My goal as a content writer for websites and blogs and articles is to create content that will get ranked in the search engines and provides the answers to reader’s questions. The three factors important for creating effective copy for my clients include:
- using the right keyword phrases,
- writing longer text,
- and developing an intelligent writing strategy.
Using Keywords and Keyword Phrases
I wrote a little about keywords and keyword phrases in my last post. I no longer use single word keywords because there’s no way I can compete for them. Even phrases such as health and fitness or healthy aging are used by business and organizations that have huge social networking and internet networking departments which have the ability to provide far more content than I ever could.
On the other hand I’m fairly skillful at creating phrases which include basic keywords. For instance, “memory loss women over 65″ could be a real winner since I can’t compete for the phrase memory loss. Another example might be “memory loss for post menopausal women” or “memory Loss after retirement’. There are all sorts of possibilities for you to use if you take the time and just think slightly out of the box. Besides consumers are getting smart and searching for very specific answers.
Keyword Searches
You first need to research for keywords. Here are a few keyword sites you can use:
Here are a few keyword research resources for you: (I have no affiliate relationship with any of them.)
- http://freekeywords.wordtracker.com – the one I use the most
Using Keyword Phrases
A strong suggestion is not to write every keyword on every page; that will scare off readers and the search engines will cross you off their list. You can, however, link together your pages with text links so that when the search engines look at your site they’ll figure out that your pages are related.
Again, it’s important that you don’t stuff your pages with keyword spam. Integrate them throughout the page of content. My favorite ploy is to use keyword phrases in a call-to-action and link them to other content when possible and when it makes sense because the topics are related. I also like to use different keywords and keyword phrases on each page of a website so that each page is optimized by keywords relevant to the content of that page.
What you should be doing is using keyword phrases in your headings. I know that I scan the headings before I read a complete article or blog post; so do the search engines. In fact, your headings play a big part in how the search engines will categorize your site. A good idea is to include your primary keywords in your headings. You may want to use subheadings to emphasize certain keyword phrases which will also help your prospective customers read your website also.
Graphics and Flash content and photos may spruce up the online look of your site but they don’t impress the search engines that is unless the captions for the graphics use keyword phrases.
If you can’t find the right place for the keyword phrases in your content, don’t force the issue. If it doesn’t flow and doesn’t fit, don’t use that keyword phrase. If you can’t find a place to use that keyword anywhere in the article or post, consider starting over again and change the topic.
This doesn’t work, of course, when you’re writing for a client. This has happened to me. However, if you call yourself a copywriter or freelance writer you’re expected to have some creativity. The bottom line: if you’re having a problem don’t tell anyone and just fix it.
Keyword density
It’s a good idea to check for keyword density when you completed your first draft. Run it though a checker to get metrics. The one I use is: http://www.gorank.com/analyze.php. You need to type in your domain name and keyword phrase you want analyzed. This site will report a percentage of the important parts of your page such as copy, title, meta keywords, and meta description. The higher the density the more you’ve succeeded. You’re looking for a density measurement of at least 3-5 percent. If you have less, go back to the article and put in more keywords and probably more content.
More on writing for search engines in my next post. If you have questions about this topic, now is a good time to ask. I can answer them in another post so everyone will learn from your experience.
Much success in your SEO copywriting.
Ruthan
Ruthan Brodsky
Ruthan Brodsky helps professionals and small businesses grow their business with content marketing. Ruthan is known for her unique and creative approaches to helping others find reliable solutions. She has much experience with health care professionals and small businesses who want to establish an internet marketing approach using content to give value to their clients, customers and patents. Ruthan Brodsky is a Copywriter with SEO writing experience.
