A well-written blog section can do wonders for your search engine rankings and website page views. But, it’s not enough to just have words on your blog post — you also need to be sure it’s the best resource for your readers.
Here are 5 easy techniques we use to optimize our own blog content.
Add Original Content and Perspective
The number one thing people want to know when they’re reading a blog post is whether or not they can trust the author. And, nothing says, “I’m experienced on this subject” like original content!
There are two ways you can add original content to a blog post — you can pull from your own experience, or you can create original multimedia content to embed on the page.
Use Your Personal Experience
When someone writes a blog post about a topic they don’t have experience in, it can feel like you’re reading a product description from Amazon. We need to provide value and insight from real experience !
Here is an example without personal experience:
Ring Cameras are great and the monthly subscription only cost $3.99/month for 1 camera.
Now here is an example with personal experience:
While I love my Ring camera, I wish I knew they charge more than 2x for additional cameras with video history. I would’ve considered a Wyze camera as they don’t have a monthly fee.
While the first example isn’t all bad, the second example shows how personal experience can provide even more helpful information. This also makes your content more trustworthy and honest- which is what most people are truly looking for online.
Add Original Multimedia Elements
Adding photos, videos, and infographics to your blog posts is an easy way to boost your rankings.
Google likes high-quality, relevant photos and videos, and while royalty-free is okay, original content goes much further in establishing credibility.
Let’s say your website is about Range Rovers and you’re writing an article about it. Instead of getting a stock photo of the car, why not take a picture with your Range Rover instead? Here are two examples where one is clearly a stock photo and one could be an original image you provide.
Stock Photo (less original)Potential Original Image (more authentic)
Which is better? The writer who pulls the first related image they find off the internet, or the one who snaps a photo to prove they have personal experience with what they’re talking about?
The more original and relevant images you can provide, the more trustworthy and relatable you become.
Cut Out Fluff
Nothing kills your “Average Time on Page” analytics like too much fluff.
When people turn to the internet for an answer to their question, they want to find out what they need to know as soon as possible — they don’t want to read a long paragraph that only sort of relates to the issue.
The main thing that causes “fluffy” writing is a writer trying to meet a specific word count.
If you’re trying to write 1,000 words but have said everything there is to say about the subject by the time you hit 750, you’ll probably start thinking of ways to get more words in there.
While the tone of blog content should always be conversational, going off on tangents, offering your personal opinion instead of direct facts, and “overexplaining” can detract from the overall message.
Here’s an example of a “fluffy” section:
The title of that section is “Strengthen Your Passwords.” So, what should the content focus on? Strengthening your passwords.
We don’t need a whole paragraph on the invention of the internet or what inspired the reader to create a stronger password.
Let’s cut out the fluff and see what we’re left with:
The tone is still conversational, but we get right to the point — strengthening your password will protect you from hackers, and here’s how you can make your password more secure.
While it is true that a 1,000 to 2,000-word blog post will usually do better in the search engines than a 500-word blog post, you never want to sacrifice quality for quantity. Focus on adding relevant information, and worry about length later.
Add More Images
The more relevant images you can add to a blog post, the better. But, you need to be sure any images you add do one of these three things:
Helps the reader understand the content better
Makes the article more interesting
Makes the article more visually-appealing
One type of image that every article should include is a featured image. This is the image at the top of the blog post, right underneath the title.
Adding a featured image captures the reader’s attention and encourages them to click on the post.
This is true not only for readers on your website, but also for any readers who see your post shared on social media.
For your post to be picked up by Google Discover, your featured image should be at least 1200 px wide.
However, larger, slowly-loading images can negatively impact your page load time, so always resize accordingly.
As we discussed above, adding original images can help boost your site’s credibility and make your content more interesting. But, you don’t want to overload a post with images.
A good rule of thumb to follow is one image per header. Again, readers don’t want to scroll through a ton of useless information or images before they get an answer to their question.
If an image doesn’t complement the content, or if it negatively impacts your page load time, take it out.
Should I Add Alt Text to Images?
When you upload an image to WordPress, you’ll see a box where you can enter the image’s “alt text.” Adding alt text to your images is important for two main reasons:
It describes the image to search engines
It helps readers who use screen readers
Alt text is important not only for accessibility reasons, but also for optimization. It should describe the image in 125 characters or less, but you’ll typically only need 4-5 words.
