Although SEO and content writing are different, both are equal. To be successful in marketing, both types of writing are essential.
What is SEO content writing? How is it different than the usual type of content writing? Is SEO writing better than what has been the norm? In this write-up, we will answer these inquiries and many more.
The principal contrast between Search Engine Optimization (SEO) content creation and general content crafting is the purpose of the writing. SEO content is written to increase visibility in search engines, while content writing is written to engage and inform readers.
SEO content writing has a special purpose – attracting search engine attention. On the other hand, content writing is created for humans to read. The paragraph above was written for SEO. It could have been more straightforward and exciting. It’s like hearing an automatic response from Google Home Mini in answer to a query.
After this, I’m going to make the remainder of the article more relatable from the perspective of a human. Nevertheless, my first comment still stands; SEO content is written to increase the effectiveness of website searches using search engine algorithms. However, which approach is the most effective?
What Would Be The Most Effective Option - Search Engine Optimization or Regular Content?
Mentioning regular content, I’m referring to blog articles with no keyword analysis. These are composed for a human visitor, and if Google discovers some keywords, that’s wonderful. But that’s a coincidence. Regular content is a courageous thing to generate. It is uncertain and a leap into the unknown, and you must have a marketing plan to see your post. It could be your thoughts, suppositions, or enthusiasm.
Unlike other written works, content for SEO has a goal – to improve visibility in search rankings. The basic thought is that you are creating the material for search engines and people. This content should be optimized to facilitate discovery when someone performs an organic search.
If the material is not authored to draw attention from search engines, it won’t be easy to get people to recognize it. Does that mean SEO content is superior? The answer is no – as we will come to observe soon, plenty of pieces of content disregard search engines and still achieve great success.
Human Power: The Focus of Content
Alright, so there are two types of content. We know that one of them works to optimize search engines. But what advantages does the other type of content bring?
The answer is that it gains the attention and engagement of human beings.
Creating content that appeals to both search engines and humans is the crux of a content writer focusing on Search Engine Optimization (SEO). This is a difficult task to achieve. However, when it comes to content, writers are more interested in sharing data, ideas, insights, opinions, and useful information.
Because they are unconcerned with having to meet the demands of search engines, authors are allowed a certain level of autonomy which allows them to concentrate on one goal: altering the reader’s emotions. This could mean that the reader is made to experience an array of feelings, such as:
- It is possible to attain their desired future.
- Their goals are nearer.
- They are not being unsuccessful in their roles as parents.
- Their company can be successful. Life can be better.
Great content has the potential to bring about an emotionally charged response – and it can be quite powerful. However, what type of writing should your business utilize? Whether it is for amusement or learning, provoking or altering one’s thoughts.
Content Bothism is an Effective Tool for Achieving Marketing Success
An SEO specialist once informed me that one of their first steps is eliminating pages with low traffic. That makes sense to me. However, low traffic only sometimes means it is not being used. Before deleting content, it is important to ensure it is not valuable.
You can validate this by marketing it on social media sites and investing money to amplify a post. This way, you can determine if the material benefits your clientele.
Therefore, what kinds of regular content can you generate for those who don’t rely on search engines? There is an option available for you to benefit from the advantages of both SEO content and regular content. We call this “Content bothism,” allowing you to have the best of both worlds and build a strong online presence.
The Cost-per-Clic3 Strategies For Utilizing Human Resources to Enhance Your Content Marketing Efforts
Just because search is excellent, we still pay attention to regular content. Once you learn how to leverage human readership, you can create content that pushes people to your site because it is valuable and engaging. Here are three strategies for utilizing human resources to enhance your content marketing efforts.
Content that Utilizes Variable Rewards
Effective blogs can retain readers by providing a sense of unpredictability and excitement. This is achieved through the use of variable reward content. Social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram utilize this tactic to keep users engaged, but it can also be applied to websites. A prime example of this is Tim Ferriss’ blog, which consistently delivers fresh and diverse content, keeping readers coming back for more.
As a business, utilizing variable reward content can be highly effective. Instead of relying on search engines to bring in readers, this approach encourages individuals to seek out your content actively. The goal is to capture the reader’s attention and establish a sense of anticipation that keeps them returning for more. This tactic can help to build a loyal audience and increase engagement with your brand.
User-Generated Content
Our next approach is to utilize user-generated content to expand and diversify the content on our website. A company that has effectively implemented this tactic is Starter Story. They have done this by conducting email interviews to gather hundreds of compelling start-up stories from their audience. This method has enabled them to accumulate over 4,000 case studies without writing them.
New stories are added every week, making the site a constantly updated source of information and inspiration for readers. As real people generate the content, it is more relatable, and the volume and variety of the stories make it an attractive destination for readers.
Content Curation
Content curation has been a prevalent practice for some time, with many websites utilizing it to provide valuable information to their audience. Reddit is widely considered one of the most successful examples of this. However, adding a unique perspective and analysis can elevate content curation to a new level, allowing for the creation of a refreshed version of the content. A prime example of this is Marketing Examples, a website that curates the best marketing examples from around the web and supplements them with unique insights and visuals. This approach offers a rich and informative experience for the readers.
