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How to Write SEO Friendly Articles That Rank

January 08, 2025

Introduction

Writing a blog post can feel like a marathon. From choosing the perfect topic and conducting thorough research to finally sitting down to write, it’s a demanding process. But what happens when, after all that hard work, your post doesn’t generate the traffic it deserves? It’s frustrating, isn’t it?

The good news is there’s a proven way to change that. The secret to crafting articles that not only rank high on search engines but also captivate your readers is mastering SEO.

SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is the practice of enhancing your content’s visibility in search engine results. The more visible your pages are, the more likely they’ll attract attention and bring in readers—whether they’re discovering you for the first time or returning for more.

In this guide, we’ll explore actionable tips for writing articles that are both SEO-friendly and engaging. By focusing on these two key elements, you’ll not only draw more visitors but also keep them coming back for more.

Tips For Writing an SEO-Friendly Article

In this post, we’ll share actionable tips to help you write articles that earn the high rankings your content deserves.

1. Think Before You Write

Before you put pen to paper—or fingers to keyboard—take a moment to plan. What message do you want your article to deliver? What questions are your readers asking, and how can your content provide the answers they’re seeking? By understanding the purpose of your article, you can pinpoint the search terms (keywords) you want to rank for and craft content that aligns with both reader intent and SEO best practices.

2. Use Headings and Paragraphs Effectively

Headings are more than just a way to organize your thoughts—they’re your reader’s roadmap. Clear and descriptive headings make it easier for readers to navigate your content and understand its structure at a glance. And for search engines, properly formatted headings signal the hierarchy and relevance of your content.

Here are some quick rules to follow for effective headings:

Use only one H1 tag per page. This is typically your title and should clearly describe the main topic of your article.

Structure headings hierarchically. Follow a logical order like H1 > H2 > H3 to ensure your content flows naturally and is easy to scan.

Subheadings don’t just improve readability—they also help search engines understand the context of your article, giving your content a better chance to rank well.

Paragraphs are also important and it's good to know how to use them correctly. Know the main idea of the paragraph and summarize them in one sentence and if possible make them short.

3. Use Related Keywords Strategically

Keyword stuffing—overloading your article with your main keyword—can harm your rankings and make your content less enjoyable to read. Instead of forcing the focus keyword into every other sentence, take advantage of related keywords and synonyms. Search engines like Google are smart enough to understand the context of your content through these variations, making your article more natural and reader-friendly.

To find related keywords, tools like Google Keyword Planner or SEMrush are invaluable. Simply search for your main keyword, and these tools will suggest additional terms that align with your focus phrase. Incorporating these naturally into your writing will boost your SEO while keeping your content engaging and easy to read.

4. Optimize the Length of Your Article

When it comes to article length, balance is key. While a minimum of 300 words is essential, the length should ultimately suit the topic and the audience’s expectations. Search engines like Google often favor longer, well-researched articles because they tend to provide more value. However, excessively long posts can overwhelm readers, especially if they’re not written in a clear and engaging way.

If you’re a skilled writer, longer posts can work in your favor by allowing you to explore a topic in-depth. But remember, quality always trumps quantity. A concise, focused article packed with useful insights will outperform a lengthy one that rambles or lacks substance.

When writing on a competitive topic, aim to create content that stands out. Add depth by presenting multiple perspectives, supporting your points with studies or references, and using high-quality visuals. An informative, engaging, and visually appealing post is more likely to earn backlinks and keep readers hooked compared to a short, surface-level piece.

The takeaway: Write for your audience, focus on delivering value, and let the topic guide the length.

5. Link to Your Previous Content

Don’t let your older content sit idle—make it work for you. If you’ve already covered topics related to your current post, link to those articles. This practice not only strengthens your new article but also enhances the authority of your existing posts. By interlinking relevant content, you show search engines—and readers—that you’re a trusted source on the subject.

Internal linking is also great for user experience. Readers exploring your content may want to dive deeper into related topics, and well-placed links make it easy for them to navigate your site. This keeps them engaged longer and improves your website’s overall structure—both of which can boost your rankings on Google.

Remember, internal links are more than just connections between pages; they’re opportunities to showcase your expertise and encourage visitors to explore your site further.

Check out this blog post on 7 best freelance platforms in Nigeria

This is a good example of internal linking.

6. Leverage Meta Descriptions for Better Rankings

Meta descriptions allow you to make a strong first impression on search engines and readers. These 1-3 sentence snippets, displayed below your article’s title in search results, give a quick summary of what your post is about. But they’re more than just summaries—they’re key to attracting clicks in a competitive space.

To make your meta descriptions work for you:

Keep them concise: Aim for 150-160 characters to ensure they’re not cut off.

Include your primary keyword: This helps both readers and search engines understand the relevance of your content.

Make them engaging: Highlight the value your article provides to stand out from competitors.

Remember, your meta description is like a mini ad for your post. It’s often the deciding factor for whether a user clicks your link or scrolls past it. Craft it with care to boost your visibility and attract more readers.

7. Craft a Winning Title

Your title is the first thing both readers and search engines notice about your article. Even with a well-written, SEO-friendly post, a poorly crafted title can harm your chances of ranking well and attracting clicks. A strong title not only tells the reader what to expect but also signals to search engines what your content is about.

When creating an SEO-friendly title, keep these tips in mind:

Stay within 55-60 characters: This ensures your title appears fully in search results without being cut off.

Include your target keyword naturally: Avoid keyword stuffing—it should feel organic and relevant.

Make it descriptive and accurate: Clearly outline what the article offers so readers know they’re in the right place.

Make it compelling: Your title should spark interest and encourage users to click when they see it in search results.

A well-crafted title does more than grab attention—it sets the stage for a great reader experience and tells search engines your content is valuable and relevant.

