You can make money with SEO content writing. Quite a lot of it, actually.
But you need good-quality content to do so.
I’m sure you already know this; a thousand other blog posts have said the same thing.
So:
Rather than waste your time with the same old, tired advice, here are 5 simple and actionable rules you can follow to improve your SEO writing.
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5 rules to consider when offering SEO content writing services
1. Listen to your content
Have you ever read a sentence you wrote that was awkward, unnatural, or grammatically incorrect? Or maybe you’ve struggled to catch those sneaky typos and missed words that your grammar checker doesn’t flag.
To tackle these types of problems, I suggest using NaturalReader (no affiliation).
NaturalReader is a text-to-speech tool that reads your content out loud.
Give it a try the next time you’re editing or proofreading. You might be surprised at the mistakes you catch!
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2. Don’t freak out over every single keyword
The typical run-of-the-mill advice when writing SEO content is to grab a keyword tool and add as many relevant keywords to your content as is realistically possible.
I agree with this approach, broadly speaking. But let’s take a step back.
While keywords are undoubtedly important, keyword research can also turn into an obsession that boggles down your writing, making it feel forced or unnatural. Moreover, it’s very easy to dump hours of valuable time into keyword research when you should be developing your content.
My suggestion is to engage your readers with genuine, relevant content and, yes, use keywords, but let them flow organically within your writing.
Remember, it’s not just search engines you’re writing for—it’s real people looking for genuine solutions and information.
PS At Sage Digital Agency, our preferred keyword tool is Ahrefs.
3. Load your content with features
You’ve heard of “show, don’t tell,” right? Well, this concept certainly applies to SEO writing.
Here is a list of features you can add to your SEO content to make it stronger:
- Infographics
- Embedded tutorial videos
- Easily downloadable PDF guides
- Interactive quizzes
- Custom animations
- GIFs
- Audio clips
- Photo galleries with high-quality images
- Interactive tools
- Interactive maps and location-based features
- FAQ sections for quick answers
- Comparison tables and/or charts
- Highlighted quotes
- 360-degree product views and/or virtual tours
It’s a good idea to add these features if you can, but this depends on your client’s instructions, their budget, and your deadline.
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4. Utilize the power of FRAETING
If you have a deadline to meet and need to produce excellent-quality content fast, the FRAETING method is your secret weapon.
Let’s look at what FRAETING means.
F – Fast-finger
There is an old saying that the FASTER you write, the better you write.
Well, why not put that theory to the test?
Speed can push you to let go of overthinking and allow your genuine voice and creativity to shine through.
R – Rapid read
Once you’ve finished your initial draft, give it a swift read.
This will help you identify any glaring inconsistencies or gaps in your content.
Remember, this isn’t a deep edit but a quick skim to catch any significant issues.
A – Aggregate
Gather relevant data, statistics, and references that can support your content.
This step adds credibility and depth to your work.
E – Enhance
Spruce up your content by adding engaging elements like images, quotes, infographics, etc.
This step is all about making your content visually appealing and breaking up the monotony of text.
T – Tease
In this step, you want to sprinkle calls-to-action, purchase incentives, and internal links throughout the content.
I – Intensify
When you’re editing the content, focus on its emotional appeal. How do you want your reader to feel?
N – Nurse
Nurse your content by refining your conclusion, expanding on your points, or improving your word choices.
G – Go Hard
This is the final push.
In this step, you proofread your work and submit it to your client for review!
5. For goodness sake, don’t just regurgitate. Add your own value!
I get it. The internet is vast, and sometimes it feels like every topic has been covered a thousand times. However, that’s still no reason to regurgitate someone else’s work.
If you’re writing in a saturated niche, my advice is to scrutinize every topic to find a fresh angle or perspective.
This might sound obvious, but a lot of writers today cut corners by playing copycat.
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An important takeaway for writers
The rules in this post are not unchangeable laws. They are only suggestions.
There are plenty of cases in which they won’t apply.
For instance, your client might not want you to load their content with features due to time and budget constraints.
A super-powered blog post can sometimes take weeks or even months to write, and for small and medium-sized businesses, this can be cost-prohibitive.
5 rules recap
Here’s a quick summary of the five things you should keep in mind when writing SEO content:
1. Listen to your content
2. Don’t freak out over every single keyword
3. Load your content with features (if you are able)
4. Utilize the power of FRAETING
5. Don’t just regurgitate. Add your own value
Sage Digital’s content writing services
We provide on-page SEO and content creation as a specialty service to clients with whom we have an ongoing relationship.
If you’re new to Sage Digital Agency and want more information, we encourage you to speak with our team about what we can do for you!
