Blog Layout

BACK
How to Write SEO-Friendly Blog Posts
Taylor Tunnison • Dec 09, 2022

Learning how to write SEO-friendly blog posts takes some time. SEO writing is in a league of its own, and simply republishing content that you find personally interesting is unlikely to get Google’s praise. The key is to find the sweet spot between your expertise and what users are already searching for online. Since regularly published content is a cornerstone of any good SEO strategy, let’s outline how to write SEO-friendly blog posts for your website.

1. Know Your Audience

Every good writer knows what their audience craves. They understand how diverse groups of people bring distinct opinions, worldviews, and preferences to every conversation. That’s why it’s essential to envision your audience long before ever opening a word processor.


When it comes to SEO writing, there are always at least two equally important audiences: Google and the reader. To favor one at the expense of the other is less than ideal. Of course, the main goal of SEO-friendly blog posts is to increase organic website traffic from Google. However, if users simply leave before reading your content or browsing your website, then the number of clicks your post gets is somewhat irrelevant.


Google is reluctant to reveal exactly why it favors certain content, but we know what it tends to elevate is original, informative, and authoritative. After all, it’s in the platform’s best interest to provide an excellent experience for its users. That way, they’ll keep using its services, and it will remain the most popular search engine on the internet.


Believe it or not, SEO writing isn’t just for Google. It’s also for real people seeking genuine solutions to various challenges. So, write about what you know and what your readers will find useful. Avoid inflating your posts by including fluff and distracting details. Feel free to share your professional opinion and speculation, but remember to always cite your sources when making claims. Don’t forget to include your reasoning to guide your audience to your conclusions.

2. Do Your Research

Before you begin writing, it’s important to do some homework. The last thing you want to do is publish false, boring, or redundant content—there’s plenty of that on the internet already. So, take some time to research relevant keywords and explore answers to frequently asked questions.


First, consider your company, its products and services, and your audience. How is your company solving problems, and what makes you different from competitors? Don’t be afraid to lean into the unique value you provide to your community.


Then, imagine your audience’s intent and motivation, as well as what they may be searching for online. Make a note of any terms or topics that you have firsthand knowledge about, and go from there. This will give you some direction when narrowing down the exact keywords most relevant to your company.


Without keyword research, SEO writers would be flying blind. Luckily, there are several ways to gain insight into popular search trends. Consider using The Hoth’s free keyword research tool to discover which topics are most likely to make an impact. If you’re in need of inspiration, then take some time to explore other blogs and websites related to your industry.

3. Focus on Readability

Once you’ve done your research, it’s time to start writing! The first step is to create an engaging title and multiple headings for your post. Keep in mind that these should be concise and descriptive, and they should always include popular keywords related to your topic.


This point is worth emphasizing. Remember that most internet users browse the web on their mobile device, which is why well-structured blog posts are better than long blocks of ceaseless text. Put yourself in a reader’s shoes—would you rather read an extended essay or a list of tips when looking for quick advice?


Always separate key sections of text with H2, H3, or H4 headings, and start a new section after about every 300 words. Also, try to keep all paragraphs to a maximum length of 150 words. If you can, shorten most sentences to less than 20 words, and choose terms that are common and easily understood. The average American reads at about a 7th grade level, so unless your audience includes doctors, lawyers, scientists, or academics, keep the complex jargon to a minimum.

4. Publish Quality, Original Content

At the end of the day, search engine algorithms generally prefer quality rather than quantity when indexing webpages. While long-form posts are extremely beneficial when done right, content for content’s sake shouldn’t be the goal. So, make sure the text of your blog post is well written and always provides value for readers.


Be sure to use relevant keywords throughout the body of your text, as well as within subheadings where appropriate. Work variations of keywords and phrases into several sentences, but don’t force them—you don’t want your copy to sound unnatural. Decide on a writing style and stick with it, because consistency is key when writing SEO-friendly blog posts.


Remember to include internal or external links when making claims, citing authorities, and looking to enhance your credibility. As often as possible, link to sources with a high domain authority, but avoid sending traffic to competitors’ websites. When it’s helpful, link to impactful statistics from a reputable source like Statista.

