How to write SEO articles is important for Digital Marketing practitioners to understand, considering that 68 percent of online activity starts with search engines like Google. In fact, 63 percent of all purchases originate online, including purchases in physical stores. This shows that the implementation of SEO is indeed important in the digital era as it is now.
Writing good articles is not enough. You also have to make the article Search Engine friendly. That way, it will be easier for your blog to become number one on Google and be flooded with visitors.
How to do it? You first need to know how to make SEO Friendly articles, namely articles that follow the latest Google algorithm rules and are attractive to readers.
So, in this article we will share 20 tips for writing SEO articles. You can also study examples of SEO Friendly writing to practice. Curious? Come on, read more!
22 Ways to Make SEO Friendly Articles in 2024
There are twenty ways to write good articles to get a high position on Google, namely:
- Do Keyword Research
- Understand User Intent
- Take a Unique Point of View
- Pay attention to the structure of the article
- Pay attention to the Opening Section
- Use Short Paragraphs
- Use the Inverted Pyramid Technique
- Write Focused Articles
- Spread Keywords Appropriately
- Use Conjunction Words
- Insert Internal Link and External Link
- Add Visual Content
- Image Optimization
- Use Headings and Subheadings
- Try the Optimal Article Length
- Pay attention to the Technical Components of the Blog
- Take advantage of SEO Plugins
- Make Sure There Are No Typing Errors
- Consistent Publishing Articles
- Do not Forget to Promote Articles
It turns out that there are a lot of ways to make SEO friendly articles, right? If so, let's start the discussion one by one.
1. Use the Right Keywords
The first step for your article to comply with SEO guidelines is to use the right keywords, namely words with large search volume, small competition, and in accordance with the niche of your blog.
Keywords with large search volume indicate that these keywords are widely searched by the audience. So, if you write it, of course it will have the potential to attract a lot of readers. Keywords with little competition will make it easier for you to win high positions on Google. It could be because not many have written it or the competitors are not big blogs.
So, choosing keywords that match your blog niche will help your content stay relevant. That way, it will suit the needs of your blog visitors. For example, a beauty blog, of course it would be more appropriate to use keywords such as beauty tips, the best skincare, and the like.
To get the right keywords, you can do keyword research first. Some SEO tools for free keyword research that you can use are Ubersuggest, KWFinder, or Google Trends. For example, we did research for the keyword “bloging” on Ubersuggest.
The results show that the keyword “make a blog” search volume is 5400 per month. So, quite promising to be made into an article. Moreover, the level of difficulty was 28 which could be said to be easy.
2. Understand User Intent
Intent is the information that the user wants when typing certain keywords in Google. Writing SEO articles needs to pay attention to intent because search intent is one of the Google ranking factors. The reason is, the right intent will answer the searcher's needs in the form of relevant content.
So, when visitors get the information they want, they will naturally linger on your article. This makes Google think your article is useful and needs to rank high. Fortunately, understanding user intent is quite easy. You can simply peek at competitors' articles in Google search results (SERP).
On the search page, articles that appear are recommendations for the best cat food brands. So, if you want to make an article, write a larger number of brand recommendations or a more in-depth discussion according to the needs of the reader.
3. Take a Unique Point of View
A keyword can be used to create an article with a different point of view. This step is effective for making your article stand out more. But, of course, make sure it matches the user's intent, OK!
Let's say you want to use the keyword "how to make Pizza." If your competitors have guide articles on making restaurant-style Pizza, you can write about "How to Make Homemade Pizza in Five Steps."
In addition to your unique article, the convenience offered will certainly be more attractive to readers. Not to mention, a unique point of view also ensures that your article is original, so it is preferred by Google to get high rankings.
4. Pay attention to the structure of the article
After determining the point of view, you structure the article well. The goal is to expedite the writing process by choosing what to say in the article. In addition, a good article structure will make it easier for visitors to understand your article.
Generally, the structure of an article is divided into three parts:
- Opener (Prologue) — the beginning of the article which explains the background and purpose of the article.
- Content — explanation of the main topic in detail.
- Conclusion (Epilogue) — a closing section that contains a summary or conclusion of the article.
One tip you can try is to write a few short sentences outlining each section. Then, you can develop it into a complete explanation that is interconnected.
5. Pay attention to the Opening Section
The next way to make SEO friendly articles is to write a good opening, which answers the intent of the reader and includes keywords. Why should it be?
First, an opening that doesn't answer the intent will make the reader leave your article. Second, placing keywords in the opening section can help Google recommend them to the right readers. To make the opening part interesting, there is an AIDA formula that can be used, namely:
- Attention — Get the reader's attention with a lead sentence in the form of a question, a quick joke, or a statistic.
- Interest — Attract the reader's interest by alluding to the problem at hand.
- Desire — Explain that your article can be a solution.
- Action — Invite your readers to read the article to the end.
