19 SEO Copywriting Tips to Improve Rank

SEO, or search engine optimization, is an integral part of any digital marketing strategy today. Although Google is consistently updating the algorithms and changing the rules and best practices, it’s important to keep up. Part of that comes in creating future-proof optimization efforts, such as written content, that can help increase your visibility and improve your rankings in the search engine results pages (SERPs). 

Copywriting and content writing are not skills that everyone has. While it’s noble for business owners and entrepreneurs to want to create their own content, it’s not always the best choice. That’s why the very first tip we have to offer is probably one of the most important:

Hire a copywriter. 

If you want your copy to be effective, you need to let the professionals handle it. They know SEO best practices, keyword usage rules, and how to deliver material that builds your reputation as an authority while also attracting leads and increasing conversions – those are your goals with copy creation, right?

Here are 18 other tips to help you improve your copywriting and boost your rankings. 

1. Set realistic keyword goals 

You need to make sure that you have clear keyword targets in mind. This comes from doing the appropriate keyword research. Don’t think that you’re going to go in and pick out high-volume keywords and outrank the companies that are three or four times your size just because that’s what you’d like to do. Be realistic and make sure that you choose relevant keywords that are less difficult to work with. 

2. Research existing content

Why try to build from scratch when you don’t have to? Take the time to research content related to what you’re writing or the keywords that you’re using. Look at top-ranking pages and see what they have that sets them apart. Is it the length? The information offered? The descriptions or headings that are getting attention? 

3. Write for user intent

Google considers a lot of elements in SEO, but one big factor in content ranking is how it ranks for search intent or user intent. For example, transactional keywords might lead Google to pick a landing page, while an information search might return how-to content, listicles, and other resource-driven materials. 

4. Include synonyms with keywords

Google is smarter and more capable than most people realize. It’s even smart enough that you can use synonyms in addition to your chosen keywords to get more visibility. 

5. Use short sentences and paragraphs

Today’s Internet users aren’t looking to be regaled with wordy sentences and adjective-filled stories. They want short, simple information that’s easy to digest. Even when you’re writing long-form content (over 1,000 words), you’ll want to keep sentences and paragraphs short. 

6. Use visual content to break up text

Videos and rich media are not just a great idea, but an essential element of your content. Use them to break up the blocks of text in your content writing for better visual appeal and easier reading. 

7. Include links with anchor text 

Links are a great way to build your reputation, but you have to use them effectively. Include solid links with good anchor text and keywords for premium reputation boosting with Google. 

8. Make navigation easy 

The last thing that you want is for people to have a difficult time getting around your website or blog. Make sure that you use table of contents, jump links, and other tools to make it simple to explore. 

9. Optimize metadata 

Meta tags and descriptions are tools given to you by Google specifically for SEO and keyword optimization. Make sure that you utilize this and create optimized metadata that search engines can use to rank your content. 

10. Prioritize quality above all else 

The start of the use of keywords led to the creation of a lot of poorly-written, useless content. That’s what led Google to create its rules in the first place, and why quality is so important now. Make sure that every piece you create is high-quality, original content. 

11. Choose relevant topics and material 

This one might sound obvious, but it’s something that gets overlooked a lot in content generation. Make sure you use relevant material and topics (you can glean this information from your research of other high-ranking content). 

12. Go long 

Short blogs and articles are fine, but today, Google likes companies that publish long-form content. Keep articles and blogs over 1,000 words (as long as the information is all useful and value-added) when you can to increase authority. 

13. Spell check – and check again 

There is far too much content out there that’s just not checked or edited before it’s posted. That can be easily avoided by having several editing steps in place. Spell check, spell check, spell check. 

14. Use content optimization tools 

Tools like SEMrush, SurferSEO, and others are designed to help make content optimization much easier. You should not rely on AI to generate your content, but AI and NLP tools may help boost your rankings significantly. 

15. Answer Google’s related questions 

One great way to improve your keyword rank and appease Google is to create content that answers the related questions that you find when you search for something. 

16. Check on your content 

You also need to go back and check in on your content after you’ve posted it. Google Search Console can let you know whether Google is understanding your content and using it accordingly or if changes need to be made. 

17. Never, never spin articles or use black hat SEO 

It can be tempting to use article spinners, to copy or paraphrase existing content, and so forth. However, Google is watching and these tactics can get you banned. Just don’t do it. 

18. Speak their language 

Finally, perhaps the best way you can boost your ranking is to make sure that your voice reflects your audience and delivers what they need. Speak their language and make sure that you sound like you know what you’re talking about. 

Once your rankings are up, will you be ready for the leads?

At Smith.ai, our dedicated virtual receptionists can provide a 24/7 answering service to assist you with the influx of new leads and make sure that you never miss an opportunity. We can also assist with lead intake, outreach campaigns, and appointment scheduling, freeing up your time even more. 

To learn more, schedule a consultation or reach out to hello@smith.ai. 

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