5. Build upon Past Posts

Your website’s blog posts don’t exist within a vacuum. Ideally, they’re contained within a separate blog, news, or resources page. That’s why one of the most important SEO best practices relates to overall blog structure

 

Structure your entire blog page around pillars and clusters of key topics. Start with posts that feature short-tail, overview keywords like “homeowners insurance” or “cybersecurity.” Then, elaborate on the topic in future posts using long-tail keywords like “key benefits of homeowners insurance” or “cybersecurity best practices in 2023.” 

 

Continue adding new posts every month, and always link them back to the overview (pillar) post. Over time, you’ll build a reliable database of self-reinforcing content, thereby encouraging visitors to spend more time browsing your website. 

 

Don’t forget to share your best content on social media platforms and your Google Business Profile to drive more traffic to your website. Consider sending new posts to your email list, current and past clients, or potential leads to spark a conversation. It’s also a great idea to revisit and update old content at least once a year to keep information as current as possible. Plus, it’ll also signal to Google that your website is active and invested in user experience

We Write SEO-Friendly Blog Posts

Learning how to write SEO-friendly blog posts isn't as difficult as you may think! All it takes is some forethought, a little research, and simple, easy-to-read, original content. Don’t forget to include reputable links and build upon past posts whenever the opportunities arise.


In our professional opinion, every company should have a blog page for its new and current visitors. It will go a long way towards improving brand visibility and maintaining a high-quality digital presence. If you’re in need of a professional website, a custom blog page, or a managed monthly SEO service, then please don’t hesitate to give us a call, send us an email, or reach out online today. We’d be honored to help your company elevate its online presence and boost its organic website traffic moving forward.

Are You Interested In More?