Use Internal Links
Internal links are links to other pages or posts on your website. When used correctly, internal links can increase your credibility and “Average Time on Page” analytics.
A good internal link is linked to more than one word and tells the reader exactly where they’ll be going next.
Take this article, for example. This post is all about decorating your home with LED light strips, and this section suggests using them around your computer desk.
We’ve let the reader know that, after they decorate their desk with LED light strips, they may be able to sync their lights to the music they’re listening to — something we have another article on.
Clicking the words “sync the lights to the music” will bring the reader to another blog post about how to sync your LED light strip to your music.
This is an example of an internal link done right.
We didn’t just link the word “music” to an article about renewing your Spotify subscription. The highlighted text clearly shows the reader where they’re going next and offers them information they’re probably interested in.
The longer you can keep a reader on your site, the higher your rankings will be, and the more people will rely on you as a trustworthy source.
However, linking irrelevant pages or pages that don’t deliver what you promise can have the opposite effect.
Whenever you add internal links, make sure they apply directly to the content and will help the reader meet their goals.
Fact Check for Accuracy
The main purpose of having a blog on your site is to establish yourself as a credible, trustworthy resource.
Not only will publishing inaccurate information work against this goal, but it will also tank your rankings!
For this reason, fact-checking every article before you publish it, and only looking at credible or official sources while researching an article, is an absolute must.
Read through every article you receive from a writer, and if something seems fishy, do a quick Google search to confirm that it’s accurate before you publish it on your website.
Any website owner knows the struggle of trying to find the perfect image to pair with their content. We especially want to be mindful that we are not using any images illegally.
Here are 8 of my personal favorite websites to acquire license free images:
Most of these websites operate the same where you can download the images in different sizes, donate and attribute the artist. But there are a few that are unique and stand apart from the rest.
How to Get Free Copyright Images Legally
There are many websites you can use to get license free images, but here is an example using Unsplash.
Search the keyword of the image you need
Select the image you want to download
Select the file size and dimensions you want to download
Optional – Donate or Attribute the Artist
How to Use Google to Search for Copyright Free Images
Google is actually a great resource to search for images you can (legally) use for free!
There is a nifty setting called “Creative Commons license” which displays only images that are free and legal to use! No need to worry about any copyright issues. The final step we suggest is to double check and read the copyright language on the website you download the image from.
Here are the steps below to on how to get free images to use from Google:
Click on “Tools” then on “Creative Commons licenses“
Do your due diligence and read the copyright language on the website
Choose an Image to Use
As you can see, it’s pretty easy to find free images that aren’t copyrighted.
Our last and final tip is to be mindful of the image size and optimization. We avoid using the original size of the photo as that can be very large and may slow your site down. We suggest a few of these websites to resize and optimize your images:
If you are interested in creating better blog post topics to generate more traffic, there are many ways you can accomplish this. You want to develop a relationship with the reader, and part of that is providing them with the topics that interest them.
If you want your blog post topic to get your readers to click on your link, you should create a headline that will catch the attention of your target audience. You should also provide the reader with relevant information that pertains to your niche. It is essential to answer the right questions.
You may want to refer back to past blog topics that generated interest. If you want to know how to select a blog post topic that gets readers to click on your link, peruse this article.
How to Pick a Blog Post Topic
The topics that readers tend to click on give the reader some idea of what they are about to read. It is clear and to the point. You should consider many factors when picking topics to write an article about. It may not be easy to find blog topics, so choosing the best topics to blog about is essential. The following includes some ways you can get the reader to click on your link right away:
Let the Reader Understand What They Can Expect
The reader needs to know what they are about to click on. You should make the topic something the reader feels compelled to click on.
For example, if you are writing a pet blog and you are writing about Maine Coon cats, you want Maine Coon cats to be included in the title so the reader knows what they are getting into.
You need to know how to find blog topics that tell the reader the article’s main idea. Check the internet for inspiration. When you find blog topics you want to write about, make sure the article’s title is interesting and makes sense with what you want to write.
When picking a blog niche, you will need to put yourself in the reader’s shoes.
Devise a Headline with a Story
When you give just enough away to make the person want to read the story, you have struck gold. The best ideas for articles reveal a little about what the person will be reading and the story they will be told.
