When writing blogs for SEO, the first thing to do is forget about SEO.
There. I said it. Many people think SEO is about how you write - and while it might mean adding keywords and context, it's not about changing your writing. It's about formatting. (Ok, maybe it’s about picking the right subject, too — but that doesn’t change the fact that you still have to write.) Write from the heart to or the gut, or what ever it is that inspires you. Don’t hold back, just go for it!
4 Things To Do In Each Blog for SEO
1. Descriptive Titles.
Choose a captivating title that includes an SEO rich keyword or phrase. Maybe that keyword is generic, like ‘Fly Fishing’ - or maybe you’ve chosen to grab a long-tail phrase like ‘Fly Fishing for Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout in Idaho’.
What you don’t want to do is forget the main keyword and use a title like Yellowstone Fishing when your product line is flies + gear for fly fishing. See what I mean?
2. Writing To Get Read.
I’m talking about adding formatting for readability. Let’s face it, no one has time for long, boring blocks of text that are a jumble of words. No matter how important it is! Here’s how to add formatting that is pleasing to the web viewer and gets them to read ...
Introduce a new paragraph every 3-4 sentences.
Add headings to introduce a new section or idea
Add bullets or numbered lists to break up the monotony of lots. of. text.
Add pictures!
3. Proof-Read Your Finished Work…And Add SEO.
Remember I said SEO is about formatting? Here’s where you add it in:
Add your keyword or phrase at least once in first paragraph, and again at least one more time in the blog.
Every time an image is added, also add an Image Title and Alternative Text - sometimes called Alt Text. They can be the same, but need to include your blog topic or keywords. This is done when adding an image, or by clicking on the image you added for additional option.
Anytime a heading is used, or a bold line of text to break up sections, turn it into a 'Heading 2’. (Your title of the blog should be ‘Heading 1’).
4. Add More SEO Attributes.
Not all blogs, websites, and website software is created equal. However, most allow you some control over the following SEO attributes. Take the time to edit the following.
Meta Title: make sure this is the same as the blog title, and use Title Case for the words
Meta Description: this needs to be carefully crafted. Think of it as your "commercial" to get readers on the search engines to click your blog link to read more. Keep to less than 300 characters.
URL: make sure this is an easy-to-read URL. Instead of website.com/blog/10347@536453426_12837459, change those numbers to real words that include your keyword.