8. Optimize Your Images for Better SEO

Visual elements like images, infographics, and graphs do more than make your article visually appealing—they play a crucial role in SEO and user engagement. Properly optimized images can enhance your content’s quality, improve load times, and even help your article rank better in search results.

Here’s how to optimize your images effectively:

Use Descriptive File Names: Instead of generic names like img001.jpg, rename your files to reflect the content of the image. For example, an image showing COVID-19 death rates for 2020 could be renamed to covid-19-pandemic-death-rates-2020.jpg. This helps search engines understand what the image is about.

Write Human-Friendly Alt Text: Alt text is essential for accessibility and SEO. It describes the image to users who may not see it (e.g., visually impaired users or when the image fails to load). A good example of alt text for the same image would be COVID-19 Pandemic Death Rates 2020. Make it concise, relevant, and include keywords naturally.

By optimizing your images, you’re not only enhancing your article’s readability but also making it easier for search engines to understand and rank your content.

9. Use Internal Links to Boost Your Site’s Performance

Internal linking is a simple yet powerful SEO strategy that benefits both search engines and your readers. By linking to other relevant pages or articles on your site, you help search engines crawl your website more effectively and build a comprehensive sitemap. This improves your chances of ranking higher in search results.

For your audience, internal links make it easier to discover more of your content, keeping them engaged and on your site longer. This reduces your bounce rate and builds trust, showing that your site is a credible and valuable resource. Longer user engagement also increases the likelihood of conversions, whether that means subscribing, purchasing, or contacting you.

When using internal links, make sure:

The linked text (anchor text) is relevant and descriptive.

The links naturally fit within the content and provide added value.

You connect to pages that enhance the reader’s experience and understanding.

Internal linking isn’t just about SEO—it’s about creating a seamless journey for your readers, helping them find exactly what they need while showcasing the depth of your expertise.

10. Use Schema Markup to Enhance Search Results

Schema markup is a powerful tool for SEO that helps search engines understand your content better. Essentially, it’s a piece of code you add to your article, providing search engines with additional context about what your page is about. This allows them to deliver more detailed and informative results to users.

Why is schema markup important? It gives search engines clearer insights into your content, making it easier for your article to stand out in search results. For example, with schema, your content might appear with rich snippets like ratings, FAQs, or additional links—drawing more attention to your site.

If you’re new to schema markup, there are plenty of resources to guide you. For a deeper dive, check out this helpful guide: Schema Markup: Why It’s Important for SEO.

Adding schema markup may sound technical, but it’s worth the effort to boost your visibility and provide a better experience for search engine users.

In this image, the first results contain almost all the information that a user might need, unlike the second one which gives a vague description.

11. Focus on Quality Content

When it comes to SEO-friendly articles, quality always wins over quantity. Your goal should be to create content that not only ranks well but also resonates with your audience. High-quality content attracts organic traffic, engages readers, and keeps them coming back for more.

Quality content does more than just boost your rankings—it builds trust and credibility. Readers who find genuine value in your articles are more likely to become loyal visitors and share your content with others. And let’s be honest—there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing your hard work show up on the first page of Google’s search results.

So, what makes content truly high quality? It’s content that:

Provides clear, actionable answers to your readers’ questions.

Is well-researched, accurate, and up-to-date.

Speaks directly to your audience’s needs and interests.

Remember, creating valuable content isn’t just good for SEO—it’s what keeps your audience invested in your brand and eagerly awaiting your next post.

12. Define Your Conversion Goal

The ultimate goal of writing and publishing an article isn’t just to share your thoughts—it’s to drive meaningful action from your readers. Whether that’s subscribing to your newsletter, exploring more of your content, or making a purchase, every article should have a clear purpose.

However, even if your article ranks on the first page of Google, it doesn’t guarantee success if readers aren’t engaging with your content. A high bounce rate or lack of conversions can signal that something is missing. That’s why optimizing your article for SEO and user intent is essential.

To achieve your desired results, focus on:

Understanding your audience’s needs: Tailor your content to address their specific questions and challenges.

Providing clear calls-to-action (CTAs): Encourage readers to take the next step, whether it’s clicking a link, downloading a guide, or leaving a comment.

Delivering valuable, engaging content: Keep your audience interested and invested in what you have to offer.

By optimizing your content for both search engines and user experience, you’ll drive more relevant traffic, lower bounce rates, and achieve the results you’re aiming for.

13. Share Your Post for Maximum Reach

Writing a great article is only half the battle—the next step is making sure it reaches the right audience. Leverage the power of social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and others to amplify your content. Sharing your post not only drives traffic to your site but also increases its visibility, which can help it rank higher over time.

Each platform has its own strengths:

Facebook: Great for connecting with a broad audience and sharing articles in relevant groups.

Twitter: Ideal for short, engaging snippets with links to your post. Use hashtags to reach a larger audience.

LinkedIn: Perfect for sharing professional or industry-specific content and connecting with like-minded professionals.

Don’t just stop at posting—engage with your audience! Respond to comments, join conversations, and encourage sharing. The more engagement your article gets, the wider its reach and the more traffic you’ll drive to your website.

Stay Consistent and Patient with SEO

If you’re just starting to learn the ropes of SEO, don’t get discouraged. It’s normal for results to be slow in the first few months, but persistence is key. Focus on consistently publishing high-quality, optimized content, and over time, the traffic will come.

Remember, quality content is king. Great content not only improves your rankings but also leads to more backlinks, social shares, and loyal visitors who keep coming back for more. Building a strong online presence takes time, but with dedication and the right strategies, your efforts will pay off.

For more in-depth guidance on SEO and blogging, check out this helpful guide from HubSpot.

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