SEO might seem like an uphill battle for most new companies. But there is no escaping the power of Google. It dominates search, with over 92% market share and is the number one website worldwide.
So, where do you start if you are relatively new to SEO?
Before you dig into the detail, it’s good to get an overview of the main approach used by leading brands when they want to rank highly on Google. So here are the top three tips for creating an SEO content strategy that works.
1. Target the Appropriate Audience
Each high ranking you achieve on Google takes time and effort. So it makes sense that you should put all your time and effort into getting more paying customers.
That starts with understanding who your customer is and what they want. The more accurately you can answer those two questions, the more effective your SEO marketing.
Doing so will give you a clear idea of the precise questions your target customer types into the Google search bar.
Your SEO strategy will help you become the brand name that pops up at the top of the results page when you figure that out.
Start by surveying your existing customers. Split them into key demographics and delve further into some of the needs and desires of each type of customer you attract to your business.
2. Do Plenty of Keyword Research
Keyword research becomes much easier when you know your target audience. But that’s only part of what makes effective research.
Keyword tools will give you in-depth data on what keywords will provide you with the best return on your investment (whether that investment time, money or both).
It will tell you what keywords your competitors use and what keywords bring you the most traffic (and the most lucrative traffic).
Try and aim to get at least 100 long-tail keywords to begin. Long-tail keywords are the specific multi-word phrases typed into Google.
3. Publish Amazing SEO Content
Once you know your top keywords, you’ll need pages that can rank highly for that phrase.
The best way to do that is to create high-quality, highly relevant content that provides valuable information and answers your target audience’s most pertinent questions.
You must optimize that content for your target keywords, including those keywords in the title and description as a minimum.
You also need to be consistent with your content efforts, publishing at least once weekly. Content should be at least 500-1000 words in length, though some niches perform better with lengthier posts of over 200 words.
If you don’t have in-house copywriters, consider using SEO services to get the support you need. You might even know an acquaintance who can recommend someone who will sell SEO services to meet your specific business needs.
Tips for Succeeding With Your SEO Content Strategy
A good SEO content strategy ultimately comes down to consistent effort rather than magic tricks. You need to know your customer, know how to attract that customer, and create plenty of value with your content.
For more SEO advice, please look through some of the recent articles in our marketing section.