DIY Guide To Writing SEO-Friendly Content

Writing SEO-friendly content is the backbone of any successful digital marketing strategy. But while anyone can write content for their website, optimizing it for search engines while keeping it engaging to your target audience can be difficult.

For those unfamiliar with the term, SEO-friendly content is web copy that is designed to rank higher on search engine result pages (SERPs). As the world shifts to a digital marketplace, SEO content is now vital for any successful business.

The problem is that, ten years ago, SEO content meant just using keywords and optimizing web pages. Now, search engine algorithms are much more complex. 

You must maintain a webpage that is easy to crawl. But it must also engage your target audience. This will create positive user signals. Modern search engines use these signals to assess your site’s helpfulness.

Writing SEO-friendly content is more complex than ever. But, there are ways to boost your Google ranking. This will drive more traffic and leads to your business.

The process needs some strategizing, research, and adapting. And it takes time to master SEO content writing best practices. But the easiest way to ensure you are getting effective content is through my SEO Content Writing or Blog Marketing services.

Don’t worry if you don’t have the budget or want to sample the benefits of SEO content writing before committing to one of my packages. I am here to tell you that you can do it yourself. Not only that, but I am actually going to give you the keys to producing high ranking content within this DIY guide to writing SEO-friendly content.

Feel free to send me a message if you have any questions or would like a free quote.

SEO Writing Fundamentals

Before I start in on the top tips and tricks to writing effective SEO content, you first need to understand the basics.

What Is SEO Content Writing?

Simply put, SEO content writing is the practice of creating content that helps your website rank higher in search engine results. 

This content can come in the form of blog posts, service pages, product descriptions, or any other website copy. In short – any writing featured on a web page that you want to appear higher on search engine result pages.

Search engines play an increasingly significant role in the world’s international marketplace.

How many times this week have you searched on Google or another search engine for a product or service that interests you? And during this product discovery phase of your purchase journey, how many times have you clicked on the second or third page of results?

My guess is not very often.

This is exactly why SEO content writing is essential to the success of your growing business. The better your content writing, the higher you will rank on SERPs and the more organic leads you will generate for your business. You do it right, and this translates to higher conversions and more money in your pocket.

What Makes Content Writing SEO-Friendly?

There are over 200 factors that Google takes into consideration when ranking a webpage, and that’s just Google. Every search engine has its own unique set of parameters it considers when distributing its rankings.

The good news is, as an SEO content writer, you don’t need to worry about all of them. Instead, your main job is to ensure your content is both informative and engaging. It must also be easy for search engines to crawl.

In terms of search engines, your task is easy. My on-page SEO checklist has a complete guide. It covers how to optimize your webpage for search engines. It includes title and meta description optimizations, Alt tag use, and keyword distribution.

Now, the challenge of writing SEO-friendly content is to optimize it while keeping it engaging for your audience. Google may rank you high for your on-page SEO. But, if users quickly leave your page for another result, your ranking will drop.

Google sees a high bounce rate and low user engagement rate as negative user signals. They indicate to Google and other search engines that your page may be less helpful than others. As such, you want to engage your audience and keep them on your website for as long as possible, with the goal of encouraging them to click through to another page.

Juggling on-page optimizations with engaging content is the best way to earn and keep high rankings. If you do it right, you’ll be the go-to source in your market and won’t have to worry about competing for the top spot in the SERPs.

12 SEO Content Creation Tips

We know the basics of SEO content writing. Now, let’s look at some actionable steps. They will help us optimize our content for search engines while keeping users engaged.

1. Choose Relevant Keywords

Optimizing content for SEO starts with choosing the correct keywords. Use keyword tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, and KeySearch. They can analyze what your ideal client is searching for. Then, you can create high-value content that ranks for their pain points.

2. Create Engaging Titles

Ranking on the first page of search results is step one. The next step is getting people to click through to your site. You do this with catchy titles. They engage users with interesting, keyword-rich content.

3. Use Headings and Subheadings

A good way to improve your SEO is to use headings. Use complementary keywords and their variations. Search engines use heading tags to find your content’s topic. They also make your content easier to browse.

4. Write High-Quality Content

Arguably the most important part of improving your SEO is to ensure your content is high-quality. You want to be the best resource for your target inquiry. Your content should be both engaging and informative. You need to provide a reason why your content should rank above other sources.

5. Include Internal and External Links

Internal linking improves the crawlability of your website as a whole. It shows search engines how each of your pages connects and guides users further along your marketing funnel. While not as glorified, external links can boost your SEO. They improve your credibility if they point to authoritative sites. Just don’t get carried away with external links. You still want to keep your readers on your own site.

