5 Simple Ways You Can Optimize Your Content for Search

There is a lot of focus placed on search engine optimization (SEO) for website content these days. And rightfully so. Without including carefully worded content that pleases search engine algorithms, it can be incredibly hard for your website to show up among the pages of listings on a particular topics. Here are five simple ways you can optimize your content for search.

#1: Think Like a Searcher with Keywords

Having search engine content that is optimized for a keyword nobody is looking for is useless. When deciding on keywords related to your website, think like a searcher. If you were a customer or reader, what would you type into the search engine to find out information? Web searchers generally have a specific need driving them to a search engine (such as Google) and it pays to understand and incorporate similar keywords into your content.

#2: Remember the Long Tail Keyword

Long tail keywords generally include extra descriptive words and are more related to a phrase. For example, a dentist in North Carolina might use the long tail keyword of “Children’s Dentist in Charlotte, NC” instead of the single keyword “dentist.” In fact, it is often easier to rank with long tail keywords instead of just single keywords, as they are much more descriptive. Long tail and shorter keywords can even both be blending in the same piece to help rankings.

#3: Use Stop Words to Make Content Flow Naturally

One of the biggest mistakes website owners make with content is using unnatural sounding language when incorporating keywords. Using “stop words” does not usually affect the way a search engine reads the content piece, but still makes it easy for someone to read. Example? Shoe stores in Houston versus Shoe store Houston.

#4: Remember to Use Keyword Rich Headings

Search engines thrive on interesting and informative content. This includes scanning designated heading tags for keywords. Use the heading tags (H1, H2, H3) in your content with your optimized keyword included.

#5: Do Not ‘Stuff’ Your Content with Keywords

Finally, the last thing to remember when optimizing your content for search engines is to not overdo it. Generally, one keyword use per 100 words is sufficient enough to be found but not enough to cause the search engines to consider your content spam.

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