{"id":143722,"date":"2023-12-05T09:59:10","date_gmt":"2023-12-05T14:59:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/?p=143722"},"modified":"2024-05-13T06:42:14","modified_gmt":"2024-05-13T11:42:14","slug":"seo-writing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/seo-writing\/","title":{"rendered":"SEO Writing: 8 Steps to Create Search-Optimized Content"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"intro-txt\">SEO writing is the process of writing content to rank on search engines like Google.<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>In this guide, you\u2019ll learn how to create search-optimized content your readers and Google will love by following these SEO writing best practices:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/seo-writing\/#find-a-winning-keyword\">Find a winning keyword<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/seo-writing\/#figure-out-what-searchers-want\">Figure out what searchers want<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/seo-writing\/#figure-out-how-to-make-your-content-unique\">Make your content unique<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/seo-writing\/#create-a-blog-post-outline\">Create your blog post outline<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/seo-writing\/#write-your-draft\">Write your&nbsp;draft<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/seo-writing\/#get-feedback-then-edit-and-polish-the-draft\">Get feedback, then edit and polish your&nbsp;draft<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/seo-writing\/#write-a-compelling-title-and-meta-description\">Write a compelling title and description<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/seo-writing\/#add-internal-links\">Add internal links<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<div class=\"intro-tok\" id=\"intro_tok\" style=\"display:none;\"><div class=\"intro-title\">Contents<\/div><a href=\"#\" class=\"expand-dots\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"post-nav-link clearfix\" id=\"section1\"><a class=\"subhead-anchor\" data-tip=\"tooltip__copielink\" rel=\"#section1\"><svg width=\"19\" height=\"19\" viewBox=\"0 0 14 14\" style><g fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><path d=\"M0 0h14v14H0z\" \/><path d=\"M7.45 9.887l-1.62 1.621c-.92.92-2.418.92-3.338 0a2.364 2.364 0 0 1 0-3.339l1.62-1.62-1.273-1.272-1.62 1.62a4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.885 5.884l1.62-1.62L7.45 9.886zM5.527 5.135L7.17 3.492c.92-.92 2.418-.92 3.339 0 .92.92.92 2.418 0 3.339L8.866 8.473l1.272 1.273 1.644-1.643A4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.897 2.22L4.254 3.863l1.272 1.272zm-.66 3.998a.749.749 0 0 1 0-1.06l2.208-2.206a.749.749 0 1 1 1.06 1.06L5.928 9.133a.75.75 0 0 1-1.061 0z\" style \/><\/g><\/svg><\/a><div class=\"link-text\" data-anchor=\"1. Find a winning keyword\" data-section=\"find-a-winning-keyword\">\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-169835-_t457lw59msu\"><\/a>1. Find a winning keyword<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>If no one is searching for the topic you\u2019re writing about, you won\u2019t get search traffic no matter how high you&nbsp;rank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, the first step to creating <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/seo\/seo-content\" data-ahr=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/seo-content\/\">SEO content<\/a> is to do keyword research. Here\u2019s how to get started:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Go to <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/keywords-explorer\">Keywords Explorer<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enter a broad term from your&nbsp;niche<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Go to <strong>Matching terms<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1292\" height=\"1260\" class=\"wp-image-169836\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-1.jpg\" alt=\"Matching terms report in Ahrefs' Keywords Explorer\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-1.jpg 1292w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-1-436x425.jpg 436w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-1-768x749.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1292px) 100vw, 1292px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Eyeball the report for keywords that actually make sense for you to target on your website. For example, if I owned an online shop that sells tea, I might target this keyword because searchers are clearly looking for tea recommendations, so I can easily \u201csell\u201d my product in the content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"830\" height=\"168\" class=\"wp-image-169837\" style=\"width: 519px; height: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-2.png\" alt=\"Keyword metrics for the keyword &quot;what tea is good for cough&quot;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-2.png 830w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-2-680x138.png 680w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-2-768x155.