6. Optimize Images

Big blocks of text can often leave users feeling overwhelmed. You want to break up your writing with some relevant images. Generally, you should aim for one image every 300 words and connect them with Alt texts that include relevant keywords.

7. Write for Your Audience

Along with writing high-quality content, you also want to make sure you are writing for your audience. Unless you are writing for other experts in your field, your audience isn’t going to possess the same knowledge base as yourself. You want to write your content in a clear manner that directly provides the information they seek.

8. Use Short Paragraphs

Similar to including images, you are going to want to break your text up into manageable chunks by using short paragraphs. Aim for three to four lines at the longest, but don’t hesitate to include a couple of paragraphs that are even just one line. White space is your friend when it comes to keeping your content user-friendly.

9. Update Your Content

Search engines love updated content. Be sure to check back regularly to add new relevant information to keep your blog post or webpages as the number one authority for their topics.

10. Write Effective Meta Tags and URL Slugs

A meta tag is the suggested description Google and other search engines show on their SERPs. They also use these tags to help distinguish what your content is about. You will want to persuasive writing to entice users to click through while utilizing your primary keyword. As for your URL slug, the best practice is to make it your primary keyword phrase.

11. Focus on User Experience

Along with writing your content so that it is user friendly, you want to make sure your website as a whole offers a rewarding user experience. Ensure the website is easy to navigate with internal links. Also, it should load quickly. Otherwise, your audience will likely bounce back to the SERPs.

12. Analyze and Improve

Use tools like Google Analytics to track how your content is performing. Use this data to make improvements and keep your content ahead of the competition.

9 Writing Techniques For Writing SEO Content That Engages Your Audience

As we have touched on already, writing content that engages your audience is one of the surest ways of improving your SERP rankings. Google and other search engines are prioritizing user signals more and more as their algorithms improve. 

High bounce rates and low engagement time can hurt your Google credibility. This, in turn, can harm your organic traffic.

So, write your content for your audience first. Then, adjust your on-page SEO steps to avoid damaging the user-experience

So how do we do this?

1. Craft Compelling Headlines: Make headlines that use target keywords. Use engaging language that speaks to your audience’s search intent.
2. Structure Content for Readability: Use clear sections and headings for easy navigation.
3. Use Descriptive Language: Use storytelling and vivid details to enhance the reading experience. This will also convey your message.
4. Use a Consistent Tone: It can be professional, conversational, or authoritative. It will improve readability and build rapport.
5. Add Visuals: Use relevant images, graphs, or infographics. They should complement the text, break the monotony, and reinforce key points.
6. Edit for Clarity and Flow: Check for clarity, grammar, and logic. Ensure each sentence supports the overall message. Nothing ruins your credibility more than bad grammar or factual errors.
7. Encourage Interaction: Engage readers with questions and calls to action. This will increase time spent on the page.
8. Adapt to Reader Needs: Anticipate and meet readers’ needs. Provide insights, solutions, or answers. This will make the content resonate and add value. Use advanced keyword research to find these user needs. Look for related questions and similar search queries.
9. Measure Impact: Use feedback and analytics to measure engagement, like time on page and conversions. Use this to improve writing and optimize content strategies.

Technical SEO and Improving User Experience

Technical SEO isn’t directly about writing SEO content. But, it is critical for user experience and can make or break your web page’s potential to rank on SERPs. Luckily, you don’t need extensive coding or web design knowledge to improve your technical SEO.

Here are a few simple ways you can ensure the technical side of your web page is optimized for search engines and users.

Importance of Fast-Loading Pages

The most important thing you should check when publishing a new piece of content is the page’s loading speed. This is because a slow load speed results in a poor user experience. The longer your page takes to load, the more likely your user is to bounce back to SERPs. 

When this begins to happen regularly, search engines begin to see it as a negative user signal, leading them to rank you lower on result pages. However, if a page loads quickly, users will stay longer. They will explore more content. This reduces bounce rates and boosts user signals.

An optimal page load speed is under 2.5 seconds. After that, the average bounce rate begins to soar from 11% after 3 seconds to 38% after 5 seconds.

Tools to Measure and Enhance Page Speed

To optimize page load speed, use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights, GTmetrix, or Pingdom. These tools show your load times. They also show areas for improvement. They provide steps to speed up your site for users. Correct the listed problem areas and see how your page speed improves.

Improving Page Load Speed

There are a few ways you can improve the load speed of your webpage without the need for coding knowledge. For starters, you are going to want to optimize your image files. These are often the largest files on your webpage and can slow down your page if you don’t reduce their size. 

An easy solution is to use a WordPress Plugin, such as Imagify, to automatically compress your image files. You can set your images to lazy load. It defers the file’s load time until the user scrolls down the page. This makes for a quicker first contentful paint.

Other ways you can reduce your load times is by minimizing your CSS, JavaScript, and HTML code and defer the loading of these files. The easiest way to do this is using the WP Rocket plugin and choosing the appropriate settings.

These steps usually bring your load time to acceptable levels. If you still have speed issues, consider contacting a professional.

Optimizing Meta Descriptions and Alt Text

Meta descriptions and Alt texts are another element of technical SEO that seeps into SEO content writing. You can usually insert these backend elements directly into your CMS without needing any coding knowledge.

Crafting Effective Meta Descriptions

Meta descriptions are brief summaries that appear below your page title in search engine results. They should be engaging, brief, and keyword-rich to attract search engine users.

The benefits of meta descriptions are for both users and search engines. For users, it is the first piece of content past the title that your audience reads. As such, the description should be engaging and entice the user to click through to your webpage.

Meanwhile, search engines use meta descriptions to help determine what the piece of content is about. For this reason, it is important to provide a brief but concise description of the content while utilizing the primary keyword.

Using Alt Text for Images

Alt text (alternative text) is used within HTML code to describe the appearance and function of an image on a webpage. It improves accessibility for users with visual impairments. It also helps search engines understand images’ content. Include relevant keywords in alt text to further enhance SEO.

Advanced SEO Content Writing Techniques

So far we have touched on the basics of writing effective SEO-friendly content. And while this is generally enough to start seeing improvements to your online visibility, it is also only the tip of the iceberg. 

Below, we will explore ways to improve your lead generation. We will use advanced SEO content writing techniques, which I include in my SEO packages. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Utilizing Featured Snippets and Search Engine Results

Featured snippets are those coveted pieces of content you see at the top of some Google search results. They are typically concise summaries taken from one of the top ranking pieces of content that directly answer’s the user’s query. Being the piece of content that this summary is taken from greatly increases your visibility and traffic.

As such, formatting your content for these featured snippets is a great way to drive traffic to your website. To do this, you need to format your content with proper Schema Markup and in a way that directly answers common questions and provides a quick solution. 

This is best done using concise paragraphs, lists, and data tables.

How to Optimize Content for Featured Snippets

To optimize for featured snippets, focus on providing relevant answers to questions with clarity and brevity. Use headings and subheadings to organize your content. Include relevant keywords naturally. Providing step-by-step instructions, definitions, or comparison charts can help increase your chances of being a featured snippet.

Benefits of Being Featured

A snippet puts your content at the top of SERPs. It also boosts your credibility and trustworthiness. Users are more likely to click on featured snippets, leading to increased traffic to your site. Also, appearing in snippets builds your authority and brand.

Analyzing Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs)

A great way to procure a featured snippet is to analyze the search engine result pages for relevant queries. By doing so, you can distinguish the search intent of the query to determine its type of snippet. Knowledge panels, reviews, and local packs all have their own formats. Knowing which one is used for your keyword lets you adjust your content to be featured.

Build Effective Architecture Using Internal & External Links

When it comes to SEO, most agencies tend to put a focus on acquiring external links pointing to your website. While this is key to building authority, don’t overlook internal links. 

A good content strategy uses internal links. It helps with navigation, improves the user experience, and guides readers down your marketing funnel. I include internal link mapping in my blog marketing packages. My SEO and content marketing packages include internal link mapping and external link building.

You can contact me if you have any questions or follow the tips below to create your own internal linking strategy.

Strategies for Linking Within Your Content

The easiest way to plan your internal link map is by creating a content silo. This consists of a pillar page supported by a content cluster of several smaller posts. Each of the cluster posts should include a link back to the pillar page, which in turn should link back to each piece of content within its cluster. Each of the cluster posts should also point to other related posts.

Meanwhile, each piece of content should include some external links. A general guideline I like to practice is one external link for every 500 words. All external links must point to authoritative sources. They should support your content’s context to boost its credibility.

Tools and Resources for SEO-Friendly Content

While it is important to know your stuff, there are several tools available to aid you in writing your SEO-friendly content. Below I will outline some of the essential tools you should use and which ones I incorporate in my own tool kit.

