What is SEO Copywriting?

Although it may sound like a recently invented term, SEO copywriting has been around for a while. This type of writing refers to creating optimized content for search engines. In other words, it's all about making your site more visible in search results.

Why is this important? Consider this: when was the last time you went to the second page of Google results? If you're like most people, the answer is probably "never." So, if your site isn't on the first page of results, you're missing out on a lot of potential traffic. And traffic equals customers. So, if you want to increase organic growth for your business, SEO copywriting is a great place to start.

What Does SEO Copywriting entail?

SEO copywriting is the practice of writing content that is optimized for both search engines and humans. In other words, it's writing designed to help your website rank higher in search results while also providing value for readers.

SEO copywriting involves using targeted keywords throughout your website's content to rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs). But it's not a good practice to stuff your content full of keywords; Google's algorithms are getting smarter every day, and they can tell when you're trying to game the system. That's why it's essential to use keywords thoughtfully and sparingly, striving for relevancy and quality over quantity.

In addition to using targeted keywords, SEO copywriting also necessitates creating well-written, informative content that provides value to your readers. Not only will this help keep people on your site longer (thus reducing your bounce rate), but it will also give them a reason to return. After all, if they found your site helpful once, there's a good chance they'll need your help again in the future.

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13 Tips for Better SEO Copywriting

Here is a mix of tips and tricks to help optimize the content on your website for both search engines and humans.

1) Use keyword-rich titles and subtitles

This will help your content show up in more search results. Generally, your target keywords should appear in H1 and H2 headers (the main title and subtitles).

2) Write compelling meta descriptions

These short descriptions appear under your website's title in search results. Therefore, they must be eye-catching and encourage people to click through to your website. Aim for between 140 and 160 characters to ensure that your meta descriptions don't get cut off in SERPs. Include your target keyword in this as well.

3) Optimize your images

Include keywords in your image file names and alt text. This will help your images show up in Google Image searches. At the very least, ensure all images have alt text.

4) Use punchy sentences and paragraphs

This makes your content easier to read and more likely to hold people's attention. No one likes to read huge blocks of text. So, make your content easy to scan by breaking it into short sentences and paragraphs. Use bullet points and numbered lists where possible. As a general practice, the text following a subheading should be around 250 to 350 words. Remember, it's not just about getting the keywords in there; you also need to produce content that is accessible and engaging.

5) Structure your content with headlines and subheadings

This makes it easier for readers to find the information they're looking for, and it also helps search engines understand the structure of your article. Here are some quick tips:

H1 Headers – You should have one H1 heading per page of body content and blog post. Make it 60 characters or less, and try to have a keyword in there.
H2 Headers – You can have multiple H2 headings per page of body content and blog post. These should be smaller sections within your content. Again, aim for 60 characters or less, and use a keyword if possible or relevant. Don't force it.
H3 Headers – You can have multiple H3 headings per page of body content and blog post. These can be used to further break up sections within your H2 headings.

6) Link to other relevant articles on your website

This helps search engines understand your article and shows them that you're an authority on the subject. It also helps readers find more information on topics they're interested in. Keep an eye out for broken links and fix them as soon as possible.

7) Use evidential phrases and authoritative external links

These are phrases like "research shows" or "studies have found" that help add credibility to your argument. Always pair these with links to relevant studies, surveys, or articles. Authoritative news sites, government websites, and educational institution websites are all excellent sources.

8) Use transition words

Transition words and phrases help connect your ideas and make your argument flow smoothly. They can also help break up long paragraphs. Some examples of transition words include:

9) Use anchor text that describes the linked-to page

When you link to other articles or pages on your website, the anchor text (hyperlinked words) should describe the page you're linking to. For example, if you're linking to an article on your website about copywriting tips, the anchor text could be something like "learn more about copywriting." This helps search engines understand your article and what the linked-to page is about.

10) Make sure your website is mobile-friendly

A man in a white dress shirt holds a white smart phone. Only his torso and arms can be seen. He is about to tap the phone. — *Source: NordWood Themes/Unsplash.com*

More and more people are using their phones and tablets to search the internet. This means that your website needs to be mobile-friendly. Google has a tool that you can use to test if your website is mobile-friendly. Just enter your URL, and it will tell you if there are any problems. Some common mobile-friendliness issues include:

Too much text and text that is too small to read
Unplayable or undisplayable content
Content that is wider than the screen
Separate mobile URLs that slow page loading and hurt SEO

11) Include calls to action

Encourage readers to take specific actions, like signing up for your email list or visiting your store. This is a good practice because it helps guide readers through your website and keeps them engaged with your content. Not every CTA needs to be about making money. Visitors to your site will appreciate other CTAs, like "subscribe to our newsletter" or "download our free e-book."

12) Monitor your analytics

See which pieces of content are performing well and adjust your strategy accordingly. If you're unsure how to set up Google Analytics, check out our free guide.

13) Test, revise, and update your content regularly

Try different things and see what works best for you and your audience. There's no perfect way to do SEO copywriting, so don't be afraid to experiment. In addition, search engines favor fresh, updated content, so it's important to keep your articles current. Regularly revise and edit your articles to ensure they provide value for readers and search engines.

Final thoughts on Utilizing SEO Copywriting

Optimizing your website for search engines should be at the top of your list if you're looking for ways to increase organic growth for your small or medium-sized business. And the best way to do that is through SEO copywriting. Creating keyword-rich content that is informative and engaging can improve your website's visibility and attract more potential customers.

It's important to note that SEO copywriting is not about tricking people or trying to game the system. Instead, it's about writing genuinely useful, interesting, and engaging content that happens to be optimized for search engines. So if you're unsure where to start, focus on writing great content, and the rest will fall into place!

If you need help getting started or don't know where to begin, reach out for a free consultation today. We would be happy to chat with you about your specific needs and help you develop a content strategy that works for your business.