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"further-reading\"><div class=\"reading-title\">Further reading<\/div><div class=\"reading-content\">\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/seo\/keyword-research\" data-ahr=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/keyword-research\/\">Keyword Research: The Beginner\u2019s Guide by Ahrefs<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"post-nav-link clearfix\" id=\"section1\"><a class=\"subhead-anchor\" data-tip=\"tooltip__copielink\" rel=\"#section1\"><svg width=\"19\" height=\"19\" viewBox=\"0 0 14 14\" style><g fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><path d=\"M0 0h14v14H0z\" \/><path d=\"M7.45 9.887l-1.62 1.621c-.92.92-2.418.92-3.338 0a2.364 2.364 0 0 1 0-3.339l1.62-1.62-1.273-1.272-1.62 1.62a4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.885 5.884l1.62-1.62L7.45 9.886zM5.527 5.135L7.17 3.492c.92-.92 2.418-.92 3.339 0 .92.92.92 2.418 0 3.339L8.866 8.473l1.272 1.273 1.644-1.643A4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.897 2.22L4.254 3.863l1.272 1.272zm-.66 3.998a.749.749 0 0 1 0-1.06l2.208-2.206a.749.749 0 1 1 1.06 1.06L5.928 9.133a.75.75 0 0 1-1.061 0z\" style \/><\/g><\/svg><\/a><div class=\"link-text\" data-anchor=\"2. Figure out what searchers want\" data-section=\"figure-out-what-searchers-want\">\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-169835-_ljl6v1qvc4jo\"><\/a>2. Figure out what searchers want<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Google\u2019s goal is to serve the most relevant results. They do this by figuring out why searchers are looking and what they want to&nbsp;see.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This has two implications for SEO content writing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-169835-_j97e1fi86492\"><\/a>Match search intent<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Search intent is the <em>why <\/em>behind a search query. If you want to rank high on Google, you need to align your content with search intent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To check search intent, Google your target keyword. For example, if we search for \u201chow to make money,\u201d we see that most of the top-ranking pages are lists of ways to save&nbsp;money:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1300\" height=\"1130\" class=\"wp-image-169838\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-3.png\" alt=\"Search results for &quot;how to save money&quot;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-3.png 1300w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-3-489x425.png 489w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-3-768x668.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1300px) 100vw, 1300px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite the term \u201chow to,\u201d searchers are <strong>not<\/strong> looking for a guide\u2014they\u2019re looking for a list. So, if you\u2019re targeting this topic, you\u2019ll likely have to follow suit and create a <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/listicle\/\">listicle<\/a>, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"further-reading\"><div class=\"reading-title\">Further reading<\/div><div class=\"reading-content\">\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/search-intent\/\">Search Intent in SEO: What It Is &amp; How to Optimize for&nbsp;It<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-169835-_ubjdapyl4rew\"><\/a>Cover everything searchers want to&nbsp;know<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Broadly aligning your page with search intent doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re giving searchers everything they want. There may be subtopics or features they expect to&nbsp;see.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, pages ranking for \u201caffiliate marketing\u201d all include a definition:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"486\" class=\"wp-image-169839\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-4.gif\" alt=\"The top-ranking results for &quot;affiliate marketing&quot; all feature a definition\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This is why Google <a href=\"https:\/\/developers.google.com\/search\/docs\/fundamentals\/creating-helpful-content\">recommends<\/a> that your content provides a comprehensive description of the&nbsp;topic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1086\" height=\"360\" class=\"wp-image-169840\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-5.png\" alt=\"Google\u2019s Helpful Content guidelines specify that Google is looking for a substantial, complete, or comprehensive description of a topic.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-5.png 1086w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-5-680x225.png 680w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-5-768x255.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1086px) 100vw, 1086px\">\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Google\u2019s Helpful Content guidelines specify that Google is looking for a substantial, complete, or comprehensive description of a&nbsp;topic.<\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This means you need to include every subtopic searchers expect and want to&nbsp;see.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The easiest way to discover important subtopics is to look at the common keywords the top-ranking pages rank for. Here\u2019s how to find these common keywords:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Go to <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/keywords-explorer\">Keywords Explorer<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enter your target keyword<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Scroll down to <strong>SERP Overview<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check three relevant top-ranking pages<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Click<strong> Open in<\/strong> and choose <strong>Content gap<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"972\" height=\"712\" class=\"wp-image-169841\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-6.png\" alt=\"Accessing the Content gap report from the SERP Overview in Keywords Explorer\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-6.png 972w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-6-580x425.png 580w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-6-768x563.