You worked hard to not only build your website, but also to fill it with amazing, high-quality content for your target audience to enjoy? Don’t you want them to be able to find it organically through a Google search? Of course!
However, securing one of those coveted spots on the first page of Google is easier said than done. There’s a lot of competition, after all!
Luckily, there are a few things to ensure your site and its content are effectively optimized so you can not only rank higher, but also attract tons of new traffic your way. And that’s exactly what we’re talking about in this #ContentWritingChat.
#ContentWritingChat Recap: How to Optimize Your Content & Website to Rank in Google
It’s time for another round of #ContentWritingChat! 🥳
Today, we’ll be chatting all about how to optimize your blog content AND your website so you can rank on that coveted first page of Google. 📈 pic.twitter.com/Wan1Y75fcf
— Express Writers | Your Content Writing Partner (@ExpWriters) June 7, 2022
This month, we held a community chat all about optimization. If you want to learn what it takes to rank, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into the tips!
Q1: Why is it important that we take the necessary steps to get our content and our websites to rank high in Google search results?
A1: You work hard to create amazing content for your brand. Don’t you want people to see it and enjoy it? Of course!
By optimizing your content and ranking high in search results, you’re more likely to be discovered by new readers. #ContentWritingChat
— Rachel | Mindset Coach + NLP Practitioner (@rachmoffett) June 7, 2022
Taking the extra steps to optimize your content means you stand a better chance at getting discovered by new people. Not only will you see an influx of traffic to your site, but it’s great for boosting engagement and conversions.
Q2: Part of ranking is choosing the right keywords. How do you select keywords to use in your content and on your site? For instance, should you consider factors like search volume, competition, etc.?
A2: You’ll want to consider three main factors: relevancy, search volume, and user intent. #ContentWritingChat https://t.co/uSpdzY79ZJ
— Rachel | Mindset Coach + NLP Practitioner (@rachmoffett) June 7, 2022
When choosing keywords, focus on relevancy, search volume, and user intent. There are tons of keyword research tools out there that will help you determine the right focus keyword to use on your web pages and within your blog posts.
Q3: Once you’ve chosen your focus keyword, where do you place it in your blog posts and on your website? Are there key places that shouldn’t be overlooked?
A3: Make sure you include your keyword in a few key places such as: title, meta description, introduction, and headers.
This article from @ExpWriters has some great advice: https://t.co/ZfkCtD7PT3#ContentWritingChat https://t.co/bd1PV6bNVp
— Rachel | Mindset Coach + NLP Practitioner (@rachmoffett) June 7, 2022
The title, meta description, introduction, and headers are important spots for placing your keyword. You’ll even want to sprinkle it throughout the body of your copy in a way that’s natural, not forced. The article from our blog that’s linked in the tweet above offers even more great advice.
Q4: Is there anything you should avoid when it comes to optimizing your content and your site? For instance, any old SEO tactics that are no longer relevant today?
A4: Don’t make SEO the *point* of your content. See it as a valuable benefit and be sure to optimize, but make sure the content is valuable in itself. This avoids a lot of pitfalls. #ContentWritingChat
— Ross Romano 🚢✏🏴☠️ (@RossBRomano) June 7, 2022
Focus on creating amazing content first. After all, it’s about providing value and serving your audience. That’s always the top priority. Optimization should merely amplify your content.
Q5: How can you check to see where your content is ranking?
A5: You can do this manually by searching for your focus keyword and seeing where your content ranks. Or you can use a tool that tracks keyword rankings. #ContentWritingChat https://t.co/otL3CLAVrQ
— Rachel | Mindset Coach + NLP Practitioner (@rachmoffett) June 7, 2022
Invest in SEO tools that will provide all the data you need to measure your progress. If you can’t afford tools right now, manually search for your focus keywords to see where you’re ranking.
Q6: What do you do if your content still isn’t ranking? Is there anything you can do to ensure your content and your site begin to perform better?
A6: One idea – Try longer, more evergreen content. Test out longform blogs that people can reference over and over. #ContentWritingChat
— Ross Romano 🚢✏🏴☠️ (@RossBRomano) June 7, 2022
If you’re not already creating longer, evergreen content, give it go. Google wants to see that you’re providing high-quality content and being of service to your audience. This could be what turns things around and gets you ranking at the top of the search results.
Q7: Which tools have been essential for optimization? Do you have any favorites for monitoring your website analytics and for conducting keyword research, etc.?
A7: Google Analytics is always a go-to. And @semrush is fantastic. #ContentWritingChat https://t.co/BWoojC8y5g
— Rachel | Mindset Coach + NLP Practitioner (@rachmoffett) June 7, 2022
Google Analytics and Semrush are always winners!
Q8: Do you have any go-to resources for learning about SEO? Share them!
A8: The @ExpWriters blog and @sejournal are great resources. #ContentWritingChat https://t.co/j8tEf8v03f
— Rachel | Mindset Coach + NLP Practitioner (@rachmoffett) June 7, 2022
If you want to learn more about SEO, always refer back to our blog and visit Search Engine Journal as well.
Come join us for the next #ContentWritingChat! It happens on the first Tuesday of every month at 10 AM Central. Just follow @ExpWriters to stay updated.