Optimized writing for SEO: some tips

To create content optimized for the search engines, you no longer have to sacrifice quality. By adding certain components to the site's content, directory articles, social media and blog post, you can make it a lot easier for search engine spiders to find them and consequently boost your ranking. Here are some tips on writing SEO-friendly content.

Stick to the topic at hand

Writing for business purposes isn't the same as posting on your blog. It's OK to add some style to your writing, because it keeps the reader engaged. Just be sure to stay on-topic.

Write an attention-getting headline

Page and article titles are the first things a reader sees; don't use a one-size-fits-all headline. Think like you're writing for a newspaper and create headers that make the reader want to find out more.

Check your work for keyword density and length

The ideal SEO article should be between 300 and 1000 words long, but social media and blog posts can be shorter. Your article's length should be determined by the keywords you'll be suing; try to include keywords for every fifty or 100 words written. If you're including a short bio for a directory submission, now's the time to optimize it with at least one keyword.

Use your metas

Meta-descriptions are done in 150 characters or less, and are a great way to optimize your content. Make sure it includes keywords; this is a good way to increase the value Google places on your content.

In order for the search engines to place your content as high as possible, it should be structured and professional

Using the right hierarchical tags for your content will accomplish this goal; use h1 for titles, h2 for the subtitles, etc. This will also help you to put your main idea first.

Search engines frown on duplicate content

Don't lift content from sources online, whether it's your work or someone else's. The engines will pay more attention to your work if it's fresh and original.

Images should be relevant to the content

Search tools like Google's Image Search Assistant will help you find Creative-Commons licensed images. Having an image that's both relevant and pleasing to the eye will grab and retain the attention of your site visitors.