopics in a logical order.
- Simple vocabulary: using simple vocabulary will help users understand your content more easily. It also ensures that your content can be read by anyone, regardless of their reading level.
SEO copywriting is a great way to improve your website’s ranking in search results. By incorporating your target keyword into your content and employing other SEO best practices, you can signal to search engines that your site is relevant and informative. This can help you attract more visitors to your website and improve your business.
11 tips to improve your SEO copywriting
1. Create the best content by analyzing the top ranking pages
SEO copywriting is all about understanding what Google is looking for when it comes to ranking pages. By understanding the top-ranked pages for a given topic, you can get an idea of the content that performs well and emulate that in your own work.
If you look at the top results for SEO copy, you’ll likely see a few similarities. First, the top-ranked pages are usually well-written and engaging. They also contain lots of relevant keywords and phrases, which helps them rank higher on search engine results pages (SERPs).
Another feature of the top sites is that they focus heavily on usability.
This means that the authors of these sites have taken steps to ensure that their readers can easily find what they are looking for and that they enjoy reading the content.
If you want to improve your own SEO, you should focus on writing engaging content that includes lots of relevant keywords and phrases. Also, you should focus on providing your readers with a positive user experience. If you keep these things in mind, you’ll be well on your way to ranking higher in the SERPs.
2. Use the ASMR formula to make your content effortless to consume
Make your posts easy to read by following the ASMR formula:
- A- Notes: Adding notes, margin notes, and other elements like block quotes and call-out boxes help break up the monotony of the post.
- S- Short: Short sentences and paragraphs. Long sentences are difficult to understand. Find instances where you used transitional words like “and,” “because,” and “that.” Break them down into shorter statements.
- M-Multimedia: such as videos, images and GIFs. These can help illustrate your points without having to add additional words.
- R-Read: Read your text aloud to identify areas where your content isn’t flowing smoothly.
This can help you spot errors and make necessary changes.
3. Attract your readers with the PAS formula
The Problem Agitation Solve (PAS) formula is a great way to attract your readers and get them interested in what you have to say. The problem is the question that needs to be solved, the excitement is the tension that builds as the problem is discussed, and the solution is the answer to the problem.
When writing SEO texts, the PAS formula can help you rank better on the search engine results pages. By addressing your reader’s problem and offering a solution, you can pique their interest and keep them reading. Not only will this improve your search engine optimization, but it will also help establish you as an authority in your field.
4. Enhance the reading experience with a table of contents
If you want to make your content more user-friendly, you should add a table of contents. A table of contents allows readers to quickly and easily find the information they are looking for. Not only is this helpful for search engine optimization, but it can also improve the reading experience for your readers.
To add a table of contents, simply make a list of the topics you will cover in your post. Then add links to each section so readers can jump to the section they’re reading. You can also add a brief description of each section to help readers decide whether to read it or not.
Adding a table of content is an easy way to improve your content’s usability and make it more SEO-friendly.
5. Use keyword-rich titles and descriptions
When writing SEO copy, it’s important to use keyword-rich titles and descriptions. A title and description are the first things people see when they find your content in search results. If you want to rank higher, you need to make sure your title and description are optimized for SEO.
To optimize your title, you should put your keyword at the beginning of the title. The closer to the beginning the better. Also, keep your title short and concise. Finally, make sure your title is relevant to the content of your post.
Your description should be optimized in a similar way. Insert your keyword right at the beginning and make sure it’s relevant to the rest of your content. Keep your description short and sweet, as users will only read a few lines before deciding whether or not to click on your post.
6. Structure your posts with headings and subheadings
When writing SEO copy, it is important to structure your posts with headings and subheadings. Headings and subheadings break up your content and make it easier to read. They also give you the option to use keywords in your post.
To optimize your headlines, you should use keyword-rich phrases. The closer to the beginning of the headline, the better. Also, keep your headlines short and concise. Finally, make sure your headlines are relevant to the rest of your content.
Subheadings are a great way to break up your content and add more keywords. Similar to the headlines, you should use keyword-rich phrases and keep them short and relevant. By using headings and subheadings, you can improve the search engine optimization of your content and make it more user-friendly.
7. Increase your CTR with the title tag
Your title tag is the most important part of your SEO text. The title tag is what appears in the search engine results pages (SERPs) when someone searches for a keyword that you’ve optimized for.
To increase your CTR, you should use a keyword-rich title that is relevant to your content. Also, keep your title short and to the point. Finally, make sure your title includes a call to action so searchers know what to do next.