Is it necessary for SEO content to be uninteresting and formulaic? Not.
SEOs Destroyed the Web – And SEOs Are the Only Ones To Fix It
It is commonly acknowledged that Google faces competition from TikTok and other social media platforms. This is partly due to the prevalence of low-quality content optimized solely for search engines rather than providing value to the reader. Recent algorithm updates have aimed to address this issue. Still, it is also important for SEO professionals and their content writers to take steps toward creating more engaging and informative content. It is important to consider what readers want from SEO content to achieve this.
Effective SEO content satisfies the search query and provides additional insights and information. This is achieved through the combination of content writing and SEO best practices. By addressing the search query and then going beyond to provide additional value, you can create informative and engaging content for the reader. Renowned author and marketer Seth Godin has shared valuable advice for creating high-performing blog content, and his tips can also be applied to SEO content writing.
“Eliminate every sentence that someone else could have written, standard reference, and every cliche. Instead, inject your perspective, truth, and vision for the future.”
While it is not necessary to eliminate every sentence, it is important to ensure that SEO content includes unique perspectives, experiences, and insights. A great example of this approach can be found in the Backlinko blog, run by Brian Dean. Dean has created a blog that optimizes search engines and provides valuable and engaging content for human readers. He achieves this by incorporating unique angles and personal experiences.
The importance of user experience, design, and incorporating unique perspectives and experiences in content is paramount. Other websites and platforms also demonstrate this effectively.
9 Strategies for Producing Valuable SEO Content That Appeals to Human Readers
Here are techniques to generate informative content that benefit search engines and human readers.
1. Add Your Data
We have observed how BuzzSumo leveraged its data to create a distinct perspective in its content. What unique data can you utilize in your content?
2. Add Design
Brian Dean has been a trailblazer in using design to enhance SEO-friendly content. I have personally found that using simple graphics has been well-received by my audience and greatly aids in explaining complex subjects. However, incorporating graphics can add an additional layer of storytelling and help convey your message uniquely.
3. Incorporate Facts
Incorporating facts and statistics in your content can add credibility and reinforce the points you are trying to make. These facts can be sourced from reputable sources such as Statista.
4. Add Videos
Copywriter Ben Settle has been known to record himself while walking his dog to capture his thoughts and insights, which he then used as an upsell for his products. While this specific approach may not be suitable for every situation, it can be beneficial to incorporate videos into your content strategy. By creating a short video, posting it on YouTube, and embedding it on your website, you can provide your audience with additional information or a unique perspective. This approach serves as a way to enrich the user experience and enhance the overall quality of your SEO content.
5. Add distinctive H2s (that are not in the SERPs)
Modern web writing can often feel repetitive and formulaic as many writers use tools such as Frase and Surfer to analyze search engine results pages (SERPs). To differentiate your content, it is important to strive to add something new and original to the web rather than simply recombining the most popular H2 headings and rewriting them. To identify opportunities for adding unique value to your content, consider asking yourself what H2 headings need to be added or what gaps the existing article needs to address.
One tool that can be helpful in this regard is the SEO Minion Chrome extension, which allows you to generate relevant “People Also Ask” questions for any keyword. By including H2 headings not listed in the SERPs, you can make your content stand out and provide a more comprehensive and informative experience for the reader.
6. Add Brief Answers
This concern is related to search engines, as they tend to favor content that provides quick and easily digestible information. When researching a potential purchase, such as a TV, a consumer may seek to obtain key details quickly. This is a common behavior among many buyers, so it is important to cater to this preference by providing concise and to-the-point information. A useful approach is to incorporate quick answer boxes on your page, to aid readers in quickly finding the information they are looking for.
Read Next: How Can The Latest Digital Marketing Trends Better Connect With Customers?
7. Add Components, Specifications, and Numbers
As artificial intelligence advances, it is essential to incorporate details and information that AI cannot replicate. This means including relevant data about products and services within the body of your content. A good example is the content created by Quality Comix, which ranks the 100 most valuable comics. This type of content provides key information that an AI program would not be able to replicate, making it more valuable to readers.
When incorporating AI in content creation, it is essential to include elements and information that the technology would not have been able to anticipate or cover.
8. Commit to Genuine Answers
Experts provide precise solutions to actual issues. Quora, for example, is built on this principle. Unlike AI, experts provide concrete answers. If someone asks whether an air fryer is harmful to your health, it is important to give a clear and definitive response rather than a vague one. Additionally, supplementing your viewpoint with factual data can further strengthen your argument.
9. Obtain Insights From Industry Leaders
Businesses have leaders who possess valuable insights and knowledge. Incorporating their statements into your content can add depth and credibility. Highlighting these quotes through design can also improve your content’s readability and overall appeal.
What Should You Do?
SEO content is focused on addressing the queries and concerns of your customers, while other content aims to provide information and insights they may have yet to learn they need. Both types of content are crucial for a comprehensive and effective content strategy.
As you evaluate your content, consider whether it is of sufficient quality and relevance to warrant promotion. If not, consider incorporating unique perspectives, data and insights, and quotes from industry leaders to enhance its value.
Remember to be bold and take risks in your content creation approach, as this will set your content apart in the future.
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