There are so many ‘moving parts’ when it comes to getting your website on the first page of Google, and the rules change all of the time… However, any effort you put into driving traffic to your website will pay off.
Let’s start with the importance of written content.
Google likes to index fresh, quality content on a regular basis. Currently most of you have what is known as a ‘brochure’ website – for example: About, Services, Meet the Team, FAQ, Contact.
Beyond the 5-page brochure – it is important to add relevant, keyword rich and well written content at least once a month, once a week is better, and 5 times a week is even better.
Your website has been set up using the WordPress platform, with a simple blog format for adding all of this fresh content.
Personally, my goal is to add one piece of fresh, original content a week, and 3-4 more relevant ‘curated’ articles through-out the rest of the week (more about curated content later).
Google likes to lots see of written content. This content should be:
- Focused on one or two keywords
- At least 60% of it should be fresh, original content
- Correctly spelled with faultless grammer
- Simple to read with lots of open white space, headers, and bullet points
- Attractive, with relevant images that capture your visitors attention and boost the message of your content, imploring visitors to read on
- Exactly what people are looking for when they find you site while using the search engines
- Search Engine Optimized (SEO), so that the content will be indexed to attract visitors to your website
Writing SEO Content - Every article you write should include the site concept (or main category) keywords at least 2 times per 100 words.
- When getting ready to write articles, pick out the keywords with the best potential to write about first.
- When writing content, use your chosen keywords 3-4 x’s per 100 words; in the title, in the meta description (200 characters max which should also be your first sentence and behind every picture.
- Be careful not to use any word more than 6 times per 100 words
- Every time you use a keyword in the content – convert it to italics, or bold it. Be sure to use Headings 1, 2, & 3.
- KISS – Keep it [the content] Simple Stupid. Simple and plain, almost outline form with bold lettering, heading fonts and bullet points.
- Write short punchy sentences, 8-10 words.
- Keep the paragraphs short, no more than 4 lines. You want to see lots of white space.
- Double space after each paragraph.
- Always install at least one picture, something that tells the reader at a glance what the article is about.
- Write a keyword description in the Alt Tag, and Image description.