6. Break it down into short paragraphs
Try to keep the paragraphs in your article short because it can make the reader comfortable. Three sentences is generally sufficient to convey an explanation well.
According to research, online article readers tend not to read word for word, but instead scan with the pattern of the letter "F" (F-Shaped Pattern).
The reader will read the opening section in full, then scan the interesting words/sentences vertically. And so on, until the end of the article. So, with a maximum of three sentences in each paragraph, it will:
- Make it easier for readers to find the words/sentences they need.
- Make the reader more relaxed in understanding the explanation.
7. Use the Inverted Pyramid Technique
The inverted pyramid is a writing technique where you put the most important information first, followed by a more detailed explanation, and end with additional information. This approach will keep your article concise and make it easier for readers to quickly find the main information.
You can use the inverted pyramid technique in explaining the entire article, in a subheading, to a paragraph.
8. Write articles that focus on one topic
Defining one topic and focusing on that explanation is an important way to create SEO friendly articles. Apart from not confusing the reader, clear article topics will make the information conveyed more coherent.
For example, when creating an article "how to raise catfish", you should focus on the guide on how to raise catfish. If you want to discuss the types of catfish for breeding, write a different article. This will make it easier for you to discuss it more deeply and completely.
In addition, focusing on one particular topic will make use of related keywords. In the end, it's easier for Google's web crawlers to understand the structure of articles for indexing.
9. Spread Keywords Appropriately
One of the beginner's mistakes in making articles is using keywords excessively (keyword stuffing). The goal, so that it can appear more quickly on Google search pages.
In fact, Keyword Stuffing is a spam practice that is far from the standard way to write SEO friendly articles. The reason is, Google considers keyword stuffing as spam because it will reduce the quality of your articles and make readers uncomfortable.
If keyword stuffing, your ranking will decrease or even be removed from search results. Wow! Therefore, spread your keywords appropriately and as needed. Remember, you are writing articles for humans to read. So, make sure your paragraphs are weighty and comfortable to read.
10. Use more conjunctions
As the name suggests, conjunctions are words that connect between sentences or paragraphs. Conjunctions are used to help the reader understand the relationship between ideas in the article.
Examples of conjunctions that you can use are
- Contrasting conjunctions: but, however, while, otherwise;
- Corrective conjunctions: but, only;
- Affirmation conjunctions: even, in fact (rather), besides, moreover, let alone;
- Limit conjunctions: unless, only;
- Sequential conjunctions: then, then, next;
- Equation conjunctions: namely, that is, that, is, is;
- Concluding conjunctions: so, because of that, because of that;
11. Insert Internal Links and External Links
Internal links are links from one page to another on the same website. An SEO article needs to use internal links because they are useful for helping Google index your website and understand the context of the article being made. As a result, your SEO will also be better.
For visitors, internal links help direct them if they want to read more about the topic you are talking about. This not only makes visitors stay longer on the website, but also shows your expertise in discussing the topic in depth.
While external links are links that refer to other website pages. You can insert external links as a source to strengthen explanations and convince readers. For example, links to research results, statistics, quotes, or references from other media.
However, try to insert external links appropriately and only to relevant pages, ok! This is because Google will penalize you if you are found to be spamming external links that are irrelevant and actually annoy readers.
12. Add Visual Content
Visual content such as images, illustrations, infographics, charts, GIFs, and memes are also included in how to make SEO friendly articles, you know! Why? The human brain processes visual data 60 thousand times faster than writing.
So, incorporating data in the form of an infographic or chart into your article will make it easier for readers to understand.
In addition, visual content with the right color combination is proven to increase reader interest by up to 80%. For example, colors that don't collide or colors according to your website design. Finally, 91% of netizens prefer visual content over writing.
As a result, they will feel more at home in your article if there is visual content to support the explanation.
You can get visual content from free image provider websites like Pixabay or Unsplash. Plus, you can create your own visual content using Canva. Meanwhile, if you want to make memes, you can go to Imgflip or Kapwing.
13. Image Optimization
Writing SEO articles with additional visual content is important. However, you need to perform optimization steps. The goal is to save storage resources, speed up the loading of a blog or website, and improve the comfort of visitors.
What needs to be done to apply the image optimization method on WordPress? Here are some tips:
- File Name — Provide an image file name that is short, precise, and matches your keywords. For example, cat-persian-brown.jpg. Instead, brown-persian-cat-very-cute-not-strong.jpg.
- Alt Text — Fully describe the image alt text to help Google identify the topic you're discussing. You can also enter keywords if possible.
- Image Format — Choose the right image format for your website according to your image type. For example, JPEG for photos, PNG for detailed images, GIFs for moving images, and the like.
- Image Compress — Compress your image to reduce image size without loss of quality. As a result, images will display faster and visitors will remain satisfied with the quality. You can compress images via iLoveIMG or TinyJPG.
The tips above are just the basic steps for image optimization.
