SEO Content

Creating SEO content involves a systematic approach to ensure that your content not only ranks well in search engines but also engages and informs your audience. Creating a repeatable content creation process can save time and streamline the work needed to craft engaging content pieces for your audience.

Step 1 Brainstorm Ideas

Begin by brainstorming topics relevant to your niche or industry. Consider what questions your audience have or what problems they need solving. You can use tools such as Google Trends, Quora and industry forums to research popular topics.

Step 2 Research Proven Topics

Research topics that have performed well in the past. Explore competitor content and ‘top posts’ to see which has generated likes, links and social shares. Tools such as BuzzSumo or Ahrefs can be beneficial to find proven topic ideas.

Step 3 Find a Unique Angle or Perspective

Differentiate your content by providing a unique angle, perspective or solution to a common problem. Perhaps you have a signature framework you use or a method that no one else does. Consider audience pain points and identify how you can address them in a fresh and insightful way.

Step 4 Identify Keywords

Conduct keyword research to identify relevant keywords and phrases that your target audience search for. Use tools such as SEMRush or UberSuggest as well as Answer the Public to find words, phrases and questions related to your topic or niche.

Step 5 Map out Content Structure

Plan the structure of your content before you start writing. Plot the headlines, sub-heads and points you want to cover. This ensure the content flows logically and covers the necessary information.

Step 6 Break the Content into Actionable Steps

People don’t want to consume content, they want something that will help them. Break complex topics into actionable steps or key points. Use bullet points or numbered lists to make the content easier to read and understand. Give an action point or task for the reader to implement at the end of each section.

Step 7 Write the Headline, Meta Description and Call to Action

Craft a compelling headline that grabs attention and includes the target keyword. Use numbers or statistics to add more weight to your words. The meta description should summarise the content piece and encourage people to click through to read the full content.

Also identify what call to action you would like to use. This will encourage the reader to move to the next step. This could be to subscribe, download or buy.

Step 8 Write the Content

Work through your outline, fleshing out each of the sections, ensuring they provide the information your audience need. Incorporate target keywords naturally throughout, making sure they fit in well with the content topic. Use clear and concise language and break up large blocks of text with images, videos and infographics.

Step 9 Proof and Edit

With a draft of your content complete, proof and edit your content carefully to check for spelling, grammar or other errors. Ensure content is factually accurate and well researched.

Step 10 Readability

The final step in the creation process is to check the piece for maximum readability. Use tools like the Hemingway Editor or Grammarly to review how easy to understand your content is. Aim for a readability level of grade 8 or below.

Step 11 Optimise for SEO

Optimise the content for on-page SEO ensuring keywords are in headings, title tags and meta descriptions and media elements are properly described in the Alt text. Use descriptive, keyword rich URLS and add internal and external links to provide additional context and authority.

How Long Should Each Piece of Content Be?

The age-old question, “How long should my blog post be?” doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. Long-form content often ranks well, but quality is more important than sheer word count. If you can answer the same question in 800 words, it wouldn’t serve you well to write a 1500 word post full of filler and fluff. Be precise and focus on quality rather than hitting a word count.

Long-Form vs. Short-Form

Longer content pieces, 1,000 words or more, have the potential to cover a topic comprehensively and demonstrate your expertise. However, don’t discount short-form content. Not all topics require a long article, and in some cases, a clear and concise 500-word piece can be just as valuable.

Quality First

Regardless of length, every piece of content you publish should be high-quality. It should be thoroughly researched, insightful, and well-written. Content that is clearly the product of expertise and care is more likely to attract and retain readers.

The Skyscraper Method

The Skyscraper Technique of content creation involves finding the best content on a topic and creating something even better. This doesn’t necessarily mean longer; it means more comprehensive, better researched, and more engaging.

Learning and Growing

As with any type of marketing which is in a constant state of change, stay up to date with the latest updates and best practices. Follow industry blogs and social media accounts so you can keep ahead of the latest SEO trends and changes that could affect your content.

SEO content creation requires a methodical approach with careful planning and strong writing skills. In doing so, you can create content that not only ranks well, but also provides value to your customers and drives real business results. SEO content creation is built on an intention to inform, engage and satisfy your audience.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional who can guide you through the process or offer done for you content creation services.