You want to put a little thought into it so you do not inadvertently give too much away. You want it to be just enough to get the reader to click on your link.
Give Relevant Information
Relevancy means that you are focused on your target audience and your niche. The narrower your niche, the better you can create relevant information surrounding the topic.
You want blog topic ideas that you can build a great article around. For example, if you are in the cat niche, you want everything to be about cats. Some examples:
Healthy cat food
Various cat breeds
Cat products
Cat behavior
Your article should be centered around your niche topic. So, you would not write an article about the health benefits of water when your niche is focused on cats.
Each blog has an objective, which means a goal is in mind. Identify your objective and keep the article on point in correlation to the topic.
Give Useful Information to the Reader
People often use search engines to ask questions they want answers to. The internet provides solutions and answers to those questions. Many of the questions people ask to start with specific words:
How to
Who
What
Why
These are just a few examples. The best topics to blog about will answer these questions and give readers the valuable information they can use in their lives. You should optimize your blog post titles for search intent and offer viable solutions to problems.
Refer to Successful Past Work
The basic idea is to go back and look at your best articles and repeat their success. You can do this by analyzing your past work. Review it to see if you could use it as a guide for your new article.
Article topic ideas may not come easy, but you can take what you learned from your previous work and ask yourself:
Was it a topic that generated interest?
Did the article provide better information than other sources?
Was the post able to correctly answer the question asked?
Were the keywords well-chosen and optimized appropriately?
The goal is to refer back to a successful article and create a new post using the older one as a guide. Using it as an authoritative and relevant source may be a good idea.
Catch the Attention of Your Target Audience
You want to ensure that the subjects you choose catch the attention of your target audience. It will help to set you apart from the competition.
You want original and exciting topics that readers cannot help but click on. You can utilize these steps to strengthen your connection to your target audience:
Make the topic memorable
Connect your concept with emotion
Help the reader overcome an obstacle
Use style and formatting tools
You can also use market research to determine your audience and personalize your topics to attract readers to your blogs. If you want your blogs to appeal to your target audience, you need to create issues and blogs with them in mind.
Use Keywords in the Title and Get More Traffic
The best way to get your topic noticed is to develop a title optimized with the right keywords. If you can get words in your title to appear in the search engine, there is a significant probability that the reader will click on your link.
Creating a headline that sparks the reader’s attention and includes keywords that increase traffic is a winning combination.
Keyword research is crucial for nailing excellent blog post titles. You want to connect with the audience by using a common language.
It is the best way to drive organic traffic to your site, as you will already have the reader captivated even before clicking. Of course, you could seek advice or content writing services from a company like Text Goods. They may also be able to improve your traffic.
Conclusion
You can create a blog post topic in many ways to get readers to click on your link. As long as you can catch the attention of your target audience, provide the reader with relevant information, and use keywords in the title, your blog topic will be a must-read for your audience.
You may have heard that producing quality SEO content can considerably boost your search engine rankings. However, you may not yet know how to obtain SEO content writing services or what it is all about.
SEO is the contraction for search engine optimization. It is a technique of writing that will improve your website with keyword research and web page optimization, helping you build your brand and create fantastic imagery. You can get SEO-driven content from SEO content writers and SEO writing agencies.
SEO content should be delivered with accuracy, proficiency, and expertise. Check out this article if you want to know what SEO content writing is and where you can get content writing services.
Exactly What Are SEO Content Writing Services?
SEO content services provide content writing help to those businesses whose websites need content writing services. They help websites rank higher on search engine pages.
A freelancer, or a company, such as Text Goods, will create content in the form of blog articles. All the company or person needing the service should do is request SEO-driven content.
Before going any further, it would help to understand the basics of SEO content writing. The following can serve as a guide to explaining the world of SEO:
Keyword stuffing is a “black hat” practice and should be avoided
No misleading texts or headings. If an SEO writing agency uses misleading titles or headings, they are not trustworthy
SEO is the ellipsis for search engine optimization and is vital for optimum Google ranking
Quality Content Writing is essential for engaging readers and obtaining an audience
Quality website writing services will train their writers to write SEO-driven content. Affiliate content writing is also vital for marketing purposes, as it helps promote products that visitors are able to purchase directly online. It is a traditional method of online advertising.
What is Included in SEO Content Writing Services?
A reasonable SEO content writing service offers:
Compelling content
Well-organized copy
Well-researched copy
SEO- minded content
If all the above advantages are offered, the freelancer or company hired has done its job. SEO-based content writing can be challenging for writers. However, it is an instrumental skill that should be learned and applied accordingly.
SEO content should also utilize backlinks from authoritative websites to boost credibility. The content should both entertain and engage the reader. The goal is to increase your website traffic and elevate your search ranking.
What Factors Are Involved with SEO-Based Content Writing?
Crafting high -quality SEO -based articles that add value to a website involves a few different factors. There is a lot of work that comes with the job:
Keyword Research
Keyword research is the practice of locating and analyzing search topics and key- phrases that users put into the search bar.
The goal is to use the information for search engine optimization or general marketing. Keyword research helps to bring in your target audience. If the content successfully wins over a target audience as they conduct their searches, you will increase traffic to your website.
Some of the benefits of keyword research:
Marketing trend insight
It helps you stay focused
Creating relevant content
Increased conversion
If you hire an SEO writing agency to provide you with a freelancer to do your research, they will identify topics you can rank to attain a good number of monthly searches. If they offer it as part of the writing service, they will write the content based on keyword research.
Web-Page and On- Page Optimization
Website optimization is the process of using specific tools and strategies to improve your website by generating more traffic and increasing revenue.
A critical aspect of web page optimization is on-page optimization, which is a must for good SEO practice.
On-page optimization is a technique that ensures that prospects that come to your website have a positive user experience. It can catapult the website higher in search ranking. Examples of the measures taken include meta tags, title tags, and internal links.
Helping to Build Your Brand
Hire quality SEO content writing services if you want your brand to be instantly recognizable. On the internet, content is king. A terrific way to build your brand is with the content on your website.
The content you have on your site should illustrate what your brand is about. Some of the ideal ways you can help build your brand:
Learn about your target audience
Perform thorough market research
Increase customer loyalty
Attract new customers
Any freelance writer worth their salt will help you by giving you the right content to provide you with regular customers and move you up in search ranking. An SEO content writing service will help show your users a clear understanding of the brand and business you represent.
Creating the Right Imagery
Some SEO writers or companies will help you by using or creating relevant, high-quality images and optimizing them for search engines.
They will use images that enhance the user experience. There are special tricks that SEO writers know to be able to tweak your images to gain more traffic and increase sales. Images make the content more valuable to the reader.
Who Provides SEO Content Writing Services?
Certain freelancers and companies offer SEO content. You can also sometimes request a freelancer that they produce SEO content in their copy. The following includes the people who provide SEO-based content writing:
What is an SEO Content Writer
SEO content writers have been trained specifically to write SEO content. They can produce blogs and articles that have been carefully peppered with the right keywords to elevate search engine ranking.
Some will offer keyword research as part of their service, while others will ask the client what keywords they would like them to use.
Only a select few SEO writers will upload content unless they have experience in that area, and even fewer will offer images for your website. However, you can often find writers capable of producing great content.
SEO Writing Agencies
Many SEO agencies will offer content writing. Some of the services they provide:
Keyword research
Technical SEO
Increasing backlinks
Improving speed and performance
SEO agencies are often skilled at getting your website high in Google ranking. However, you need to choose an agency with a good reputation and one that cares about content, as many are solely focused on website traffic.
They are able to upload content and typically have writers in-house. However, they do not often create imagery.
Blog Management Agencies
A blog management agency will help organize and manage your blog. These agencies create SEO-driven content and offer a solid voice and tone. Some of these agencies will also let you know what works on your website and what does not work as it pertains to search engine rankings.
Blog management agencies may also write guest blog posts to create backlinks for your website. They know how to perform SEO and are typically expert writers. Some will create graphics for your website.
Conclusion
SEO content writing is a service that helps you create content for your website that can accomplish a high search engine ranking. Various sources offer this type of writing, including SEO content writers, SEO content writing companies, and blog management agencies. You should select the option that best suits your website.
Some kids thoroughly enjoy writing. So much so that they may ask their parents whether or not they can start their own blog. Blogging has many potential benefits, from increased confidence and writing skills to improved self-expression and fulfillment. But can kids have a blog, and how can you make sure it’s safe?
