How Your Content Is Found On The Web (Learn SEO Basics)

June 24, 2022

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Creating great content that generates as much traffic as possible is one thing. Ensuring the visibility of this content in the search engines is another. Content marketing strategy and SEO must go hand in hand so that your content can be found by the right people on the web. To give you an overview, we have summarized the most important SEO basics in an overview.

1. Keyword research

Before you start creating content, you should decide which keywords are most suitable for your content. With the help of tools such as the Google Ads Keyword Planner, you can find out how relevant terms are performing. Keyword research will help you figure out what your audience is looking for and tailor your content to match it.

2. Use keywords correctly

If you’re specifically talking about a blog article, you should try to include your primary keyword in the title of your article. Your keywords should also be included in the introduction and conclusion of your blog article, as well as in the URL.

3. Natural use of keywords

Don’t try to “force” your keywords into your content. Your readers will notice when keywords are used in an unnatural way in a text. Ideally, your keywords should flow naturally into the flow of the text.

4. Longtail keywords instead of broad keywords

Let’s say a local audience searches for the term “roadside assistance” in their city. In this case, the keyword should not simply be “roadside assistance” (broad or general), but rather “24-hour roadside assistance in (city)” (longtail). So choose the keyword as your target audience would type it into the search engine. If you rely on long-tail keywords, you have a much better chance of ranking with your keywords.

5. Optimize images

All photos that you use in your blog articles, loading pages, etc. should have the relevant keyword in their file name and in the relevant alt tag. The more information you provide to search engines, the more relevant your content will be ranked.

6. Meta Description

The meta description of your content should be short and to the point. A maximum length of 150 characters is recommended. Don’t underestimate the importance of the meta description: while not used as a direct ranking factor, it is an important first touch point. It appears under the page title in Google Search and is a simple but effective way of generating interest in attracting potential buyers. So, a good meta description can increase the chances that someone will click on your article or landing page.

7. External Links

If possible, refer to other websites in your content as a reference. For example, if you refer to another article/page in a blog article, external linking to that source is not only polite but also very helpful for your blog. Make sure that the respective link is still up to date and actually has something to do with your content.

8. Internal Links

Internal links are just as important as links to external sources. Therefore, link relevant content that you have created in the past with new blog posts. With internal links to articles that add value, you help your prospects to continue their customer journey. This form of content promotion can only be to your advantage!

9. Mobile Optimization

Even if next year’s Google ranking will be based solely on the mobile optimization of your site, your content should be optimized for laptops, smartphones, and tablets so that your visitors can easily access your content on any device. Format your content so that it is easy to read and use on all platforms/devices.

10. Loading time

In order to optimize the loading time of your pages, you should do without unnecessary images and reduce the file size of the other photos. Alternatively, you can also use thumbnails so that your readers can view the corresponding photos in a higher resolution after a click.

11. Active Use of Social Media

You can use the various social networks to expand your target group and stay in touch with your prospects/leads. But social media accounts are also important so that users can easily find and subscribe to your blog. Remember to include social share buttons under your blog posts and landing pages to make it easier for your readers to share the content.

You can find more information on content optimization and can also ask for a Free Content Analysis of your business website.

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Jim Frost

Jim Frost is an experienced content writer with a decade-long experience in helping businesses grow. He has written multiple articles on topics such as business, finance, technology, marketing, and more.