Let’s find out what SEO content writers do and how to become an SEO writer.
In digital marketing, writing good SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) content has become a key part of creating pages that rank well on the big search engines.
How to Become an SEO Writer
Get started with SEO writing by learning the fundamentals:
- Use free tools like Ahrefs Webmaster Tools or Google’s Keyword Planner to learn keyword research.
- Read Moz’s Beginner’s Guide to SEO to learn content optimization.
- Practice writing meta descriptions.
- Build a portfolio by starting a blog, focusing on long-form content and proper heading structure.
- Learn free tools like Google Search Console to understand search performance and Yoast SEO plugins for WordPress to improve your writing.
- Get digital marketing certifications.
- Join content writing platforms.
- Write search-optimized blog posts, product descriptions, and landing pages.
- Connect with digital marketers on LinkedIn.
- Start freelancing on Upwork, Fiverr, and similar platforms.
What is SEO Writing?
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimisation, and SEO writing is part of a wider strategy, the systematic application of techniques to get a website to rank high in search engine results (usually Google).
SEO involves tweaking elements of a web pages, on page and off page, to make it more appealing to search engine algorithms. When done right, SEO can help get a site (or page) to appear on page one of Google search results pages (SERPS). Being high up on the first page of search result means the site or page will get more organic traffic (more visitors).
Note: Off page SEO = the backend stuff: code structure, page load speed, backlinks and many more aspects.
Creating good SEO content (pages, articles, blogs) is a key element of on-page SEO. It’s the foundation of content marketing, using keywords and compelling content to attract and engage readers.
Top-tier SEO content must meet the requirements of search engine algorithms to get more visibility and attract and retain a big audience.
Main SEO content writing components:
- Optimizing keywords strategically in meta titles and descriptions
- Structuring and writing content with HTML headings and subheadings
- Naturally incorporating semantically relevant terms in content
- Making the content 'accessible' by using descriptive tags for internal and external links and image and video assets
All of which makes the site or an indivdual page more relevant and authoritative to search engines.
Why is SEO content writing important?
SEO content writers write articles with keyword phrases woven in naturally, so keyword density is in line with best practice without sacrificing content quality.
By doing thorough keyword research and using advanced SEO tools, writers optimise their content to match how search engines work and get more visibility and organic traffic to the site.
The Rise of SEO Writers
The demand for freelance SEO content writers is growing as businesses realise the importance of SEO for their online presence.
These writers are tasked with writing SEO keywords into the content, so keyword placement is organic and the keywords sound natural.
They need to stay up to date with the latest SEO trends and techniques, including technical optimisation, so their content continues to rank well in search results.
Also by joining a freelance writing team or starting your own blog you can show you can write good content and that’s the path to becoming an SEO content writer.
Essential Skills for an SEO Writer
Keyword Research
An SEO content writer must know how to do keyword research. This involves understanding what phrases and words a target audience uses when they search for products, services, or content online.
Tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, or Ahrefs can help in finding relevant and high-ranking keywords.
On Page SEO Techniques
On-page SEO tactics are crucial for optimizing individual web pages, helping them rank higher and earn more relevant search traffic.
These techniques include using the keyword in the title, headers, and meta description, optimizing images with alt text, and ensuring a mobile-friendly design.
Understanding Google Algorithms
Google's search engine algorithms are constantly evolving. An expert SEO content writer must stay updated about these changes, understanding how they impact SEO strategies - and content writing.
A writer will need to adapt their content creation and SEO practices to align with Google's latest ranking guidelines.
User-Focused Content Creation
While SEO practices are important to consider when wrting content, the ultimate focus should be the user. This means creating content that is informative, engaging, and valuable to the reader. They should get some type of value or information gain by reading the content.
User-focused content is more likely to be shared, increasing visibility and further enhancing SEO efforts. Using clear language, compelling headlines, and engaging visuals can improve user experience and engagement.
---Steps to Become an SEO Writer
1. Learning the Basics of SEO
Keyword Integration
Mastering the art of keyword integration is crucial. It involves incorporating relevant keyword phrases like 'SEO content writers', 'keyword research', and 'keyword density' into your content seamlessly. Good SEO copywriting avoids keyword stuffing because it's frowned upon by major search engines. Instead, SEO content creators strive to make keywords sound natural within the content, thereby maintaining the content's readability while optimizing it for search.
Metadata and SEO-Friendly URLs
These are important components of SEO article writing. Meta tags provide search engines with information about your page content. They should include SEO keywords for better page ranking. Similarly, SEO-friendly URLs often include the primary keyword to help improve a website's visibility. They should be concise and easy to read for users and search engines.
Image Optimization
This is an often overlooked aspect of SEO writing. Properly optimized images can drive considerable traffic from image-based searches. This involves using appropriate file names (which can include keywords like 'SEO techniques' or 'SEO trends'), optimizing image size for faster page load speed, and using the 'alt' attribute to describe the image, which aids in achieving a higher 'SEO article writing' rank.
Remember, SEO is a constantly changing field. Staying updated on SEO tools and adapting your SEO writing practices to align with current trends can help you become an effective SEO content writer.
2. Mastering Keyword Research
Using Keyword Research Tools
A proficient SEO content writer leverages keyword research tools to identify high-performing keywords. These tools provide insights into what potential customers are searching for, enabling the creation of content that resonates with their needs and interests. Tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, and Ahrefs Keyword Explorer can be instrumental in your SEO strategy.