SCHEDULE A MEETING

Share This Post With Your Friends

Latest Posts

08 May, 2024
Imagine your website as your online store. You wouldn't want people to peek in, feel awkward, and then disappear, never to return, would you? That's the bounce rate in action. It's the percentage of visitors who bounce off your site after just one page, like a dropped basketball. The engagement rate is the flip side of that coin. It tells you how many visitors actually stick around and explore. They might click links, watch videos, fill out forms, or browse other pages. The more engaged they are, the better! So, understanding a bounce rate vs engagement rate is important for any organization with a website. Here's why these two metrics are important: 1. Bounce Rate: Your Wake-Up Call A high bounce rate could be a red flag. Maybe your landing page is a snoozefest, your content is confusing, or your navigation is a maze. Thoroughly analyzing your bounce rate helps you identify areas that need work. 2. Engagement Rate: The Sticky Factor A good engagement rate means visitors find your site interesting and useful. They're digging deeper and potentially taking the next step, whether that’s buying something, signing up for your email list, or contacting you. 3. Not All Bounce Rates Are Created Equal Plot twist! A high bounce rate isn't always a disaster. Let's say you have a blog post titled "The Best Hiking Trail in Eastern Nebraska." Someone might land on that page, get the info they need (the trail’s name), and bounce. Well, that's a good thing since they found what they were looking for. You must consider your website’s context and goals, so discretion is key! High bounce rates on product pages or contact forms might be a sign of trouble, while high bounce rates on informative blog posts *might* be perfectly okay. 4. Engagement Rate: Beyond Just Time Spent Engagement rates are about what a reader does on your site, now just how long they were browsing it. Did they click that "Buy Now" button, read your entire "About Us" page, or quickly fill out a contact form? These actions tell a much richer story than just the time your readers gave up. 5. Bounce Rate and Engagement Rate: Better Together Think of bounce rates and engagement rates like cookies and milk, they're best analyzed together. A high bounce rate with a low engagement rate suggests there's a problem. But a high bounce rate with a decent engagement rate might not be as bad as it seems. 6. Know Your Audience Who are you trying to attract to your website? What are their goals? Once you understand your target audience , you can better interpret your website’s data. For example, if you run an online store selling luxury goods, you might expect fewer visitors overall, but a higher engagement rate from those who do visit. They're probably more likely to be serious about buying something than somebody composing their wish list on Amazon. 7. A/B Testing: Your Secret Weapon A/B testing lets you experiment with different versions of your website and see which one has a better bounce rate and engagement rate. Maybe you test two different headlines for your landing page or try out a new navigation bar for maximum impact. 8. Don't Get Fixated on One Number Bounce rate and engagement rate are valuable tools ( KPIs ), but they shouldn't be the only ones in your toolbox. Look at your conversion rates (the percentage of visitors who take a desired action), average time on page , and traffic sources. 9. It's All About User Experience In the end, the goal is to create a fantastic user experience. You want visitors to be engaged and keep coming back for more. By analyzing your bounce rate and engagement rate, you can identify areas for improvement and make your website a welcoming, informative, and user-friendly space. 10. Deep Dive with Analytics Tools Most website platforms have built-in analytics tools that track bounce rates and engagement rates. There are also powerful analytics platforms like Google Analytics that provide even more detailed insights into user behavior. What is a Great Way to Boost Your Bounce Rate vs Engagement Rate Ready to make your website a bounce-free zone (well, almost) and boost its engagement? Well, True North Technologies can help! We're a digital marketing agency passionate about crafting websites that convert. From SEO optimization to killer content creation, we have the expertise to help your website shine .
By Derek Oss 02 May, 2024
Imagine craving a caffeine fix and strolling past your favorite coffee shop. You then see an ad later that day for the exact same coffee shop, offering a discount just for you! Or maybe you're scrolling through online stores, checking out the latest sneakers, and bam! Ads for those same shoes start popping up everywhere you look. Spooky, right? Maybe a little but trust us, you’re not Jason Bourne and no command center is following your every step. It's actually a clever marketing strategy called geofencing, and it's changing how large and small businesses reach their customers. Understanding Geofencing Geofencing creates an invisible boundary around a physical location, like your favorite store or gym. This tactic allows marketers to establish these virtual perimeters using GPS, Wi-Fi, cellular data, or IP addresses . When someone with a smartphone enters or exits the designated area, they can receive targeted messages, notifications, or even banner ads. It's essentially a personalized billboard that follows you around (virtually, of course). The Power of Reaching Customers at the Right Moment Geofencing's strength lies in its ability to connect with potential customers at the best time. Consider a scenario where you're walking past a sporting goods store right before the weekend. A geofenced ad might remind you to pick up some new baseball gear for a kid's game or hiking gear for the nearby trails. With a well-crafted landing page , a great ad can be the deciding factor to make a conversion for people who check your site out! This is the power of geofencing – highly relevant marketing that cultivates targeted actions. Creative Applications of Geofencing With vast possibilities, geofencing is being employed by businesses in innovative ways, as seen in the following examples: Retail Stores: Attract customers with special offers or announcements about new product arrivals. Restaurants: Target nearby office workers with happy hour deals or entice passersby with a complimentary appetizer. Gyms: Motivate gym goers by offering discounts on memberships or personal training sessions when users are near the facility. Event Venues: Remind attendees of upcoming concerts or conferences. Competitor Targeting: Subtly nudge potential customers towards your store when they're in the vicinity of your competitor's location (always maintain a professional tone). Addressing Privacy Concerns It's understandable to feel apprehensive about location tracking. However, users must opt-in to some mix of location services, cookies , and privacy agreements for it to function. Additionally, geofencing is anonymous – it tracks users within a designated area, not their entire whereabouts. Tailoring Your Geofencing Strategy Geofences aren't a one-size-fits-all solution. Marketers can achieve highly targeted campaigns through various methods: Radius Fences: Create a circular perimeter around a specific location, like a store or park. Polygonal Fences: Define a custom shape for even greater precision, ideal for targeting specific areas within a building or shopping mall. Implementation and Cost Considerations While geofencing offers immense potential, it's not a DIY project that businesses can slap together. Partner with a marketing agency that’s assembled the necessary tools and expertise for effectively executed campaigns. The cost varies depending on the campaign's size and complexity.  However, compared to traditional advertising methods, geofencing can be a highly cost-effective way to reach a targeted audience. Plus, your campaign can be tracked in real time, so your team can tweak things on the fly to get the best outcome.
What is Retention in Digital Marketing as shown by a graphic of a magnet attracting people.
By Derek Oss 24 Apr, 2024
Built your dream website, but rivals are stealing your audience? Learn more about what is retention and how you can regain control...

Interested in valuable marketing content?

Sign up for our weekly newsletter!

Share by: