Want to get your website ranking up in Google searches? Then it’s time to get serious to write SEO content. It’s not about tricks or sounding fancy – it’s about writing stuff that people find useful, and that Google understands. Think of it as being the helpful expert, explaining things clearly. Here’s how to get started …
1. Find A Winning Keyword
Okay, first things first – no one cares about your article or blog if nobody’s even searching for that topic. So, step one is keyword research. You can use SEMrush, Ahrefs or Keyword planner for keyword research. Digitalfeet is mainly using SEMrush for keyword research. So, here’s how to get started …
- Login to SEMrush.
- Go to “Keyword Overview” then enter keywords.
2. Figure Out What Searchers Want
Think of Google as a matchmaker. It wants to show people the absolute best answers to their search questions. To do that, it needs to figure out why someone is searching for something in the first place.
Decoding Search Intent
This is where “search intent” comes in. It’s the reason why someone types the words into Google. Want to rank high? You have to match that intent.
The easiest way to figure this out is to Google your keyword yourself. Let’s say you’re targeting “how to do an SEO audit.” See mostly lists about SEO audit? Even though it says “how to,” people probably aren’t looking for a guide – they want a list. So, you’ll need to play by Google’s rules and give them a listicle, too.
Going Beyond the Basics
Okay, but matching the general idea isn’t always enough. Think about what else the searcher would expect to find on the perfect page. For example, anyone searching “affiliate marketing” probably wants a definition right up top.
Google values comprehensive content. They even suggest it. Their aim is to present the most useful information to users. So, when creating your content, remember to go beyond the basics.
Figuring Out Those Extras
How do you know what else to include? Check out what other pages ranking for your target keyword are doing. Here’s the sneaky way to do it:
- Head to “Organic Research.”
- Input your website domain URL.
- Go to “Positions” — there you can see the top pages that rank.
This shows you tons of keywords for which all those top pages rank. Scan that list, and you’ll find extra topics to cover. Think of them as bonus points for Google.
3. How to Make Your Content Stand Out
Google’s into fresh content, right? They want to see you bring something new to the search library. Their whole “Helpful Content” thing is all about finding pages that are actually interesting and useful—not just the same old ideas rehashed.
Here’s how to make your content stand out:
- Put in the work. Nobody said this was easy!
- Be truly original. Don’t be afraid to have your own take.
- Show off what you know. Got skills? Experience? Share it!
- Dig for good content. Actual research beats copying other websites any day.
Okay, how does this actually work? Here are a few ideas:
- Tap into the experts. Are you not a pro in your field? Interview someone who is. Get their best insights and turn them into an awesome article.
- Get personal. Have you tried something related to your topic? Share the results.
- Numbers nerd? Run your own experiment or poll. Original data is pure content gold.
- Don’t be afraid to have opinions. Back up your hot take with solid info, and you’ll stand out from the crowd.
Truly great content takes effort, but the payoff is worth it.
4. Create Your Content Outline
Outlining makes your writing easier and structured. Okay, you’ve nailed down your topic, figured out what people actually want, and are ready to rock with your own cool angle.
Before you start writing and hit that dreaded writer’s block wall, let’s get organized with an outline.
An outline is your writing roadmap. It helps you:
- Plan out what you want to say – headings, subtopics, the whole deal.
- Say goodbye to staring at a blank screen.
- Turbocharge that writing process!
Since you’ve already done the hard work, outlining it is easy.
If you don’t know how to start, you can ask ChatGPT or Gemini or any other content AI tools. Give it a prompt something like this:
“Write an outline about link building outreach.”
But make sure to do proper research, don’t just completely rely on AI tools.
It should include sections about what link building outreach is, why it is important, how to do it, and additional tips. See below:
“It should also incorporate my original data where I found that the average conversion rate for link building outreach is 1-5%.”
ChatGPT will spit out a sweet little outline for you to customize, and you’re ready to roll.
5. Write Your Draft
Okay, it’s time to get words on the page! Don’t sweat perfection yet—this is the messy, brain-dump stage. Just let those ideas flow.
Personally, I’m a fan of SharePoint in Microsoft Teams. It makes it super easy to share with teammates and get feedback.
But the challenge here is to focus on drafting. If you find yourself tempted by distractions, try these:
- Pomodoro timer: Check out Marinara or a similar app. Work in focused bursts, then take a short break – it keeps you on track.
- Website blocker: BlockSite can be your willpower buddy. You won’t have to scroll through [insert your distraction of choice] when you need to write!
- Phone on airplane mode: The most drastic solution, but sometimes those notifications have to wait.
6. Write A Title and Meta Description Following the Right Guideline
First impressions count online, big time. Your title and meta description are what people see when your page pops up on Google. Think of them as your mini advertisement. If they’re bland, no one’s going to click.
So, how do you get them right? Here’s the lowdown:
Title Tag Tips:
- Keep it snappy: Aim for under 60 characters so the whole thing shows up.
- Hook them in. Show people you’ve got the answers they’re looking for.
- Be honest: Don’t promise stuff your article doesn’t deliver (that’s called clickbait, and it sucks).
- Use your keyword: Sneak it in if you can, or a close variation.
Meta Description Must-Dos:
- A bit more space: You get up to 160 characters. Use them!
- Expand on your title: Got a selling point that didn’t fit up there? Now’s your chance.
- It’s all about them: What do readers get from your article? Tell them!
- Be direct: Talk to the reader like, “Want to learn this? Click here!”
- Keyword bonus: If it fits naturally, include that keyword again.
7. Connect the Dots by Adding Internal Links
Okay, your excellent post is live. But the work’s not done yet. Think of internal links as little signposts around your website. They help visitors find related stuff they might like, and they give Google a better sense of what your new article is all about.
Why are Internal Links Important?
It takes a bit of effort, but it’s worth it. If you master SEO writing—creating content people actually want to find—you can get a steady stream of visitors to your site without always having to hustle for new clicks.
Final Thoughts
So, what’s the big secret of writing SEO content? It’s not about tricks or fancy words. It’s about giving people the answers they’re searching for in a clear and easy-to-follow way.
Think of it like this: You’re the helpful friend explaining something – no fluff, just the good stuff. Do that, add in a sprinkle of those on-page SEO basics we talked about, and you’re on your way to content that rocks the search results.
