4 of 12

Write now Article Tools

Hidden in the vast depths of the internet are millions upon millions of web pages, articles, and content websites. Typically the way this information is retrieved is through a keyword search using a major online search engine such as Yahoo!, Google, AOL, or MSN. However, this still does not guarantee the web copy will appear in an optimal position in search results so that people will click on the content and read the copy. This is where search engine optimization comes into play.

Search engine optimization (SEO) simply means writing web copy to make the content search-engine friendly so that the web copy appears in the top search results. When one delves into SEO, he or she quickly finds an entire science devoted to ensuring top placement in search results. Suddenly terms such as advertiser competition, cost per click, and global monthly search volume become familiar language to the web content developer.

Choosing Effective Keywords and Keyphrases

Writing SEO copy for the web is different from traditional print copy in the sense that the web writer must pay careful attention to each word and phrase used in the content.

The key in choosing effective keywords is to place oneself in the position of the end user searching on a particular term. For example, a person searching for auto insurance would probably type "auto insurance" into the search engine to come up with results. The person could also type "affordable auto insurance," "find auto insurance," or "cheap auto insurance." Knowing this, the SEO copywriter should sprinkle the article with these keyphrases, being careful at the same time not to overuse them.

The SEO Web Writer's Best Friend: Google Keyword Tool

When writing web content, the SEO copywriter should always have the Google Keyword Tool open in a dedicated web browser tab for fast and easy access. The Google Keyword Tool displays helpful synonyms for words used in the web content relative to advertiser competition, estimated cost per click, and search volume. These keywords and keyphrases help to estimate the popularity of the article and the chances the web content will be found by users through a web search.

Things to Avoid When Writing SEO Copy

When writing SEO content, the copy should be optimized for high placement in search engines using the principles of search engine optimization. However, the SEO copywriter should avoid using certain keyphrases too many times in one article so that the search engine spiders won't consider the content to be spam. The text flow must also be readable and easily scannable by web surfers.

In summary, the SEO copywriter must take care to strike a proper balance between an optimized article that reads naturally without appearing choppy or spammy, and copy that is easily discoverable by search engines to get the content read by as many web searchers as possible.

Learn more about this author, Daniel J. Gansle.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about How to write effective SEO copy?
We want to hear your view. Write now!