Search engine optimization or SEO is something that everyone in the marketing industry seems to be talking about nowadays. You may or may not have heard of it.
Even if you have, what is it exactly?
Search engine optimization is a strategy and set of practices that improve the positioning of your website in organic search results. Essentially, SEO determines your site’s ranking on Google and other search engines.
Organic search results are the unpaid search engine results which are different from paid listings. When your page ranks organically that is based on the search engine’s algorithm, not on how much you paid for your ranking.
One of the best SEO strategies is blogging. When done correctly, blogging can boost SEO by providing consistent up-to-date information for audiences. It positions your website as a relevant answer to your customers’ questions.
So, what are some ways to make your blog SEO friendly?
Although Google is constantly updating its SEO algorithm, these strategies have stood the test of time and could be useful for you and your company!
1. Identify your target audience.
This is a great practice outside of SEO and blogging too.
In any marketing department across all marketing channels, you need to know who your target audience is so you can curate your content toward them instead of blindly producing content. Even if it’s “good” content, if it does not appeal to your audience, then it does not benefit you.
Before you write your blog, do some research on your audience. What questions are they asking? What grabs their attention? You should become familiar with their likes, dislikes, interests, and behaviors.
You can do this by collecting all of the information and data you have on your current customers. What do they all have in common?
Lastly, define who your target audience is.
Once you’ve identified your target audience, you can look into industry-related topics that they might be interested in.
This will position your website as an answer to any of your potential or current customers’ questions and boost your SEO.
2. Conduct keyword research.
Once you’ve identified your target audience and brainstormed some potential blog topics, it’s time to conduct keyword research.
Keywords are important because they tell search engines what your website is about which allows their algorithm to sort your site accordingly.
You could have a really great blog, but if you don’t incorporate keywords, your site won’t rank high on search engines, making it difficult for your audience to find your amazing content.
There are several SEO platforms such as Moz, Semrush, and others that can help you conduct your keyword research.
Using SEO software will allow you to measure each keyword’s volume, competitive density, difficulty score, competitors, and click potential. It will also tell you what keywords your competitors are ranking for and what you need to do to also rank for those keywords.
You will want to especially pay attention to the competitive density and difficulty score. These will tell you how difficult it is to rank for that keyword.
Before you write your blog, compile a list of keywords for that particular blog. You should also include at least one long-tail keyword. A long-tail keyword is a longer and more specific phrase. They are easier to rank for since they are longer.
An example of a long-tail keyword is “antique china cabinet.”
Once you have your list of keywords, pick a focus keyword. You’ll want to include this keyword several times in your blog and in your title.
3. Create a title that is eye-catching and SEO-friendly.
Now you’re ready to write your blog! What is a great blog without a great title?
You can make your title SEO-friendly so your readers can read the rest of your content to get the information they need.
Here are some things to keep in mind when writing your blog title.
Use your focus keyword in your title.
Be sure to use your focus keyword in your title.
It’s important for search rankings and will let search engines know what your content is about. It will also let your readers know what your content is about. When you include words that pertain to their search, they are more likely to click on your page.
Include a question (How? Why? What?).
People are drawn to questions.
The title of your blog might even line up with your reader’s initial question or pose a question that your reader hadn’t even thought to ask but wants to know the answer.
Questions pique your readers’ interest and curiosity which will likely cause them to click to your page and read more of your great content.
4. Include posts with lists.
The human eye is drawn to lists.
When people read blogs, they often do not want to read the whole thing. They’re scanning to get the answer they were looking for.
Your reader will know that your post will contain a list if you include titles like:
- 5 Ways to…
- 10 Things to Know About…
- 3 of the Best….
You’re more likely to increase your viewership with an engaging blog title that contains your focus keyword and clearly answers what your readers are looking for.
How the AMG Team Can Help
When you use best SEO practices, you can increase the amount of people who will read your amazing content.
SEO is difficult to master because it is always changing. However, you don’t have to be an SEO expert, you just need to partner with someone who is.
Analytics, Marketing, & Growth is a team of experts in the marketing field dedicated to helping clients market to the correct target audience and grow their business. SEO isn’t simple, but when you have experts on your team, it will transform your online engagement and expand your outreach.
Partner with us to increase your revenue and grow your business. When you choose the AMG Team, you’ll leave 100% satisfied with zero regrets.
Request your free SEO audit with the AMG Team today.