14. Use Headings
Heading is the title of the article section that describes a particular piece of information. The use of headings is very important when writing SEO articles. The reason is, readers will find it easier to find the outline or subject matter of your article. Especially, for those who tend to scan information in articles.
In addition, Google likes well-structured articles. Not surprisingly, articles that have a clear structure and match the intent of the reader will get a "rank 0" featured snippet like this:
WordPress itself has six headings (H1 to H6) that you can use as needed. Here are some tips on maximizing headings that you can try:
- If possible, include keywords in your headings.
- Use H2 as the main title of an article, like you would a chapter title in a book.
- Use H3 if a more detailed explanation is needed, as part of H2. And so on up to H6.
- Use headings according to their function. That is, H2 is further explained by H3, not H4.
- Avoid using H4-H6 whenever possible, because it will make the structure of the article too complex or deep.
15. Try Optimal Article Length
Yoast, makers of one of the best SEO plugins, recommends a minimum article length of 300 words so that Google can understand your topic. Even so, at least make articles with an average of 1000 – 2500 words.
Why is that? There are two reasons:
- First, long articles usually have a complete explanation, so they can provide more benefits to readers.
- Second, long articles that are SEO friendly tend to have more headings, images or links that can be embedded in keywords. The effect is that the SEO of the article as a whole will be better.
As long as the length of the article is optimal and the information provided is relevant, the article will easily rank in the top search results.
16. Pay attention to the technical components of the blog
Creating SEO friendly articles not only requires you to pay attention to sentences and paragraphs, but also the technical components of the blog. The goal is that your articles look attractive and can compete in Google search results.
Then, what are the technical components of a blog?
- Title Tag/SEO Title — Is the page title that appears in Google search results. To be SEO friendly, try to make your title tag describe the outline of the article, contain one keyword, and be a maximum of 60 characters long.
- Permalink — By default, permalink is taken from the title of your article. For example, your website.com/how-to-peel-onions-quickly-without-tears-guaranteed-effective. Too long, right? So, you should fix the permalink of the article to your website.com/cara-peel-onions
- Meta Description — Is a short description of your article in Google search results. So, try to keep your meta description up to 160 characters long and contain one keyword.
By paying attention to the technical components above, your SEO will also be better. As a result, your article will quickly rise to a high ranking in Google search results.
17. Take advantage of SEO Plugins
The SEO plugin will automatically provide suggestions for optimal SEO aspects in your articles. Very useful, right? Therefore, make sure you use one of the plugins to make it easier to write good SEO articles.
The SEO plugin we recommend is Yoast SEO. This plugin can help you ensure that the title, word count, meta description, keyword distribution, image optimization, and so on are properly optimized.
Interestingly, Yoast SEO will display a green icon if your article is good. So it's easier to find out. If not, all you have to do is do the suggested optimization.
18. Make Sure There Are No Writing Errors
Make sure there are no writing errors in your article. For example, typos, improper use of punctuation marks, and incorrect grammar. This is because writing errors can spoil the reader's experience and reduce the quality of the article.
In addition, the many writing errors in the articles you write will also make you look less professional so that it will reduce your credibility.
Therefore, check the article carefully before publishing it. One of the tips, after you finish the article, rest for a few hours to refresh your mind. Then, position yourself as a reader and read the article aloud to make it easier to find sentences that sound odd.
19. Consistent Publishing Articles
Consistent publishing of articles is also very important as a way to make SEO Friendly articles, you know. Why?
- First, you can provide more benefits to readers in the form of actual information. You would also prefer to be informed by the latest posts, right?
- Second, this consistency gives a positive signal to Google that your blog is active. That way, Google will not hesitate to recommend your content on search pages.
However, you don't have to publish articles every day, really. You can schedule it according to your needs and abilities. If you don't know how, see the article about How to Make an Article Post Schedule on WordPress, come on.
20. Don't Forget to Promote Articles
Promoting articles aims to quickly gain readers and capture relevant traffic. This will give a positive signal to Google because your article is read and needed. With these steps, your SEO will be better and your position in search results will also increase.
Here are some tips for promoting your SEO friendly articles:
- Promotion on all your social media. Either personally, or in related social media groups/communities.
- Also promote in relevant online forums. Remember, don't spam!
- Create a mailing list so that the promotion of your articles is faster and on target.
- Install a share plugin like AddToAny or MasShare to make it easier for visitors to share/promote your articles.
Ready to Write SEO Friendly Articles?
How to write SEO friendly articles can be applied to achieve business goals, such as gaining awareness to increasing sales. If you want to get more optimal results, it would be even better if the SEO article writing is left to the experts, especially if the business is not yet supported by adequate tools such as keyword research tools and SEO plug-ins.
Apparently, there are quite a lot of tips on how to make SEO friendly articles, right? Yup! In essence, for SEO friendly articles, you must follow Google's SEO rules and pay attention to the convenience of readers.
Starting from spreading keywords, image optimization, applying the inverted pyramid technique, and so on. You must be able to balance all the tips above.