Keyword Research Tools

Keyword research tools are the most important tool you can have in your arsenal for writing SEO-friendly content. The all-in-one SEO tools I will discuss below almost always include these tools. If you just want a cheap keyword research option, I recommend KeySearch.co. It offers a comprehensive database at a fantastic value. However, other great budget-friendly options include Mangools KWFinder and SE Ranking.

Content Editors

No matter how thorough your editing process is, I still suggest opting for content editing software. I use Grammarly Premium, but Hemingway Editor can be just as effective. Now, don’t assume these software are a substitute for manual editing, because it’s actually far from. Many of their suggestions can be inaccurate or just plain wrong, but they can aid in pointing out minor errors that may have slipped through. Simply go through each suggestion carefully and make only the edits that make sense.

WordPress SEO Plugins

There are a few WordPress SEO plugins you can use. I personally use Yoast SEO, but RankMath can be equally as powerful. Both are great options and provide basic steps you can take if you are just starting out with SEO. However, the tool’s true benefit is its ability to insert meta tags, URL slugs, and other backend on-page SEO properties. This requires no coding knowledge.

All-in-One SEO Tools

If you have the budget, you may want to consider opting for an All-in-One SEO Tool. These powerful databases offer many services. They include keyword research, tracking, content analysis, and generative AI help. Keep in mind that these tools often come with a price tag much higher than simple keyword research tools.

There are a few All-in-One SEO Tools on the market, but the main two are SEMrush and Ahrefs. I prefer to use SEMrush as I find their interface more user-friendly, but I know countless SEOs who swear by Ahrefs as the quintessential SEO tool.

Leveraging Off-Page SEO Techniques

This guide is dedicated to teaching you how to write SEO-friendly content. However, these techniques are designed to work in tandem with an effective off-page SEO strategy to generate the best results. 

That is why I offer complete SEO & content marketing packages. However, if you have the time and patience, you can emulate these packages by following the strategies below. Feel free to send me a message should you have any questions or would like a custom quote.

Building Authoritative Backlinks

The sad truth is that backlinks are the only way to build authority for your website. They are the most essential component of a successful SEO campaign. Unfortunately, they are not always easy to acquire. It takes a lot of outreach, planning, and a bit of luck. Still, you can maximize your chance of success by following my tips below or reaching out for a quote for my off-page SEO link-building services.

Acquiring Backlinks

The best way to acquire backlinks is by generating high-quality content that attracts organic links. However, waiting for organic links can be a long and unrewarding process. Instead, you can take a proactive stance and engage in some outreach.

A good way to start is to reach out to some directories that specialize in your market. While directory links don’t hold the same SEO value as other link forms, they are relatively easy to acquire, making them a great starting point.

The best backlinks you can proactively get are those gathered through guest posts. Now, I don’t mean going out and buying a $5 backlink from a guest posting site. Those links are useless and even toxic to your website.

I mean, you go out, do some research, and find high-value, authoritative websites in your niche. You then send a personalized pitch about what content you would like to write, how it would benefit the recipient, and the link you would like to include. If you are lucky, your target will accept to host your post for free, but more often than not there is a significant price tag.

Anchor Text Optimization

A benefit of acquiring backlinks through guest posts is that you control the anchor text that points to your website. Believe it or not, search engines actually use these anchor texts to help evaluate your content. Your anchor text can greatly affect your SERP rankings. It can even rank you for terms not in your content.

Using Social Media to Boost SEO

Social media platforms are not just for connecting with friends; they also serve as powerful tools to boost your website’s SEO. Sharing your content on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Pinterest can increase visibility and drive traffic to your site. Engagement through comments, shares, and likes shows search engines your content is valuable.

Sharing Content on Social Platforms

When sharing content on social media, ensure it’s tailored to each platform’s audience and features. Use engaging visuals, compelling headlines, and relevant hashtags to maximize reach and engagement. Encourage followers to visit your website by providing snippets or teasers that intrigue them to learn more.

Engaging with the Audience

Active engagement on social media builds a loyal following and strengthens your brand presence. Engage with your audience. Respond to comments, answer questions, and join discussions. This boosts your credibility. It also encourages sharing and expands your content’s reach.

10 Steps To Writing SEO-Friendly Content That Ranks

Step 1: Conduct Keyword Research

Before you get started writing SEO-friendly content, you first need to find your target keyword. Use tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, or KeySearch to find keywords that your target audience is searching for. Focus on long-tail keywords that have lower competition but higher relevance to your niche.

