SEO Copywriting Checklist

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Your site copy (content) is king for SEO (Search Engine Optimization). Your site copy (content) is king. But, just like with every other aspect of SEO, there is a wrong and proper way to optimize your copy for search engine performance. Copy is so important to SEO that the SEO experts here at Contractor Advertising have compiled a checklist to run through every time you want to publish a new copy or content. So, let’s dive into that list in detail.

Does Your Copy Match the Intent of Your Content?

Another way to say this is: “Does your copy accurately portray whatever you’re trying to say?” When writing good copy for SEO, your content should precisely match your intent. For example, suppose a content you’re creating intends to inform users about a particular product. In that case, your page copy should match that intent to the “T.” This may seem relatively obvious. Still, you’d be surprised how often our experts start analyzing a page that doesn’t match its intents and goals. When checking to see if your content matches you, a good rule of thumb is to quickly scan your copy and see if your topic instantly jumps out to you. If it doesn’t, then you have some work to do!

Is Your Copy Easy to Read?

Your copy could perfectly match your intent and goals. However, it will ultimately fall short in search engine performance if it is not relatively easy to read. An excellent way to determine whether your page copy is easy to read is to run your manuscript through the Yoast SEO Flesch Reading Ease analysis tool (found HERE). If your content passes the Flesch Reading Ease test, you’re good to go! However, while the Flesch Reading Ease score is essential, don’t sacrifice your content’s intent to improve your score. Having a copy that matches your intent, fully informs the reader, and answers user queries is far more necessary than having a good reading ease score.

Are Your Paragraphs Too Long?

Another critical thing to ask yourself when writing good copy for search performance is: “Are my paragraphs too long?” Most readers don’t like to see paragraphs with more than 5 or 6 sentences regarding paragraph length. If you have sections that seem too meaty, consider breaking them apart into smaller, easier-to-digest chunks.

Did You Add Logical Internal Links?

Links are the currency of the internet. So, after you’ve written engaging content that is easy to read and matches your intent, it’s time to add some logical internal links to your copy. These links shouldn’t just be chosen at random, however. Instead, the links you add to your copy should point towards related content on your website. Generally, the more internal links that point towards relevant content on your website, the better your ranking. Of course, there are upper limits to this, but generally, 3 to 4 internal links per post or page is a good rule of thumb to follow.

Did You Add Logical External Links?

Like internal links, external links (links that go to websites other than your own) are essential to good copywriting and SEO. All you have to do with external links is a link to high-authority websites with content related to your copy’s subject. A good rule of thumb for the number of external links to include in any given piece of copy is 1 for every 1000 words or so. Of course, more won’t hurt you, but you should have at least that one link per 1000 words.

Do You Have a Clear Call to Action?

One of the final things to check your copy for is a clear and well-structured call to action. A call to action is a way to provide your users with an action to perform after reading your copy. For example, if you run a plumbing business, asking your readers to call your company with their plumbing problems would be an excellent call to action. When writing copy, make sure your call to action is near your page’s beginning and that it is crystal-clear to your readers.

Are Your Target Keywords Well-Placed in Your Copy?

Keywords and key phrases are essential aspects of good copy for search engine performance. Therefore, before you hit that “Publish” button, make sure that the keywords you have selected for your piece of content are well-placed in your copy. A good rule to follow when distributing your keywords is that each critical keyword should be placed in a header tag and somewhere logically within paragraph text of a related header.

Too Much to Handle? Contact Contractor Advertising Instead

If this seems like a bit too much for you to handle on your own, then don’t fret! The expert copywriters here at Contractor Advertising always stand by to help you write engaging copy that performs well in search engines. Our copywriters are excellent authors who have the knowledge and skills required to ensure your content matches your intent and performs well on search engines like Google and Bing. So, don’t hesitate! Fill out the form below, and we’ll get in touch with you ASAP! Looking for help with Fort Collins plumbing? Well, check out our friends at Lion Home Service today!