Kids can have blogs. Most blogging websites have a minimum age requirement of 13, but kids younger than 13 can start a blog with the help of an adult. You can keep the blog safe by purchasing internet safety software, adjusting restrictions on the blog, and forming rules limiting what can be shared.
If your child has come to you asking whether or not they can start their own blog, you need to know the facts – and that’s exactly what this article shares. Here, you will find all essential info about kids blogging, from how it’s beneficial to how to make it safe.
Can Kids Have a Blog?
Kids can have blogs regardless of their age. Keep in mind that most blogging platforms have an age requirement of at least 13 years old.
However, younger children can start a blog with the help of their parents. When starting a kid’s blog, you have two options: self-hosted or hosted.
A self-hosted blog will be owned by the child, and they will have their own domain name – for example, “KellysThoughts.com.”
A hosted blog is a blog that’s placed on a specific (typically free) platform, such as WordPress or Blogger.
With this option, your child won’t have their “own website.” Instead, they’ll be a part of a larger platform and have a web address such as “JakesAdventuresWithSam.Wordpress.com.”
Regardless of which option is chosen, the next step is to create the aesthetics, which is one of the most fun parts of starting a blog. Your child will have a blast building a personalized site where they can write about their thoughts, favorite things, etc.
Once that’s complete, there’s only one thing left to do: start writing!
Benefits of Blogging for Kids
Some parents are stuck with whether or not to allow their kids to start a blog, unsure if it will genuinely benefit their child. Well, blogging comes with several benefits for kids. Some of the most predominant benefits include:
It’s fun! Parents are always looking for ways to get kids off social media, video games, etc. While blogging is still under the umbrella of “electronics” and “screen time,” it’s a creative option that can help your child.
Develops confidence. Children have a lot to say, and they want to be heard. Giving them their own platform provides a cool spot where they can jot down their thoughts, feelings, adventures, and more.
Improves self-expression. Not all kids are great with their words. Some prefer to write. Allowing a child to have a blog can help them reach a greater sense of self-expression, which can improve other areas of life, too.
Creates a sense of fulfillment. Giving kids their own space to write what they want, where others can read it, can develop a sense of pride.
Enhances reading and writing skills. Reading and writing are two essential skills for every child, and practice makes perfect. As your child writes and reads other similar blogs, their reading and writing skills will improve immensely.
How to Make Blogging Safe for Kids
Safety is one of the biggest concerns about allowing your child to create a blog. After all, most parents are well aware of the dangers of the world wide web.
The good news is that there are many ways to be proactive and cut down on potential dangers.
Purchase Internet Safety Software
While it’s a good idea to install internet safety software on your computer without a child’s blog, it’s all the more critical when your child starts blogging.
This software can protect in many ways, from halting hackers in their tracks to restricting personal data from being accessed or sent.
Discuss Online Safety
A good talk with your child is also highly encouraged, blog or no blog. Children need to be aware of the potential dangers lurking on the web.
For instance, they should never talk with strangers or give out personal information.
Create Rules About What Can Be Published
While your child should essentially be given free rein to write what they want on their personal blog, ensure that they know that they should never give out information such as their real name, age, location, where they go to school, etc.
Photos of themselves, friends, and loved ones should also be forbidden.
Adjust Settings and Restrictions for the Blog
Many blogging platforms come with a wide range of settings and restrictions.
For instance, some platforms will allow you to require a password in order to access the blog or give the option to block comments.
Look at the settings to see which safety measures can be implemented.
Keep the Blog Positive
A blog is a great way to express your feelings, good and bad. However, you need to ensure that your child knows it’s not OK to use their platform to slander, bully, or be offensive.
Not only is this poor blogging etiquette, but your child may unknowingly make enemies along the way, which could spill over into their day-to-day life.
Talk About What to Do in Dangerous Situations
Your child should know they can come to you if they are ever feeling scared, stalked, or harassed by someone on their blog.
Let your child know they should tell you ASAP so the situation can be rectified, from blocking the individual to getting the authorities involved.
A Blog Can Be a Great Option for Children of All Ages
If your child is interested in creating their own blog, know that it’s a wonderful idea with many advantages for your kiddo.
Just make sure that they are aware of the dangers of blogging online and what things they should and should not post.