By increasing your CTR, you can improve your SEO and get more people to click on your content.
8. Write in the language of your audience
When writing SEO copy, it is important to write in the language of your target audience. That means using the keywords and phrases they’re looking for. It also means using a tone and style that is appropriate for them.
To find the right keywords and phrases, you can use a keyword research tool like the Google AdWords Keyword Planner. Once you find the right keywords, you should use them throughout your content, including the title, headings, and subheadings.
If you write in the language of your target audience, you can improve the search engine optimization of your content and make it more relevant to them.
9. Use CTAs to guide readers through your marketing funnel
A call to action (CTA) is a statement that prompts the reader to take a specific action. CTAs are often used to guide readers through a marketing funnel. For example, you could use a CTA to encourage someone to read another blog post, sign up for your email list, or download a white paper.
To optimize your CTAs, you should use keyword-rich phrases that are relevant to your content. You should also make sure that your CTAs are clear and concise. Finally, you should use a CTA that’s appropriate for the particular stage of the marketing funnel you’re targeting.
By using CTAs, you can improve the search engine optimization of your content and guide readers through your marketing funnel.
10. Promote your content
Once you’ve written SEO copy, it’s important to promote your content. The more people see your content, the more likely it is to be clicked and shared.
There are a number of ways to distribute your content. You can share them on social media, syndicate them through an RSS feed, or submit them to directories and aggregators. You can also use paid advertising to promote your content.
This allows you to increase the reach of your SEO texts and ensure that more people see them.
11. Monitor your results
The final step in SEO copywriting is to monitor your results. That means you need to keep track of your traffic, CTR, and conversions.
You can use Google Analytics to track your traffic. To track your CTR, you can use a tool like Google AdWords Keyword Planner. And to track your conversions, you can use a tool like Crazy Egg.
By monitoring your results, you can see what’s working and what’s not. This is how you can improve your SEO texts over time.
What mistakes are commonly made when writing SEO texts and how can you avoid them?
1. Not using the right keywords
One of the most common SEO copywriting mistakes is not using the right keywords. Keywords are the words or phrases people use when searching for information on the Internet. In order to rank high in search engine results, it is important to use relevant keywords in your text.
2. The text is not easy to read
Another mistake that is often made when writing SEO texts is that the text is not easy to read. People tend to skim online content, so making sure your text is easy to read is important. Use short paragraphs and clear headings to break up your text and make it easier for readers to find the information they are looking for.
3. No calls for action included
A third mistake that is often made when writing SEO texts is not including a call-to-action. A call-to-action is a statement or button that prompts the reader to take a specific action, e.g. to click on a link or to register for a newsletter. A call-to-action can help increase conversions. So be sure to include a call-to-action in your text if you want readers to take action after reading the text.
4. No monitoring of outcomes
A common mistake when writing SEO copy is not monitoring the results. It’s important to monitor your traffic, CTR, and conversions so you can see what’s working and what’s not. By monitoring your results, you can improve your SEO copy over time.
To avoid these mistakes, be sure to use the right keywords, make your text easy to read, build in a call to action, and monitor your results. Follow these tips and your SEO copy will be more effective.
How to track the success of your SEO copywriting
1. Set up Google Analytics
The first step to tracking the success of your SEO copy is to set up Google Analytics. Google Analytics is a free tool that you can use to track traffic on your website. Once you’ve set up an account, you’ll need to paste code on your website to track your information.
2. Set up goals
Once you’ve set up Google Analytics, you need to set up goals. Goals allow you to track specific actions that users take on your site. For example, if you want to track how many users click a specific link, create a goal for that action.
3. Track Keywords
Another important metric to track is the keywords users type into search engines to find your website. With Google Analytics, you can track which keywords are used the most and where your website ranks for those keywords.
4. Watch your competition
It’s also important to monitor your competition when tracking the success of your SEO copy. You can use Google Analytics to see how much traffic they’re getting and what keywords they’re ranking for. This information can help you tailor your own SEO strategy to stay ahead of the competition.
5. Analyze your data
Once you’ve been tracking your data for a while, it’s important to analyze it to see what’s working and what’s not. Google Analytics offers a variety of reports that can help you understand your data and make changes accordingly.
By tracking your SEO copy with Google Analytics, you can ensure your efforts are paying off. By monitoring your traffic, CTR and conversions, you can adjust your strategy to improve your results.