Step 2: Craft Compelling Titles and Headings

Your title is the first thing users see, so make it count. Incorporate your primary keyword naturally into the title and create a headline that piques your interest. Use headings and subheadings to break your content into sections. This makes it easier for readers and search engines to understand.

Step 3: Write High-Quality, Engaging Content

Quality trumps quantity when it comes to content. Ensure your writing is informative, engaging, and provides value to your readers. Use a clear and consistent tone, and incorporate storytelling elements to keep your audience hooked.

Step 4: Optimize On-Page Elements

Pay attention to on-page SEO elements like meta descriptions, URL slugs, and alt texts. Write concise and compelling meta descriptions that include your primary keyword. Optimize your URL slugs to be short and keyword-rich, and use alt text to describe your images and include relevant keywords.

Step 5: Include Internal and External Links

Internal links help improve the crawlability of your site and guide readers to other relevant content. External links to authoritative sources can boost your credibility and SEO. Balance is key. Use internal links to improve navigation. Use external links to boost your content’s authority.

Step 6: Optimize Images and Media

Images and media can enhance your content and keep readers engaged. Optimize your images by compressing file sizes and adding relevant alt text. Use tools like Imagify or plugins like WP Rocket to improve load times and overall site performance.

Step 7: Focus on User Experience (UX)

A seamless user experience is crucial for keeping visitors on your site. Ensure your pages load quickly, your site is easy to navigate, and your content is readable. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to identify and fix issues that could hinder your site’s performance.

Step 8: Optimize for Featured Snippets

Format your content to target featured snippets. Provide clear, concise answers to common questions. Use lists, tables, and step-by-step instructions to increase your chances of being featured at the top of search results.

Step 9: Leverage Social Media and External Platforms

Promote your content on social media and other platforms to increase its visibility. Engaging with your audience on social media can drive traffic to your site and boost your content’s reach. Share snippets or compelling headlines to attract clicks and encourage social sharing.

Step 10: Build a Solid Internal Linking Strategy

Create a content silo with pillar pages and supporting cluster posts. This structure boosts SEO and guides readers. It improves engagement and reduces bounce rates. Ensure each piece of content links to relevant posts within your site and includes a strategic mix of internal and external links.

FAQs About SEO Writing

How to Improve SEO Content?

Improving SEO content involves several key steps. Start with thorough keyword research to identify relevant terms your audience is searching for. Craft compelling titles and headings that incorporate these keywords naturally. Focus on writing high-quality, engaging content that provides value to your readers. Optimize on-page elements like meta descriptions, URL slugs, and alt texts. Include internal and external links to enhance credibility and improve site navigation. Finally, regularly update and refresh your content to keep it relevant and aligned with current search trends.

What are the Best Practices for SEO?

Best practices for SEO include conducting thorough keyword research, creating compelling titles, and writing high-quality content. Optimize on-page elements such as meta descriptions and alt texts. Use internal and external links strategically to improve site structure and authority. Ensure your site provides a seamless user experience with fast load times and easy navigation. Update your content regularly. Use social media and other platforms to promote it. Also, format your content for featured snippets to boost search visibility.

How to Analyze and Update Existing Content?

To analyze and update existing content, use tools like Google Analytics. Track metrics like organic traffic, bounce rates, and time on page. Identify which pieces of content are underperforming and investigate why. Update outdated information, add new insights, and optimize for new keywords. Ensure that your content remains high-quality and relevant to your audience. Regularly updating your content helps with SEO. It also keeps it valuable to readers.

How Important is User Experience in SEO?

User experience (UX) is crucial in SEO. Search engines prioritize sites that offer a seamless user experience. Ensure your pages load quickly, your site is easy to navigate, and your content is readable. Good UX keeps visitors on your site longer. It reduces bounce rates and encourages repeat visits. All of these factors help your search rankings. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to identify and fix any issues that could hinder your site’s performance.

What Role Does Content Quality Play in SEO?

Content quality plays a pivotal role in SEO. High-quality content that is informative, engaging, and valuable to readers is more likely to rank well in search engines. Quality content attracts backlinks, increases dwell time, and boosts social shares. These are all important SEO signals. Provide well-researched, comprehensive information. Ensure your content is error-free and well-written. Regularly updating your content keeps it current and relevant. It also helps maintain high quality and good SEO.

Kurt Norris

Kurt Norris is the founder of Kurt’sCopy, where he helps B2B, e-commerce, SaaS, and local businesses craft compelling content and SEO strategies that deliver measurable results. With over six years of experience, Kurt specializes in creating data-driven campaigns that drive traffic, increase conversions, and establish brand authority.