Are you ready to learn how to write content that ranks high on Google? This guide will help you understand the basics of SEO content writing and how to create content that people want to read. Whether you're new to SEO or have some experience, this post will give you the tools to improve your writing skills.

Start with the Basics

Before you start writing, it's essential to understand what makes content SEO-friendly. Here are some key resources to get you started:

• Beginner's Guide to SEO by Moz: Focus on Chapter 1 (SEO 101), Chapter 3 (Keyword Research), and Chapter 4 (On-Site Optimization). This guide provides a solid foundation in SEO basics.

• SEO Copywriting Guide by Backlinko: This is an excellent resource for learning how to write SEO content. It's updated regularly and covers everything you need to know. You can often find updated information by searching the resource name on Google.

These resources will help you understand how SEO works and how to write content that search engines love.

Key Things to Remember

After reading the resources above, here are the most important things to keep in mind:

• Make it Easy to Read: Effective SEO content is clear, concise, and easy to read, even when the topic is complex.

• Optimize for Readability: Use subheadings, bullet points, and white space to make your content easy to scan and navigate.

• Be Conversational: Write like you're talking to a person. Don't write like a robot.

• Be Helpful: Google prioritizes ranking content that is helpful, accurate, easy to read, and trustworthy.

Your main goal is to give value to the reader, not to trick your way to the top of search results.

What to Expect When Learning

Don't worry if you're not a great SEO writer right away. It takes time and practice to develop your skills. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• You'll Get Feedback: Your first few drafts will likely have revisions and suggestions. Don't take it personally. The goal is to create content that helps brands make money through organic search.

• SEO is a Team Effort: Remember, SEO is not just about your writing. It's a collaborative effort that includes technical, on-page, and off-page elements. Your writing is just one piece of the puzzle, and your contribution is valuable.

• Write for Your Audience: Keep in mind that the average American reads at a 7th- to 8th-grade level. Use this as a guide to connect with your readers. Use shorter sentences, simpler words, and clear language to ensure your content is easily digestible.

• AI Can Help, But It's Not Perfect: AI tools can help you write faster, but they won't create perfect content on their own.

Remember, as you improve your writing skills and other SEO strategies, you'll see better results.

Making Content Readable

Making your content easy to read is crucial for effective SEO. Here's how to do it:

Using Subheadings

Use H2, H3, and H4 subheadings to break up your content. This makes it easier for readers to scan and find the information they need.

White Space and Bullet Points

Utilize white space and bullet points to enhance the readability and visual appeal of your content. These elements help break up large blocks of text, making it easier to follow. For bullet points, always have at least three items.

Get to the Point

People often scan blog posts to find specific information. Make sure you get to the point quickly. Think about a recipe: people usually want the recipe, not the life story of the cook.

Writing Like a Human

SEO content writing is both an art and a science. While there are guidelines to follow, you're ultimately writing for people.

Be Conversational

Write like you're having a conversation with someone. When explaining a complex topic, use simple language that everyone can understand.

Avoid Robot Writing

Don't write like a robot. Your content should sound natural and engaging. This is especially important if you're writing for e-commerce brands.

Research is Key

Before you start writing, do your research. Here's how:

Understand the Topic

Ensure you thoroughly understand the topic you're writing about. Read the top search results to get a good grasp of the subject.

Look for Content Gaps

Identify any gaps in the existing content. What are the top-ranking articles missing? Fill those gaps in your writing.

Taking Notes with AI

A helpful trick is to use an AI tool like ChatGPT to analyze the top search results. Copy and paste the content from the top three articles into ChatGPT. Then, ask it to highlight the differences and identify any content gaps. Use this information to create even better content.

Here is an example prompt to use: "Highlight the differences of the last three outputs, the content gaps and options, and produce the best piece of content for Google."

Drafting Your Content

Here's a step-by-step process for drafting your content:

1. Start with the First H2: Copy the prompt from the section of your brief into ChatGPT.

2. Add Your Notes: Paste your notes into ChatGPT and ask it to fill in any gaps.

3. Limit the Output: Use this prompt to limit the output and ensure clear, concise writing:

"Limit your output to X number of words and write in a manner that is clear, concise, and easy to understand. Only mention the most essential information."

4. Edit and Refine: Once you have the AI output, refine it for accuracy and clarity. Remove any fluff or irrelevant information.

AI - Use it Wisely

AI tools can be beneficial when learning to write. They can assist with research, content generation, and even editing. However, it's important to remember that AI is a tool, not a crutch. It should be used to enhance your writing, not replace it.

Don't Rely on AI Alone

AI is a tool, not a crutch. Don't just copy and paste AI-generated content into your blog. It still needs a human touch.

Brain Dump and Edit

Utilize AI to generate content tailored to your brief quickly. Then, use your writing skills to edit and improve it. It's much easier to edit existing content than to start with a blank page.

Human-Centric Content

Remember, you're writing for people, not just search engines. Your content should have a voice and personality. E-commerce brands need content that connects with their customers.

Reorder and Shorten

Reorder sentences and shorten them as needed. Remove passive voice and aim for active voice. Find simpler ways to say complex things.

Avoid Fluff

Get rid of words like "very," "a lot," "really," "totally," and "completely." These words often take up space without adding value to your content. For instance, instead of saying 'very good,' you can say 'excellent.'

Review Your Work

After you've drafted your content, take a step back and review it.

Read Out Loud

Read your content out loud. If you can barely understand it, others will likely struggle to do so as well. Rewrite any confusing sections.

Satisfy Search Intent

Put yourself in the searcher's shoes. Does your content answer their question? If not, it's not a good piece of content.

Persuade Your Reader

If you're writing for an e-commerce brand, aim to move readers closer to the bottom of the funnel. Use calls to action and product images to persuade them to make a purchase.

Make it Your Own

Here are some tools that were mentioned that you can use to improve as a writer:

• Swiftbrief

• Google Docs

• ChatGPT

• Grammarly

• Hemingway Editor

Final Thoughts

Learning to write SEO content takes time and effort. By following these tips, you can improve your skills and create content that ranks high on Google. Remember to focus on creating valuable, helpful content that people want to read.