While you don’t need to be an expert on search engine optimisation (SEO) to write as a freelancer, having a basic understanding is advised. As a freelance writer, you are typically not required to be an SEO expert.
While you might understand how to carry out relevant research, reader pain points and how to structure an article logically, SEO knowledge enhances your offering as a writer. With a firm grasp of the principles of SEO, you can write content that performs better and enhance your reputation as a skilled creator and results for marketeers.
Here, we look at some key SEO tips that can distinguish you from other writers and help you build loyalty and trust as a paid professional who understands their role
Understanding SEO
The aim of SEO is improving how search engines rank websites, particularly when a user has a specific question or searches online for a solution. The higher a site ranks in results, the greater the web traffic it will likely receive. Increased traffic results in more business leads that companies can convert into sales.
The ongoing goal is to place on page one of search results, where companies can experience the highest level of visibility and the greatest chance that users connect with your content after a keyword search.
Keyword research
Keywords in your content inform search engines, helping them understand what you’re writing about. Understanding what keywords and key phrases are most relevant to the services or products offered by the firm you are writing for is of prime importance. Keywords can be worked out by considering relevant search terms and user questions that might lead people directly to the website or its product pages.
When determining relevant keywords, ask yourself what questions you would ask as a user seeking the services of the firm you are writing for supplies. What problems can the company offer solutions for? Before you start writing, try searching for the keyword phrases and examine what content currently ranks on page one of the search engine. Evaluate the kind of content you encounter at the top to work out what you can do to ensure your content is more effective and original.
Content optimization
There are many facets to optimising online writing. To make content engaging and increase how many people can digest it readability is key. Employ sentences of varying lengths and try writing in a tone of voice that users will find engaging. Often this is described by as being friendly but also professional.
You can break up content to make it simpler for readers to absorb by using tools like subheadings, multi-media documents like videos and images. Adding links to reliable and relevant web pages can build credibility in your content, but be sure to optimise your links with descriptive anchor text. If you’re asked to include meta data, ensure the content’s meta description and title tag match what users will be searching for.
Focus on headlines and titles
Taking time after writing articles to format them can maximise your SEO efforts. Formatting makes it easier for search engines to index your content. This might be a simple use of Heading 1 (H1) for your title and using H2 and H3 for subheadings and sections.
However, titles and headlines must include relevant keywords and the article’s introduction should include your selected keyword phrase. Search engines view headers and the introductions as important, so optimising these elements is essential.
Create quality content
To create quality content always strive to create work that is engaging, up-to-date, credible, comprehensive and user-friendly. After researching the top articles on a search results page, consider what they lack and how you would improve them. When creating content, make sure that you research your subject so you can write with authority. Ensure the sources you use are reputable and that any facts and figures you include are current. Creating an in-depth article that answers all relevant questions can see your work become a trusted source by users. However, avoid cliché and try and supply interesting and useful information that can’t be found in the articles of others.
Put your SEO knowledge to the test as a freelance writer
If you’re looking to improve your skills as a writer while earning money from home, we can help. Providing you have a strong command of the English language, have IT equipment to work remotely and can keep to deadlines, we can offer you a wide range of briefs from blogs and web copy. Apply to write for Words of Worth Australia today.