When it comes to creating content, search engine optimization (SEO) is part art, part science.
To begin, you need to be able to create content that is engaging and useful for searchers. From there, you need to fine-tune the on-page content in order to align it with the algorithm’s priorities.
So, how can you channel both of these elements? Here are five tips for creating top-tier content.
#1 Quality of Content Matters Most
In the past, Google’s algorithm could be manipulated via blackhat tactics like keyword stuffing. However, over the years, the search engine has optimized the algorithm by prioritizing other metrics.
Today, the ultimate goal of Google is to align a user’s search intent with the results. For that, content must have the following characteristics:
- Accuracy
- Relevancy
- Up to date
- Answer the question, as well as related questions
Recently, Google has emphasized the importance of dwell time—the amount of time a site visitor remains on the page before clicking elsewhere. As a result, dwell time is now considered one of the best barometers of content’s quality.
#2 Optimize Each Page for Readability and Scannability
In an ideal world, every user that visited your site would thoroughly peruse the content on the page. But that’s not the way the cookie crumbles.
Many users are simply looking for an answer. Therefore, your content needs to be structured in such a way as to allow the reader to gather the main concepts by simply scanning headers and bullet points.
Additionally, by breaking up a page with elements such as those mentioned above, you make the content more enjoyable to read, especially compared to massive text blocks.
#3 Focus on Keyword Intent
One of the fundamental elements of SEO involves organic keywords. These keywords help Google match the user’s query to the page most likely to answer their question accurately.
Because of this, organic keywords are critical. And they must be aligned with user intent. To do this, take the following steps:
- Identify keywords related to your brand and target customers using Google Analytics and other tools.
- Use keywords throughout your web copy and blog posts
- Include keywords in the following page elements:
- Title tags
- Meta descriptions
- H2s and H3s
- Alt image text
- HTML
#4 Emphasize Page Experience
Recently, Google has also prioritized page experience, which it defines as: “A set of signals that measure how users perceive the experience of interacting with a web page beyond its pure information value.”
Elements of page experience include:
- Core web vitals
- Mobile-friendliness
- HTTPS
- No intrusive interstitials
#5 Identify Low-Performing Pages and Optimize
Creating the best content for Google rankings is an ongoing process. That means you must regularly analyze the performance of pages, identify those that aren’t ranking well, and then alter the content for further optimization.
Semgeeks—Premier Content Creation Services
Content is the foundation of any SEO campaign. But simply having words on the page is no longer enough. The content must be high-quality, geared for search intent, and optimized according to the Google algorithm.
Need help with that?
At Semgeeks, we’re a content creation company that knows what it takes to rank highly on search. Our optimized content will help you rank for long-term placement.
To get started, contact us today!
Sources:
Search Engine Land. Content & Search Engine Success Factors. https://searchengineland.com/guide/seo/content-search-engine-ranking
Google Search Central. Page Experience. https://developers.google.com/search/docs/advanced/experience/page-experience
