Content needs to be both engaging and SEO-friendly to achieve the best results. However, many focus on just one aspect. Some copywriters optimize content technically, but once the visitors start reading it, they lose interest instantly. Others create interactive content, but the lack of optimization earns them a low rank in search results. That’s why you need content that is optimized and engaging.
By combining these two features, you’ll get discoverable content that has the power to draw the readers in and get them to take action. Sounds great, doesn’t it? The truth is that accomplishing this mission isn’t that easy. For that reason, this list of tips and tricks for writing such content can be your secret weapon for creating a highly effective content that is SEO-friendly and interesting to read.
#1. Do a Proper Keywords Research before You Start Writing
You probably know how relevant keywords are for optimizing content. But do you know what’s the biggest keyword mistake that writers make? They write the content first, and then they do keyword research. This leaves them with a tough task of embedding keywords in already written content. Consequently, they add those keywords aggressively and ruin the content’s quality.
Don’t make that mistake and do the keywords research beforehand. When you have a list of main keywords in front of you, you’ll be able to naturally add them to content as you write. Never force keywords just for the sake of optimizing the content. It’s recommendable that you single out multiple keywords and add those that would fit the context best.
#2. Create Titles that Do Both – Optimize and Engage
The first impression that users have of your content is based on the title. The title can make them click on your post or disregard it and continue with the search. That’s why you need to put an extra effort into creating an engaging and optimized title.
To make the title SEO-friendly, you should add the main keyword in it. For example, if your main keyword is “home gym equipment” the title can be “5 Best Home Gym Equipment.” The main keyword in the title will help your content rank higher when people search for that keyword. Also, try to use long-tail keywords (3 words or more) in the title. This will provide users with more relevant results.
Once you cover the optimization part of the title, turn to engagement. The types of title that attract people’s attention are:
- Top X…
- X Best…
- How to…
- Why…
- What to Do When…
- Introducing…
- Commanding headlines (Start, Stop, Subscribe, etc.)
- Attributive adjectives (Fast, Easy, Affordable, Awesome, etc.)
Engaging titles are the ones that offer information, evoke curiosity, or provide an explanation. Make sure that your titles are short, direct, clear, and never misleading. In case you’re having trouble with coming up with attractive titles, hire writing experts from ClassyEssay or BestEssaysEducation who can transform your ideas into engaging and SEO-friendly titles. Another option is to use the Title Generator that will surface some ideas based on the keywords.
#3. Add Links to Relevant Content
Linking informative pages within your content is valuable for SEO-purposes. But, it is also valuable for readers. Let’s say that you are writing a post about agriculture. Somewhere within the lines, you mention animal husbandry. Instead of making the readers open Google and search for that term, add a link to further information on that branch of agriculture.
Links can bring you many benefits. Search engines will mark your content as informative, you’ll present your content as credible, and you’ll give readers some extra sources to enhance their knowledge.
Internal linking is very helpful for keeping the users on your website so if you can, add internal links. Of course, use these links only when it is suitable and when linked pages are truly valuable to readers.
#4. Write Longer Posts
Google prioritizes longer and high-quality articles. Why? Because it finds that they provide users with more elaborate information on the topic. Try to dedicate more attention to writing longer, high-quality articles rather than writing short posts.
If the topic allows you, aim for a 1,000-word article at minimum. This may demand more research, but it will also ensure that readers stay on the post longer. Add credible resources to back up your claims and make the content more engaging. People like when you support you’re writing with statistics, case studies, and research.
Keep in mind that you shouldn’t force long posts just for the sake of optimization. Quality should always be a priority. To maintain quality throughout the longer posts, you can collaborate with experienced writing services like TrustMyPaper and TopEssayWriting.
If you are confident in your writing skills, but you need an extra pair of eyes to check the quality, you can hire editors from GrabMyEssay writing service. Or, you can run the post through Grammarly, and it will signal any inconsistencies. This is an important step because longer posts make it harder for you to be consistent with writing engaging content.
#5. Format the Post
Readers and search engines aren’t in favor of structureless content. It makes it harder for them to analyze what the content offers. Readers won’t be interested in endless blocks of text. Moreover, search engines won’t be able to spot the relevance of your content to users.
This is why it is crucial that you format your posts. Here’s what you need to consider:
- Create subheadings with keywords (when possible)
- Segment the main thoughts in short paragraphs
- Write shorter sentences
- Use bullets and numberings
- Use bold and italics text when appropriate
Well-structured content will make the post more attractive and easier to read. When you add some visuals to enhance it, you’ll have a winning formula for engaging and optimized content form.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, this list of tips has provided you with some helpful ideas on how to make your content SEO-friendly and engaging at the same time. Your main goal should be to write interesting content that people would like to read, and search engines would find relevant. That should be your guiding thought while writing. Combining SEO elements with high-quality content is what will help your website get more traffic and retain users.
