If you’ve read about search engine optimization, then you probably understand the importance of developing a strong pillar content strategy. It’s an essential part of the digital promotional puzzle. But what some folks may not understand is that poorly produced articles won’t do a bit of good.
Instead, business owners should be blogging with a purpose — and that purpose is SEO!
Why Is SEO Content Writing Important?
Although the parameters of what constitutes SEO content writing have expanded and shifted over the years, one thing has remained steady: content is king! Quality content increases website traffic — and more traffic almost always leads to more clients and customers.
Essentially, well-crafted content helps websites perform better in search engine result rankings — aka the SERPs. For example, if you own a fish restaurant in Denver, the ultimate goal is to show up when someone enters a search query like “seafood restaurant in Denver.” Good content gets you there.
Nabbing a top SERP spot is the ultimate SEO goal, and it’s achieved by publishing quality content that serves both potential clients and search query algorithms.
How Often Should I Be Publishing Articles for SEO Purposes?
What constitutes the right amount of blogging depends on your business niche and competition.
If you’re the only artisan basket weaver within a 200-mile radius of your target demographic, and your site continuously appears in the top Google ranks for relevant keywords, then publishing daily posts may be overkill.
However, if you’re one of 10 chiropractors in a 20-mile radius, then you’ll need to post at least once a week — preferably more.
Establishing a content calendar helps keep publishing schedules on track. Practically, many people prefer to work with a content calendar created by someone else because it dictates weekly topics, which saves lots of time.
What Makes a Good Blog Post?
Publishing regular blog posts is good for business — but not if the content is terrible.
Sure, not every article needs to be a Pulitzer-quality dissertation that strictly adheres to old-timey grammar rules. However, it should be appropriately engaging for the topic at hand and rooted in keyword research. Plus, it should satisfy the search intent of potential patients and customers.
Generally speaking, good blog posts:
- Include interesting facts and figures
- Answer a question or concern that potential clients may have
- Are grammatically sound; they needn’t be perfect, but they should respect common standards
- Speak to the target demographic
- Feature a call-to-action
- Where Should I be Blogging?
Maximize your blogging efforts by publishing articles on your website and guest posting on others.
At first, some people don’t see the wisdom of giving away free content. But you should think of it as free advertising. If an article penned by you appears on a highly trafficked website, more eyeballs will come across your name. Moreover, backlinks generated from guest blogging create foundational links that buoy your SEO efforts for years.
Whenever possible, scatter links throughout guest blog posts that point back to your online properties — and be sure to use good anchor text.
The Top Five Blogging No-Nos
In this day in age, saying the wrong thing at the wrong time can land you in the penalty box. As such, we advise our clients to heed the top five blogging no-nos.
- Avoid Politics (unless you are a political organization or representative): If your goal is to attract new chiropractic patients or restaurant patrons, leave politics out of it. People from both sides of the governmental aisle have back problems that regular chiropractic adjustments can solve. Whether a fan of the blue or red, everyone needs to eat! So keep away from controversial political topics. Stick to your lane and land more clients!
- Avoid Religion (unless you are a business that is openly religious or a church): We already spoke about staying far away from politics, and the same goes for religion. It’s a deeply personal topic, and there’s no need to bring it up in a business blog — ever. Wishing people happy holidays, merry Christmas, or happy Passover is lovely, but keep it light and festive.
- Avoid Opinions: In fact, avoiding all “public opinions” is probably the best way to go. People become very invested in public figures, and what you think is an innocent and jocular quip about Kim Kardashian could be an outrageous slur to someone on the other side of the screen. It’s perfectly fine to have fun with blog posts. However, avoid subjective judgments that may rub people the wrong way.
- Don’t Brag: Although our collective social media habits may suggest otherwise, nobody likes a braggart. In other words, there’s no need to post family vacation photos every month or constantly mention luxury brand names in your posts. Doing so frequently comes across as uncouth and, at times, desperate.
- Don’t Veer: Stay on topic! If your blog is about chiropractic news and views, a review about the latest Netflix original movie is out of place — unless it’s about chiropractors! Stick to topics that relate to your business. Don’t veer into wild territory.
But I Hate Writing! Please Help!
Do you hate writing? Or maybe you don’t have the time. Either way, we can help.
Hiring an agency that specializes in blog writing services is a great way to ensure that you are consistently producing more content. Rounded Digital has a team of web content writers that can produce high-quality articles on many topics. They’re all native English speakers who craft content that’s both engaging and SEO-friendly. Moreover, we have the tools needed to uncover the search intent of potential clients, plus we understand industry keyword trends and how to secure effective anchor text pointing back to your digital properties.
Get in touch. Let’s talk about your SEO content writing needs and how we can help you arrive at the next level. In addition to blogging assistance and creating a pillar content strategy for your business, we also provide link-building and website development services.