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 972px) 100vw, 972px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This will open the Content gap report, which shows you the common keywords these three pages are ranking for. Eyeball the report to find relevant subtopics you could&nbsp;cover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"592\" height=\"1336\" class=\"wp-image-169842\" style=\"width: 366px; height: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-7.png\" alt=\"Common keywords the top three pages for &quot;inbound marketing&quot; rank for, that could serve as potential subtopics\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-7.png 592w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-7-188x425.png 188w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 592px) 100vw, 592px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, if we were targeting the keyword \u201cinbound marketing,\u201d these would make good subheadings:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What is inbound marketing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inbound marketing examples<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inbound marketing strategies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inbound marketing tools<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"post-nav-link clearfix\" id=\"section1\"><a class=\"subhead-anchor\" data-tip=\"tooltip__copielink\" rel=\"#section1\"><svg width=\"19\" height=\"19\" viewBox=\"0 0 14 14\" style><g fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><path d=\"M0 0h14v14H0z\" \/><path d=\"M7.45 9.887l-1.62 1.621c-.92.92-2.418.92-3.338 0a2.364 2.364 0 0 1 0-3.339l1.62-1.62-1.273-1.272-1.62 1.62a4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.885 5.884l1.62-1.62L7.45 9.886zM5.527 5.135L7.17 3.492c.92-.92 2.418-.92 3.339 0 .92.92.92 2.418 0 3.339L8.866 8.473l1.272 1.273 1.644-1.643A4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.897 2.22L4.254 3.863l1.272 1.272zm-.66 3.998a.749.749 0 0 1 0-1.06l2.208-2.206a.749.749 0 1 1 1.06 1.06L5.928 9.133a.75.75 0 0 1-1.061 0z\" style \/><\/g><\/svg><\/a><div class=\"link-text\" data-anchor=\"3. Figure out how to make your content unique\" data-section=\"figure-out-how-to-make-your-content-unique\">\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-169835-_hvoam41f4ddv\"><\/a>3. Figure out how to make your content unique<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Google <a href=\"https:\/\/developers.google.com\/search\/docs\/fundamentals\/creating-helpful-content\">wants<\/a> to reward pages that bring new information to the&nbsp;table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"486\" class=\"wp-image-169843\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-8.png\" alt=\"Google\u2019s Helpful Content guidelines specify that Google is looking for original, insightful, or interesting information in content.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-8.png 1440w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-8-680x230.png 680w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-8-768x259.png 768w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-8-650x220.png 650w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px\">\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Google\u2019s Helpful Content guidelines specify that Google is looking for original, insightful, or interesting information in content.<\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>At Chiang Mai SEO 2023, SEO <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/cyrusshepard?lang=en\">Cyrus Shepard<\/a> shared four ways to add something new to the conversation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Make effort<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Be original<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Demonstrate your talent or&nbsp;skill<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improve accuracy<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-169844\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-9.jpg\" alt=\"Cyrus Shepard's slide from his Chiang Mai SEO presentation that shows how SEO writing can be improved by adding something new to your content.\" width=\"1170\" height=\"674\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-9.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-9-680x392.jpg 680w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-9-768x442.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some ways to show&nbsp;these:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Interview experts<\/strong> \u2014 If you\u2019re not an expert in the industry, interview one. Even better: Interview a few, extract their wisdom, and condense their knowledge into an article.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Write from experience<\/strong> \u2014 For example, if you\u2019re writing about Soylent, try having only the meal replacement for 30 days and write about what happened.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Run experiments, studies,<\/strong> <strong>and polls <\/strong>\u2014 Having unique data is one of the easiest ways to include something new.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Do deep research<\/strong> \u2014 Research isn\u2019t remixing the top-ranking pages or asking ChatGPT a few questions. It\u2019s going beyond that: reading books, finding primary sources, listening to podcasts, diving into research papers, and&nbsp;more.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Be opinionated<\/strong> \u2014 Challenge truisms, express your point of view, and back it up with evidence from your expertise or experience.