SEO is the deliberate practice of improving a website’s ranking in search results; basically taking certain steps to ensure that your website appears at the top whenever a search related to it, is ordered. Google has come up with systems to determine the relevance of pages on your website by analyzing the content; looking at the number of times certain words feature, analyzing number of links pointing to a page etc. what the search engine is looking at is the quality of your content- the better optimized your content, the higher you will rank. The following are the top 10 tips to write SEO optimized content:
1. Use URLs that are clear and have keywords
Using URLs that are clear and easy to understand is not only good for SEO but will also entice those surfing the net to access your content; if the searcher cannot understand the URL then they may overlook your site or simply skip it. In addition, you are better placed inserting a keyword in the URL.
CLEAR: https://www.kenyasafiri.com/holidaypackages/maasaimara
UNCLEAR: https://www.kenyasafiri.com/article/879231
Someone looking for a holiday package will relate with the first URL rather than the second and search engines will rank the first URL higher than the second.
2. Optimize headings and subheadings
Headings are important for optimization; you may have the best content, but if your heading is not optimized you are doomed. The title determines if the reader will go through the rest of the content; write headlines that catch attention and will entice them read more. Before you write anything else, work on your headline; have titles that communicate specific messages or ideas; use numbers if you can, for example, ’10 Proven Tips for SEO success’.
Also, check: Best SEO Tips for Ecommerce Website Owners
Tip in a tip: Research has it that headings with numbers are accessed and shared more according to research.
3. Optimize home page title
An optimized landing page title on your website will increase search ranking; keep it at around 66 characters since that is the length that will be displayed by Google and should have the business name and keywords related to what the business is about. Craft a home page title that captures all the important keywords so that if a search is prompted, the keywords will help the title to stand out.
4. Links; internal and external
This is basically your site linkage to other relevant pages or sites; the more linked you are the better you will be optimized, but you have to be linked to high ranking sites or pages. Link within and be linked to outside authoritative (popular) sites; the higher up you are linked the better your ranking. Remember the following when linking:
- In your introduction, link to RELEVANT pages within and outside of your website.
- Link to sites or pages with additional information or more in-depth content.
- Use an appropriate anchor text to link.
5. Make your content relevant
If you have been working on optimizing your site with no positive results, you may want to check the relevance of your content; relevance=quality=higher ranking. Everyone clicking on a link is looking for quality content relevant to a specific search; if it’s not helpful they will leave in a jiffy. In addition to making content relevant, it should regularly be updated or refreshed; the newer your content the better your ranking.
Also, check: Insanely Practical SEO Techniques for Higher Rankings
6. Unique meta-description
Meta-description is an SEO tool that helps to point search engines to your site; with optimized meta description, it is easier for search engines to identify keywords therein for quicker and more specific searches. The meta-description should be a concise summary of your content, used to highlight the main purpose behind the keywords used.
To write a good meta description:
- Start off with a question about what you do, sell etc.
- Create or cite a problem
- Offer the solution and include your expertise.
7. Keyword density and frequency
The number of times you use keywords has an effect on how well or poorly you will be ranked. Even though keyword frequency (no of times appearing) and density (ratio compared to other words) are not integral determinants for SEO anymore, they are still important. Do not overuse the keywords.
8. Create Static and XML Website Maps
Navigation is a key part of how SEO works; the faster and easier it is to trace you the better off you are with Google. Have a website map page where every page on your site is linked to; it enables allows searchers and search engines to find content faster and with ease.
9. Invest in a fast website
A slow website is bad for SEO. Gone are the days when you can get away with a slow loading site; the searchers will move on and your ranking will tank. Google is now taking into account website speed as an SEO ranking factor; with a slow website you will be nowhere near accessing organic click and leads. Regularly de-clutter your site of anything that can slow it down.
Also, check: Hottest SEO trends and developments that are set to rock the world
10. Find out what your competition is doing
You cannot beat your competition unless you know what they are doing; find out what other sites are doing. Some of the things you want to know are:
- The ranking of your competitors in searches rank in the search engines
- The number of and the quality (which ones) of incoming links on their sites
- Which keywords are they using in the headings of linking page?
- The ratio of links with specific keywords in the link text
During your SEO campaign, yes it is a campaign because it is never realized overnight; remember that the most important thing for success is RELEVANCE. Everything you do or apply has to be relevant to what you do, the service you offer or the goods you sell- it must be purely about your business. The right content will get you more click, get you more leads and convert the leads to more revenue.
Ruchi Gupta is an expert freelance blogger and writer. Her skills as a creative guest & content specialist have landed her many guest post privileges on high DA/ PR sites. Her passion is providing quality content that will lead to valuable online conversions.
Comment here