Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) has become the most important thing when it comes to content. To put it more simply, let’s say content and SEO go hand in hand. Search engines ensure to reveal the most relevant content to users. So, what exactly does content optimisation mean? It is a process that will help your content reach as many people as possible.
Today, our guide will educate you on how you can create perfectly optimised content. You don’t want to miss this. So without any further ado, let's get into it!
Content Optimisation Checklist
Here's what you need to check while optimising your content for SEO:
Incorporate Keywords
The first and most important thing for content optimisation is keywords. Before you begin writing, do thorough research on keywords. You can make use of Google’s keyword planners. This is user-friendly, and it will help you determine the keywords the users on the related topic are searching for. Keywords are the core of your content. Remember one rule; you will not make it to Google's ranking if you don’t market your content with specific keywords.
Create a User-Friendly URL
Clean, clear, and search-friendly URLs will benefit your user as much as the search engines. For your better understanding, we will give you two concrete examples.
Both these URLs are related to Chinese restaurants in Dublin.
- https://www.tripadvisor.ie/Restaurants-g186605-c11-Dublin_County_Dublin.html
- https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/food-and-drink/two-chinese-restaurants-in-dublin-feature-in-top-50-list-for-europe-1.4053834
As a user, which would one you click on? Most people would click on the first one. Why? The URL gives a complete description of what the content is all about.
Tip: Structure your URL in the most straightforward and non-confusing way. Also, make sure it is keyword optimised.
Optimise the Title Tag
The title tag of a page is significant. But don’t worry, it is simple to get it right. Start with your target keyword. Let’s take the same example ‘Chinese restaurants in Dublin’
Place your main keyword at the beginning of the title tag and make sure it is less than 60 characters. So the perfect title tag for our above example would be:
<title>Dublin Guide| Chinese restaurant, 2021 trending</title>
The main keyword is used right at the beginning of the title.
H1 Tag
The H1 tag should be the main heading on the page. How do you build an optimised H1 tag? The best way is to use your target keyword and the actual content that blends in. For the above example, the H1 tag would be as follows:
<h1>Chinese Restaurants Dublin Guide<h1>
Use the Target Keyword in the First Paragraph
Keyword stuffing is a big no. However, use the target keyword in the first paragraph of your content. Make sure this is done naturally. Ideally, we would recommend you do so within the first 100 words. For the same example, we would put it up in this way:
If you plan to visit Dublin, our Chinese restaurant Dublin guide is a must-read for you. We have teamed up a curated list only to bring the best of Indian delicacies to you. So eat healthy, eat tasty.
Fits well as an opening, right? That’s precisely what you need to do.
H2 Tags
You already nailed it with your H1 tag, but ensure to include an H2 tag as well. Do not stuff your target keyword into the H2 tag. However, have it with some variations. With the same example, once you add the H1 tag and the introduction, you may open the body of content with the H2 tag.
<h2>Chinese Food Lovers Guide in Dublin</h2.
If you notice, the H2 tag is clear, concise and includes the keyword variant to an extent.
Meta Description
Meta description summarises the content of your page for the benefit of the search engines as well as users. This is a visible description reflected on SERPs. Be sure this is less than 160 characters and ensure your target keyword is included.
Make Use of Visuals
Make use of visuals (videos and images) in your content. This will have a positive impact on the reader. Visuals are easy to read and consume. It is a known fact that we are more likely to get attracted to a blog with some visual content than one that includes only text.
Mobile-Friendly Design
We are going to explain the theory in simple words. This version is used for ranking. It will help mobile users find precisely what they are looking for. If you want your content to rank on the search engine results pages (SERPs), you must first deliver to the mobile-first concept.
Tip: Be careful about how your content is displayed on mobile devices.
Internal Links
Internal links play a crucial role in content optimisation. Link your site internally to other key pages. This is a significant way to navigate search engines and users through your content. It will also spread link equity to key pages. In simple words, if you mention a topic in your content and have a post about it, make sure you internally link it. There is no hard rule about how many links you can add to your content but don’t go about linking anything and everything, especially if it is out of context.
Updated Timestamp
A user would always consume a blog that is most up to date. Contents have a ‘last updated on ’ at the bottom of the blog. Users get attracted to the one which is the most recent. Google will also rank your content depending upon this factor. So reassure your reader that your content is up to date. After all, no one wants to read content that is two years old.
Monitor the Content-Length
We have noticed, most people do have this doubt. So how long should the content be? There is no definite answer to this. As a general rule, ensure your content goes in enough depth to cover the topic as a whole. However, this will differ from topic to topic. Here are some aspects you need to give thought to.
- Don’t choose quantity over quality.
- Don’t publish content for the sake of it.
- Keep a tab on your competitors content.
- Think from the readers'' point of view
Conclusion
In conclusion, optimising your content for SEO is essential for improving your website's visibility and driving organic traffic. By following the strategies and tips outlined in this blog, you can position your content to rank higher in search engine results, ultimately leading to increased online success.
So, remember that SEO is an ongoing process, so stay informed about the latest trends and adapt your optimization techniques accordingly to stay ahead in the digital landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
To optimise your content for SEO, you should research optimal keywords, use them naturally and strategically, optimise title tags, include relevant keywords in the URL, optimise your images, write compelling meta descriptions, and link to related, authoritative websites.
You can use SEO tools to check if your content is optimised. These tools can analyse your content and provide insights on keyword usage, meta tags, URL structure, and other SEO factors.
Keyword research is crucial as it helps you understand the terms your target audience is using to search for your products or services. By incorporating these keywords into your content, you can improve your visibility on search engines.
Optimising images can improve your website's loading speed, enhance the user experience, and provide additional ranking opportunities through image search. This involves using relevant file names, reducing file sizes, and adding alt text.
Meta descriptions provide a summary of your page's content and can influence click-through rates from search engine results. An optimised meta description includes relevant keywords and a compelling call to action.
Internal links help search engines understand the structure and hierarchy of your website, while external links to authoritative sites can enhance the credibility of your content. Both can contribute to improved SEO performance.