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Sweating already? You should be. Creating high-quality content isn\u2019t supposed to be <em>so <\/em>easy. As <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/author\/ryan-law\/\">Ryan Law<\/a>, our Director of Content Marketing <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/thinking_slow\/status\/1659552050047320066\">puts it<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"small\"><div class=\"quote-content\">\n\n\n\n<p>Great writing should feel hard. If you can crank out an article by opening a few browser tabs, so can everyone else. But interview someone, read a book, find an esoteric research paper, or collect some data\u2026 and your willingness to do something difficult gives you an&nbsp;edge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div><div class=\"quote-info clearfix\"><div class=\"quote-photo\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Ryan Law\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/ryan-law-pic-425x425.jpeg\"><\/div><div class=\"extra-box\"><span class=\"quote-author\">Ryan Law,<\/span> <span class=\"quote-author-job\">Director of Content Marketing <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\" target=\"_blank\">Ahrefs<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"post-nav-link clearfix\" id=\"section1\"><a class=\"subhead-anchor\" data-tip=\"tooltip__copielink\" rel=\"#section1\"><svg width=\"19\" height=\"19\" viewBox=\"0 0 14 14\" style><g fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><path d=\"M0 0h14v14H0z\" \/><path d=\"M7.45 9.887l-1.62 1.621c-.92.92-2.418.92-3.338 0a2.364 2.364 0 0 1 0-3.339l1.62-1.62-1.273-1.272-1.62 1.62a4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.885 5.884l1.62-1.62L7.45 9.886zM5.527 5.135L7.17 3.492c.92-.92 2.418-.92 3.339 0 .92.92.92 2.418 0 3.339L8.866 8.473l1.272 1.273 1.644-1.643A4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.897 2.22L4.254 3.863l1.272 1.272zm-.66 3.998a.749.749 0 0 1 0-1.06l2.208-2.206a.749.749 0 1 1 1.06 1.06L5.928 9.133a.75.75 0 0 1-1.061 0z\" style \/><\/g><\/svg><\/a><div class=\"link-text\" data-anchor=\"4. Create a blog post outline\" data-section=\"create-a-blog-post-outline\">\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-169835-_jjjviqipejht\"><\/a>4. Create a blog post outline<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you put pen to paper, you should create an outline. Creating an outline will help&nbsp;you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Plan what you want to say (including the angle, headings, subheadings)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prevent writer\u2019s block<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make the SEO writing process faster<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>By matching search intent, being comprehensive, and writing from a unique angle, you already have the necessary ingredients to create an outline. All that\u2019s left is to put them together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The easiest way to do this is with ChatGPT. Give it a prompt like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Write an outline about link building outreach. It should include sections about what link building outreach is, why it is important, how to do it, and additional tips. It should also incorporate my original data where I found that the average conversion rate for link building outreach is&nbsp;1-5%.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019ll generate an outline for&nbsp;you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"694\" height=\"1158\" class=\"wp-image-169845\" style=\"width: 574px; height: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-10.png\" alt=\"ChatGPT's outline for a post about link building outreach\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-10.png 694w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-10-255x425.png 255w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 694px) 100vw, 694px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Pretty good!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"further-reading\"><div class=\"reading-title\">Further reading<\/div><div class=\"reading-content\">\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/blog-post-outline\/\">How to Write a Blog Post Outline (7 Simple Steps)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/content-outline\/\">Content Outlines: How to Write Better Content Faster<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/writing-tools\/outline-generator\">Free AI Outline Generator<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"post-nav-link clearfix\" id=\"section1\"><a class=\"subhead-anchor\" data-tip=\"tooltip__copielink\" rel=\"#section1\"><svg width=\"19\" height=\"19\" viewBox=\"0 0 14 14\" style><g fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><path d=\"M0 0h14v14H0z\" \/><path d=\"M7.45 9.887l-1.62 1.621c-.92.92-2.418.92-3.338 0a2.364 2.364 0 0 1 0-3.339l1.62-1.62-1.273-1.272-1.62 1.62a4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.885 5.884l1.62-1.62L7.45 9.886zM5.527 5.135L7.17 3.492c.92-.92 2.418-.92 3.339 0 .92.92.92 2.418 0 3.339L8.866 8.473l1.272 1.273 1.644-1.643A4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.897 2.22L4.254 3.863l1.272 1.272zm-.66 3.998a.749.749 0 0 1 0-1.06l2.208-2.206a.749.749 0 1 1 1.06 1.06L5.928 9.133a.75.75 0 0 1-1.061 0z\" style \/><\/g><\/svg><\/a><div class=\"link-text\" data-anchor=\"5. Write your draft\" data-section=\"write-your-draft\">\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-169835-_eeljncpy74jl\"><\/a>5. Write your&nbsp;draft<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>This stage is about free writing without worrying too much about making the words perfect. Just get it all&nbsp;out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I always write my drafts in Google Docs. This allows for easy communication between my colleagues, editors, and designers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re easily distracted, use some of these tricks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Download a <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pomodoro_Technique\">Pomodoro timer<\/a> like <a href=\"https:\/\/chromewebstore.google.com\/detail\/marinara-pomodoro%C2%AE-assist\/lojgmehidjdhhbmpjfamhpkpodfcodef\">Marinara<\/a> to keep yourself focused.