Let's begin with the concept of
writing with a specific audience in mind. For example, everyday countless
people use the Web to find products, information, or services. They use search
engines such as Yahoo! or Google to direct them to these products, information,
or services.
What if your website was the perfect place to supply these
products, information, or services?
But, people were never directed to your website by the search
engine they used and never became your client. Good SEO, or Search Engine
Optimization, writing can help gain visibility on the Web.
To better understand why your website did not appear on the
search results list, we need to think like a search engine. After you enter
your search, the search engine compares your keyword or words to their content
index of the Web. It uses a complex algorithm to scan for the frequency and
location of the keywords on a Web page. Words with higher frequency are often
considered more relevant. Then, titles, links, content, and the reputation of
the website become part of the equation. The result is a list of the search
engine's best guess at what you were looking to find on the Web.
So, how should your writing change to take full advantage of
this process? Here are the things you need to keep in mind for good SEO
writing.
First, select keyword phrases that your audience would use in
finding you on the Web. Repeat these phrases often in the first paragraph,
headings, and links throughout the text. But, don't overuse them. Remember that
you are writing for people and not machines.
Capture your audience’s attention early on. Put conclusions
at the beginning of your text. Your audience may not be willing to read everything
on your website.
Present information in simple and concise terms. Use lists
instead of paragraphs whenever possible.
Include links to other relevant websites in your copy. This
builds on other websites popularity and adds credibility to your content.
Use bold, heading tags, subheadings, and HTML tags to
highlight your keyword phrases.
Repeat keyword phrases in titles and image text. While not
hidden from your readers, they are a less obvious way of increasing use of your
keywords counts. Search engines still see them.
Proofread your copy. Mistakes such as typos mean missed opportunities
which won't show up on searches.
Finally, the most important point to remember again is that you
are writing for people, not a search engine. SEO writing should still be good
writing. Write for your audience first while you remain aware of SEO functions.
These few simple tips will help you improve your SEO writing and
get noticed.