“Content. Content. Content.” That is the mantra you will often hear from any SEO expert who says that you need to create excellent content to achieve higher rankings in Google. They are right because when Google’s spiders go out into the internet and analyse your website, they are looking for content.
Content not only lets Google know what your website is about and, thus, what keywords you are trying to rank for, but it also contributes to the experience of your visitors. User experience is one of Google’s key differentiators, and it means that the better your content is, the more Google will reward you in the only way they can…better rankings.
One problem that some website owners have is they think simply publishing content is enough. It is not. Content needs to be optimised, not just for those who read it, but also for Google’s spiders. Thankfully, most content optimisations are easy to implement and better still, some of what you implement optimises your content for both the user and Google. Based on the marketing knowledge from the professionals at Oxygen Marketing, here are seven ways to enhance your content for SEO purposes.
Make Your Content Interesting And Unique: This is first because, for us, this is the most important optimisation you can make. Your content must be interesting enough to keep visitors on your website as they read. It must also be unique, as Google will penalise your rankings if the content is copied elsewhere.
Make It The Ideal Word Count: Often overlooked by many because they are unaware that Google has an ideal word count that they like to see, and it has changed over time. Once, it was around 700 -800 words, but more recently, Google has indicated that content 1,500 to 2,00 words, is optimal.
Include Headings And Subheadings: With the massive growth in internet use via mobile devices, having vast blocks of text does not cut it, and that is equally true on desktop PCs, too. This means that you should include headings and subheadings throughout your content to make it easier to read, and those “H” tags will also help Google identify your content pages’ relevancy for specific keywords.
Optimise The Keyword Density: Talking of keywords, we hope we do not need to remind you that keyword stuffing is a huge mistake. Google penalises pages and websites that try to game their algorithm by having keywords included an excessive number of times, not least because it makes the content poor quality for those who wish to read it.
Use Images: Any content you publish will be enhanced by images. Not only do they break up the text, but using “ALT-TEXT” your images can further help optimise content for target keywords.
Link From Your Content: Content provides linking opportunities in two ways. First, linking out to other websites makes yours seem legitimate. Second, linking internally from your content helps spread authority throughout your website and makes your website easier to navigate.
Promote The Sharing Of Your Content: You should ensure that you include text that encourages visitors to share your content in at least one place. Each time they do it, it is another signal to Google regarding the quality of your content and generates backlinks to your website.