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use a website blocker like <a href=\"https:\/\/chromewebstore.google.com\/detail\/blocksite-block-websites\/eiimnmioipafcokbfikbljfdeojpcgbh?pli=1\">BlockSite<\/a> to stop yourself from checking X or accessing YouTube.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Put your phone on airplane mode.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Unlike other types of copywriting, SEO writing will always include an element of optimization. Once you finish getting the words out, check over your draft to ensure you\u2019ve included all the keywords you found and that the post meets the search intent of those keywords.<\/p>\n<p>This is how content writing for SEO is different. Without optimization, your content may not perform in search engines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"post-nav-link clearfix\" id=\"section1\"><a class=\"subhead-anchor\" data-tip=\"tooltip__copielink\" rel=\"#section1\"><svg width=\"19\" height=\"19\" viewBox=\"0 0 14 14\" style><g fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><path d=\"M0 0h14v14H0z\" \/><path d=\"M7.45 9.887l-1.62 1.621c-.92.92-2.418.92-3.338 0a2.364 2.364 0 0 1 0-3.339l1.62-1.62-1.273-1.272-1.62 1.62a4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.885 5.884l1.62-1.62L7.45 9.886zM5.527 5.135L7.17 3.492c.92-.92 2.418-.92 3.339 0 .92.92.92 2.418 0 3.339L8.866 8.473l1.272 1.273 1.644-1.643A4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.897 2.22L4.254 3.863l1.272 1.272zm-.66 3.998a.749.749 0 0 1 0-1.06l2.208-2.206a.749.749 0 1 1 1.06 1.06L5.928 9.133a.75.75 0 0 1-1.061 0z\" style \/><\/g><\/svg><\/a><div class=\"link-text\" data-anchor=\"6. Get feedback, then edit and polish the draft\" data-section=\"get-feedback-then-edit-and-polish-the-draft\">\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-169835-_p17ditqew281\"><\/a>6. Get feedback, then edit and polish the&nbsp;draft<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>As writers, we often have trouble seeing the wood for the trees. That\u2019s why having a second pair of eyes is helpful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Getting someone to review your draft can help point out inaccuracies, inconsistencies, failures in logic, phrasing errors, and grammatical mistakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can ask team members or employees to give their feedback. If you have an audience, you can consider getting their feedback as&nbsp;well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At Ahrefs, each draft goes through at least one person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"874\" height=\"560\" class=\"wp-image-169846\" style=\"width: 567px; height: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-11.png\" alt=\"We show that each post is peer-reviewed via a &quot;Reviewed by someone&quot; line\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-11.png 874w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-11-663x425.png 663w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-11-260x166.png 260w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-11-768x492.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 874px) 100vw, 874px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s an example of how we improved the accuracy of our post, thanks to peer feedback:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-169847\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-12.jpg\" alt=\"Back-and-forth comments in one of our drafts as part of our SEO writing process.\" width=\"1560\" height=\"1210\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-12.jpg 1560w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-12-548x425.jpg 548w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-12-768x596.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-12-1536x1191.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1560px) 100vw, 1560px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This will make the content better in Google\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you get the feedback, revise your writing accordingly and start polishing your article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your goal here is to provide the best possible answer in the most efficient way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Efficient means you want to make it easy for them to consume. Here\u2019s what you can&nbsp;do:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Add visual elements. You\u2019d want to think about where an image could explore more and illustrate better than&nbsp;words.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use bullets and lists (like what I\u2019m doing&nbsp;now.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid big words (where necessary). Author Morgan Housel <a href=\"https:\/\/collabfund.com\/blog\/the-written-word\/\">writes<\/a>: \u201cBig words mask little thoughts. They\u2019re an attempt to fool the reader into thinking you\u2019re smart when you have nothing smart to&nbsp;say.