Long-Tail Keywords
These are phrases highly specific to your product or topic and often used in the latter stages of buyers' journeys. Long-tail keywords are less competitive and easier to rank for. Incorporating these into your content can increase visibility in search results pages and attract more qualified traffic.
Keyword Placement
Strategic placement of keywords is a critical aspect of SEO writing. Optimal locations for keywords include the title, headings and subheadings, introductory sentence, concluding paragraph, and meta description. However, remember that while keywords are important, they should not compromise the readability and quality of your content.
3. Creating SEO-friendly Content
Here are the top SEO article writing tips to focus on when beginning:
Writing for the User
The best SEO content ultimately caters to the reader's needs. As an SEO content writer, focus on creating engaging content that delivers value to the user. High-quality, reader-centric content naturally attracts more traffic and improves your search ranking.
Incorporating Keywords Naturally
Keyword research and effective use of keyword phrases is a fundamental part of SEO article writing. However, the real art lies in incorporating these keywords naturally into your content. The key is ensuring that the keyword density is balanced: neither too sparse to miss the SEO benefits nor too frequent to compromise readability.
Use of Headings and Subheadings
Headings and subheadings make your content more readable and help with SEO. Strategic placement of keywords in these areas can significantly enhance your content's visibility in searches. However, remember that the content under each heading and subheading should be engaging and relevant.
Internal and External Linking
A good SEO writer understands the importance of linking. Internal linking keeps users on your site longer by directing them to related content, while external linking to reputable sources can build your site's credibility. Properly using these SEO techniques can boost a site's ranking in search engine results.
4. Understanding SEO Tools
Understanding SEO Tools: An essential part of an SEO content writer's toolkit is a thorough understanding of various SEO tools:
- Google Analytics: This tool helps measure and analyze a website's traffic. It gives insights into the audience's behavior, helping you optimize your content strategies to cater to their preferences.
- Google Search Console: This tool lets you monitor a website's presence in Google SERPs (Search Engine Results Pages). It offers valuable insights for improving your website's organic search performance.
- Yoast SEO: A popular WordPress plugin, Yoast SEO, helps writers ensure their content is SEO-friendly. It offers a readability analysis, keyword density check, and other critical features that assist with on-page optimization.
By understanding and effectively using these tools, an SEO copywriter can significantly improve their content's visibility and ranking in search results.
5. Building Your SEO Writing Portfolio
Creating a blog
Establishing your own blog is a critical step in building an SEO content writing portfolio. It allows you to demonstrate your SEO techniques, ability to incorporate keyword phrases naturally, and understanding of how search engines work. Strive to write engaging content showcasing your skills as an SEO copywriter, implementing keyword research and keyword density best practices.
Guest posting
Contributing SEO articles to other blogs or online platforms expands your reach and helps build your reputation as a freelance SEO content writer. In each guest post, use SEO keywords effectively and ensure keyword placement makes the content sound natural. This positions you as a proficient SEO copywriter and boosts the visibility of your content.
Freelance writing projects
Joining a freelance writing team or taking on individual writing jobs adds depth to your portfolio. These projects require you to adapt to different SEO trends and demands, including some technical optimization. It's an opportunity to show prospective clients that you can write SEO articles that balance keyword usage with engaging content, making you a valuable asset to their website content strategy.
How to Become an SEO Writer - Key Takeaways
As we look to the future of SEO writing, it's important to remember that the landscape of search engine optimization is ever-changing.
Algorithm updates, evolving user trends, and new competitors keep everything dynamic. This necessitates being forward-thinking and adaptable, always staying informed about the latest SEO best practices and techniques.
When you become an SEO content writer, your goal is to strike the perfect balance between high-quality content and optimal keyword usage, ensuring that your articles are informative and highly visible in search engine rankings.
In SEO, continuous learning is a non-negotiable. SEO copywriters must stay abreast of algorithm shifts, new keyword trends, and changes in user search behavior.
Learning isn't just understanding new SEO tools and tactics; it also involves constant self-improvement in writing skills and understanding audience needs.
Combine a deep understanding of SEO practices with compelling copy, and you will create content that truly resonates with your audience and achieves high search engine rankings.
Next Steps
If you're ready to start your journey as an SEO writer, here are some steps to guide you: Learn the Basics of SEO: Understanding SEO fundamentals is key. Here, resources like Moz's Beginner's Guide to SEO ) or Brian Dean's SEO Fundamentals for Beginners could be highly beneficial.
Improve Your Writing Skills: Practice makes perfect. Engage in regular writing exercises and read widely to improve your flair and versatility. Websites like Grammarly provide tips and techniques to help improve your writing.
Understand Keyword Research: Keywords are the backbone of SEO writing. A tool like Google's Keyword Planner can help you understand how to find and utilize high-volume keywords effectively.
Start Creating Content: Apply what you've learned and start writing. Remember, the goal is to create content that's both engaging for readers and optimized for search engines.
Stay Updated: SEO is a fast-paced field. Stay updated with changes and trends by following SEO-focused blogs and websites like Search Engine Journal or SEMrush Blog.
Remember, the journey to becoming an SEO content writer is one of continuous learning and practice. Stick with it, and you'll find plenty of online writing jobs available - and see your efforts pay off!