Over the last eight to ten years, I have worked with many content writers. And in my experience, I figured out that those writers who could tell a compelling story didn’t understand SEO. And those that understood SEO didn’t know how to tell a story. I had to intervene to edit a story for SEO or rewrite an overly search word optimized copy. In this article, you will learn how to write an excellent article or blog post blending storytelling and SEO to rank on Google. Once you master the skill, you can command desirable compensation based on your experience and industry relevance.
1. Determine a Timely Topic for your Blog Post
Start with determining the topic for the blog post or article. If you are working as a content writer for a company, talk to your digital marketing team and find out the topic on which you will write the blog post. As a freelancer, talk to your client inquiring about the same. If your topic is not timely, you won’t be able to rank.
2. Find out the Business Intent of the Blog Post
When you decide the topic for the blog post or article with your digital marketing team or your client, be sure to inquire about the topic’s intent. Content writers must know the intent of the content to understand if it is to sell a product, introduce a new service line, or develop content around all related search queries for the industry type.
3. Determine the Trending Keyword based on the Topic
Once you have the topic, shortlist the keywords to write the blog/article based on the need to market your company’s services or increase website traffic. If you have to sell a software consulting service, and cybersecurity is your keyword, use it in your blog for a software consulting service.
4. Research and Read a Minimum of 12 SME Websites
One cannot become a great writer without being a great reader. Whether you are an in-house or freelance content writer, have a ready list of the top 12 websites with your industry subject matter expertise (SME). If you have to write a tech blog/article, you cannot miss reviewing the Technology Review for their insights.
5. Best Content Writers Go for the Top-Down Approach
To be counted amongst the best content writers in India or abroad, you need to follow the best writing practices. So, one of the best practices to follow as an ambitious content writer is to imagine the story already in your head. As you are ready with the topic, the intent, the keyword, and the resources for reference, arrange the unmissable talk points.
6. Write a Click-Worthy & Quality Blog Headline
Now, this is not asking for a clickbait title the way we come to think of fake news. Think of a short and concise headline that includes your one or two-word shortlisted keyword. Remember that the headline should neither tell it all nor conceal it. Leverage surprise over shock by suggesting trust and no trap.
7. The Structure: Introduction, Body, Conclusion
After a successful title, write a powerful introduction that determines the bounce rate. The body and the conclusion also impact the bounce rate, which, if high, indicates to Google that visitors aren’t happy with what you wrote. For the body, break the total word count into even-sized paragraphs like this article. Conclude with a call-to-action.
8. Drive Key Points with Clarity, Engagement, & Delivery
You have the topic, the trending keyword, reference sites, the expected outcome, a great title, and the strategy to craft a perfect introduction, body, and conclusion. Now write your article in active sentences fewer than 20 words, focusing on grammar, punctuation, transition words, keywords, and overall readability. Don’t repeat an idea.
9. Tell your Story, Use Quotes, Case Studies, & Links
Finally, with the above instruction in mind, tell your story. It helps if you have an industrial anecdote. You can quote the industry thought leaders, and refer to businesses that found the strategy discussed, successful. Use data wherever applicable and hyperlink to the source of information. Remember not to hyperlink the keyword you want to rank.
10. Develop Unique Content & Never Plagiarise
Never use those obvious AI content writing tools to generate run-of-the-mill content. Google has become contextual, which means it has gone beyond detecting simple plagiarism. Use your reference sites to develop unique content in technology, science, or daily news. Don’t be responsible for a shadowban of your client’s website.
Above all, it is not enough for you to write an article on an industry-trending topic if you cannot properly harness the keyword to attract website traffic. Additionally, you have to tell a story with an SEO mindset to stay competitive in the market. You can neither compromise on the meat of the article nor on those keywords or synonyms that Google will rank for its users. Matter of fact, what Google may rank today as a featured snippet on Page 1 may demote it several results below if your headline is uninviting or your content lacks depth and design. In conclusion, I hope now you know what it takes to master content writing and demand the compensation you deserve.
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