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.grammarly.com\/\">Grammarly<\/a> to fix any grammatical errors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use <a href=\"https:\/\/hemingwayapp.com\/\">Hemingway<\/a> to simplify your writing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"post-nav-link clearfix\" id=\"section1\"><a class=\"subhead-anchor\" data-tip=\"tooltip__copielink\" rel=\"#section1\"><svg width=\"19\" height=\"19\" viewBox=\"0 0 14 14\" style><g fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><path d=\"M0 0h14v14H0z\" \/><path d=\"M7.45 9.887l-1.62 1.621c-.92.92-2.418.92-3.338 0a2.364 2.364 0 0 1 0-3.339l1.62-1.62-1.273-1.272-1.62 1.62a4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.885 5.884l1.62-1.62L7.45 9.886zM5.527 5.135L7.17 3.492c.92-.92 2.418-.92 3.339 0 .92.92.92 2.418 0 3.339L8.866 8.473l1.272 1.273 1.644-1.643A4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.897 2.22L4.254 3.863l1.272 1.272zm-.66 3.998a.749.749 0 0 1 0-1.06l2.208-2.206a.749.749 0 1 1 1.06 1.06L5.928 9.133a.75.75 0 0 1-1.061 0z\" style \/><\/g><\/svg><\/a><div class=\"link-text\" data-anchor=\"7. Write a compelling title and meta description\" data-section=\"write-a-compelling-title-and-meta-description\">\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-169835-_rxj003vzbkkd\"><\/a>7. Write a compelling title and meta description<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The title tag and meta description are the first things a searcher sees after Googling their&nbsp;query:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1290\" height=\"432\" class=\"wp-image-169848\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-13.png\" alt=\"The title tag and meta description is the first thing you see after you Google something\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-13.png 1290w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-13-680x228.png 680w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-13-768x257.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1290px) 100vw, 1290px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>How enticing they are could mean the difference between a searcher clicking through or ignoring your&nbsp;page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, you want to make sure both are compelling for your article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some tips on writing an attractive title&nbsp;tag:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Keep it short (&lt;70 characters) to avoid truncation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tell searchers you have what they want by matching search intent<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Be descriptive but don\u2019t clickbait<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Include the keyword if possible, otherwise use a close variation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re stuck, ask ChatGPT to brainstorm title tags for you and use them as inspiration:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-169849\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-14.png\" alt=\"ChatGPT's response after being prompted to create 10 title tags as an example of SEO writing with AI.\" width=\"1154\" height=\"930\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-14.png 1154w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-14-527x425.png 527w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-14-768x619.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1154px) 100vw, 1154px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some tips on writing a compelling meta description:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Keep it under 160 characters to avoid truncation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Expand on the title tag by including USPs you couldn\u2019t fit<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Double down on what searchers want by matching search intent<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Address the searcher directly via an active voice<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Include your keyword if possible<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Again, you can use ChatGPT to brainstorm meta descriptions for&nbsp;you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-169850\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-15.png\" alt=\"ChatGPT's response after being prompted to create 5 meta descriptions as part of the SEO writing process.\" width=\"1336\" height=\"1138\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-15.png 1336w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-15-499x425.png 499w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-15-768x654.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1336px) 100vw, 1336px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"further-reading\"><div class=\"reading-title\">Further reading<\/div><div class=\"reading-content\">\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/title-tag-seo\/\">What Are Title Tags? How To Write Them for&nbsp;SEO<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/meta-description\/\">How to Write the Perfect Meta Description<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/writing-tools\/seo-title-generator\">Free AI Title Generator<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/writing-tools\/meta-description-generator\">Free AI Meta Description Generator<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"post-nav-link clearfix\" id=\"section1\"><a class=\"subhead-anchor\" data-tip=\"tooltip__copielink\" rel=\"#section1\"><svg width=\"19\" height=\"19\" viewBox=\"0 0 14 14\" style><g fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><path d=\"M0 0h14v14H0z\" \/><path d=\"M7.45 9.887l-1.62 1.621c-.92.92-2.418.92-3.338 0a2.364 2.364 0 0 1 0-3.339l1.62-1.62-1.273-1.272-1.62 1.62a4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.885 5.884l1.62-1.62L7.45 9.886zM5.527 