When we think of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and blog posts, there is often an immediate consideration of what keywords to use and how often. While many writers believe in packing blog articles with as many keywords as humanly possible, we think… no, we know there is a better way. So, with SEO and keywords… what’s the deal?
Keywords should be used sparingly in an SEO blog article. They should be in the main title and feature in the subheadings throughout the piece. The same words or phrases may occur naturally in the body of the article. The focus of articles should be valuable content and the client.
Blog posts are meant to inform and educate your target audience about what you offer, why you are the perfect match for them, and how they can use your product or service. If you are making use of your website’s blog section, pay attention to the way in which you use keywords. Using them in the right way can help you optimize your site. Using them incorrectly could mean losing a potential client.
Using Keywords in An SEO Blog Post
There are so many writers who believe it is best to pack every blog post with as many of their primary and secondary keywords as possible. The problem with this practice is that it doesn’t make for good reading, and could even turn clients away from you as a business.
The truth is that there is no secret formula or magic number of times you should use a keyword in a blog article. There is a general guideline to follow, though, and we are excited to share it with you.
How To Choose Keywords for Blog Articles
The way to decide on keywords for your blog articles is to find out what your target audience is already searching.
If you offer fridge maintenance, for example, type in questions your audience is likely asking. They may be asking things like:
- Fridge repairs near me
- How to fix my fridge seal
- Can I change the gas of my fridge
- How to fix a smelly fridge
Once you can see what your target audience is asking, select a topic and write an article that answers one of their questions.
From the search questions above, you could write any one of the following blog posts:
- Fridge Repairs Near You (We do callouts everywhere!)
- How To Fix The Seal Of Your Fridge In Five Easy Steps
- How We Change The Gas Of Your Fridge
- How To Fix A Smelly Fridge, And Keep It Fresh
When you have chosen a blog topic based on your target audience’s searches, the topic is actually your keyword.
It’s truly that simple.
Where To Use Keywords in An SEO Blog Article
Now that you know how to come up with blog articles, and you know the topic and title is actually your primary keyword, the next question is where to use the keyword.
Using your keywords should be natural and logical.
The most essential place to use the keyword is in the title. Also, use some or all of the words in your “Heading 2” subheadings throughout the article.
The body of your article can include your keyword if it comes up naturally. Be wary of consciously inserting it at every opportunity. Remember that your focus should not be on fitting in your keyword as many times as possible. Your focus is on providing quality content for your client.
What Is the Purpose Of Keywords In An SEO Blog Post?
Keywords work in much the same way for social media and websites.
Search engines use bots to crawl websites and assess the viability of the content on them. When a user types in a certain search phrase, the search engine goes in search of content that will answer their question.
Search engines, like Google, want to provide the best possible content for the user. If they are satisfied with the results, they are likely to return to the search engine, aiding its success.
For that reason, the search engine assesses the content that you and everyone else publish. The main criteria they are looking for are:
- Does the content match the user’s search phrase?
- Does the content match the heading? (i.e. does the article answer the question it claims to answer?)
So, the point of the keyword is to show the bots that what you claim in your title is what you explain in the body of your article. It is also to hook the bots’ attention and match your article with the user’s search phrase.
If Not Keywords, What Is the Purpose Of A Blog Post?
It is easy to get caught up in the web of SEO scores, and indeed, SEO is a fantastic and useful tool for marketing. If you are to have a successful blog, however, it is vital to keep your focus on the true purpose of a blog post, SEO or otherwise.
The purpose of having a blog section is to keep your audience informed. Every blog post you publish must give your audience useful, valuable information about something they have searched for.
Be sure to only publish posts that are professional, well-written pieces of valuable information that will benefit your reader.
Well-written blog posts serve a few major purposes. They:
- Show your audience that you are intelligent
- Show that you are an expert in your field
- Educate your audience about what you offer
- Show your reader why your products or services are the best
- Subconsciously demonstrate that your business is alive, current, and energetic
- Teach your audience about ways to use your products or services
- Inform your audience about news within the business or field
- Help the reader move toward making a purchase from you
- Communicate your business brand identity, tone, and culture
- Communicate information clearly, with no misunderstandings
Just as important as these positive purposes are, having well-researched and written articles on your website can also eliminate any potential clients that may be the wrong fit for your business. When the wrong client understands what you offer in a clear way, they will turn their focus elsewhere. You are then saved from spending time and resources trying to convince them to purchase something that is wrong for them.
How Can The Grammar Goblin Help With SEO Blog Posts?
Here at the Grammar Goblin, we are super passionate about writing blog posts for businesses. We literally live for this stuff and engage in regular training and upskilling to ensure that we are on top of the game.
We relish the opportunity to sprinkle love into every single post we write. We know that by writing excellent posts for you, we are helping you achieve your dreams and make your business a success.
Some of what we offer include:
- Keyword and topic research
- Research
- Writing blog posts, both SEO and non-SEO
- Proofreading before submission
- Ensuring no plagiarism is present in blog posts
- Submission of posts on time, every time
- Related images are supplied when requested
We can write topics that we feel are fitting or from topics you have chosen. Either way, we ensure that we thoroughly research your business, the field, and the topic before we begin writing for you.
To bring us onto your team, chat with us via the contact page, or email kelly@grammargoblin.co.za
We can’t wait to walk with you, leading your business to greater success!
Ps. Want to watch a video on this topic? Click here!
