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SEO
Writing

The Role of Keywords in Modern Content Writing

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By Braden Hirschi

10/25/2023

In the digital age, getting your content to the top of search engine results pages (SERPs) is vital for business success. SEO (search engine optimization) content writing isn't just about embedding keywords—it's about creating quality and engaging material that drives users to your site and holds them. Thus, mastering SEO content writing is imperative for digital visibility.

Priming Your Site with Keywords

Keywords are the backbone of SEO, as they indicate to search engines what your content is all about. Writing SEO content involves incorporating these keywords naturally into your text. A handy guide is the keyword density—strive for it to be around 1-2% to avoid the pitfalls of keyword stuffing. Long-tail keywords are particularly effective, being less competitive and more aligned with users' specific search queries.

Engaging Readers with Quality Content

Crafting high-quality content is another necessary component. It's not enough to have your site stuffed with keywords; the material must be engaging, informative, and valuable to the reader. The more engaging your content, the longer users will stay on your site, indicating to search engines that your site is worth ranking. Incorporate compelling headings, subheadings, lists, and relevant media (like images or videos) to break up text and keep readers engaged.

Building Links for Credibility

Link-building is an often-overlooked aspect of SEO content writing that greatly influences how your website is viewed by search engines. Including both internal links (within your own site) and external links (to credible sites) within your content can boost your site's credibility. Not only does this create a network of valuable material for your readers, but it also tells search engines that your site is a reliable source of information.

Mobile-Optimizing for Accessibility

Due to the widespread use of smartphones, search engines are prioritizing mobile-friendly sites. If your site isn't mobile-optimized, it could be penalized in SERPs—regardless of how impressive your content may be. Thus, make your site user-friendly across devices to cater to mobile users. Google’s mobile-friendly test can help you ascertain if your website adheres to mobile norms.

Leveraging Social Media for Increased Visibility

While social media doesn't directly impact SEO, it cannot be overlooked when it comes to boosting your website's visibility. Sharing your content on social platforms increases its reach, encouraging more traffic to your site. The more your content is shared, the higher its visibility— a signal to search engines about your content's value. A robust social media presence thus indirectly boosts your website's ranking.