5.135L7.17 3.492c.92-.92 2.418-.92 3.339 0 .92.92.92 2.418 0 3.339L8.866 8.473l1.272 1.273 1.644-1.643A4.161 4.161 0 1 0 5.897 2.22L4.254 3.863l1.272 1.272zm-.66 3.998a.749.749 0 0 1 0-1.06l2.208-2.206a.749.749 0 1 1 1.06 1.06L5.928 9.133a.75.75 0 0 1-1.061 0z\" style \/><\/g><\/svg><\/a><div class=\"link-text\" data-anchor=\"8. Add internal links\" data-section=\"add-internal-links\">\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-169835-_4pgxz48fit44\"><\/a>8. Add internal links<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>After your post is published, you should always add internal links from other pages on your site to the new article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not only does this make your site user-friendly, but it also helps Google crawl and understand what your new page is&nbsp;about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s how to find relevant internal link opportunities:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sign up for our free <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/webmaster-tools\">Ahrefs Webmaster Tools<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Run a crawl using <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/site-audit\">Site Audit<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>When the crawl is done, go to the <strong>Internal link opportunities<\/strong> report<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"545\" class=\"wp-image-169851\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-16.png\" alt=\"Internal link opportunities report in Ahrefs Site Audit\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-16.png 2048w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-16-680x181.png 680w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-16-768x204.png 768w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-16-1536x409.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This report will show you the page you should link to, the page you should link from, and the keyword context where you can add an internal link.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Go through the report and add your internal links.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"further-reading\"><div class=\"reading-title\">Further reading<\/div><div class=\"reading-content\">\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/internal-links-for-seo\/\">Internal Links for SEO: An Actionable Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-169835-_7eff4etn835e\"><\/a>FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-169835-_v8if1hv2c7d1\"><\/a>Why is SEO writing important?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you can write and rank content that searchers are looking for, you\u2019ll get passive, consistent traffic to your website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1502\" height=\"750\" class=\"wp-image-169852\" src=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-17.png\" alt=\"The Ahrefs blog\u2019s organic search performance over time\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-17.png 1502w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-17-680x340.png 680w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-17-768x383.png 768w, https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/word-image-169835-17-400x200.png 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1502px) 100vw, 1502px\">\n<figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Ahrefs blog\u2019s organic search performance over&nbsp;time<\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"post-169835-_svmar6fce9or\"><\/a>Final thoughts on how to write for&nbsp;SEO<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>SEO writing boils down to creating the best possible answer to a given query presented in a way that\u2019s easily understood and skimmable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As long as you nail that and the basic on-page SEO best practices I mentioned, you\u2019ve mastered the content side of&nbsp;SEO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re eager to learn more about writing and SEO, check out some of these other guides:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.julian.com\/guide\/write\/intro\">Writing Well Handbook by Julian Shapiro<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/seo-copywriting\/\">SEO Copywriting: What It Is &amp; How to Do&nbsp;It<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/content-writing\/\">Content Writing Explained + 8 Tips to Become a Better Writer<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/blog\/website-content\/\">How to Write Website Content That Ranks (And People Want to&nbsp;Read)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In this guide, you\u2019ll learn how to create search-optimized content your readers and Google will love by following these SEO writing best practices: Find a winning keyword Figure out what searchers want Make your content unique Create your blog post<span class=\"ellipsis\">\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"read-more\">Read more \u203a<\/div>\n<p><!-- end of .read-more --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":146,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wp_typography_post_enhancements_disabled":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[335],"tags":[],"coauthors":[339],"class_list":["post-143722","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-general-seo","odd"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>SEO Writing: 8 Steps to Create Search-Optimized Content<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"SEO writing is the process of writing content to rank on search engines like Google. 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