The Truth about SEO Content Writing that Google Does Not Want You to Know

If you have a business with an online presence, one popular mantra you must have come across is that, if you want to be seen by Google on its first page then you must pump your SEO content writing muscles. Your every content writing effort should be in the direction of improving your search engine optimization, preferably, improve it in such a manner that your links appear among the top 10 listings of the first page. How true is this? Is SEO all about being on Google’s first page? These, and more questions, are what this blog post seeks to answer.

So, what’s the truth about SEO content writing that Google does not want you to know?

Pumping your website’s SEO content writing muscles is not guaranteed to bring you traffic. Not just that, being on Google’s first page by itself does not guarantee quality traffic.

Here’s a brief analogy: when you do a Google search, do you click on all the results on the first page? You probably never even bother about the second page. Someone said, the best place to hide a dead body is in Google’s second page. More than 70% Google search users, and that includes me, simply ignore the paid ads. In a nutshell, being on Google’s first page is not synonymous to more customers, which was the reason you bothered with SEO content writing in the first place.

I can hear you say what?! Where does that leave me? Stay calm and read on.

2 reasons why SEO content writing (not done properly) does not guarantee (quality) traffic

1. You’re using too broad keywords. At least 1 million to 10 million people search for “flowers” every month. But why are they searching for flowers? Perhaps they’re looking for information on starting their own flower shop? Perhaps they want to learn how to grow flowers at home? You can never be sure! The point I’m trying to make is, such a broad keyword would likely not increase sales as you do not know the specific reason why those people are searching for flowers.
2. You’re using too specific keyword. Yes, this is the other extreme end of the spectrum. A particular practice by those focusing on local customers or geographic ranking through their SEO content writing. It’s safer not to follow this strategy all the time. What if someone outside your locality wants an order to be delivered as a gift to someone living in your locality? Remember those times you were searching for something, but did not know exactly what you were looking for? This is also what happens to your prospective clients, so using too specific keywords could exclude lots of potential clients.

Today, it’s not about ‘get the traffic’, it’s about ‘get the targeted and relevant traffic.’- Adam Audette, Chief Knowledge Officer, RKG.

Positive SEO content writing steps to take

Is there a way out? Yes, where there is a will, there is a way, and this is especially true for SEO content writing.

1. Spend ample time researching quality keywords. Please, resist the temptation to use your business name as a keyword. Let’s be frank, do you honestly think anyone is searching for your business name? Well, unless you are Samsung or Microsoft, it is highly unlikely. And even for Samsung and Microsoft people search for a particular electronic device or software application, not the company name.
2. Be patient, good SEO content writing is like sowing. You first sow the seeds, regularly water them, protect plants against pests and diseases, and after lots of hard work and perseverance, you reap the harvest. Ever seen a farmer plant apples one day and harvest the next day?
3. Model your keywords as a question. Usually, when we need information, what do we do? We “ask” Google. Why not adopt the questions model when researching keywords? Do you run a pet shop? One keyword could be: “What do I feed my cocker spaniel?” So, brainstorming on questions you think your customers might be asking, is what SEO content writing all about.
4. They ask the questions, give them the answers. This is beyond keyword stuffing, either on your site pages or meta data. It’s simple, give your audience ANSWERS to their QUESTIONS through your SEO content writing. And give these answers CONSISTENTLY. Stop having sleepless nights trying to stay on top of your competitor’s rankings in Google, algorithms and what not. Focus your energy on how to keep your content relevant and easy to read for those who find you.

So, let’s recap. SEO content writing does not guarantee (quality) traffic. The truth about Google and SEO is to provide relevant, easy to read content for your audience…consistently.

Simply focusing on your SEO and keywords won’t help you much. You need relevant, high-quality content that engages your audience. These days, even Google’s algorithm takes into account people’s behavior when they are accessing your content. If the content is not useful, even when you have optimized your website, it begins to lose its rankings. If you hope to achieve meaningful SEO, you need quality content.