Five Straightforward SEO Tips for Ranking Your Content Higher on Google

Do you know why your online presence may not be performing to expectations? It comes down to an old adage: "Content is king." In 2021, nothing is as important to the success of an online business's web presence as content. Search engine algorithms are intelligent enough to understand thin and irrelevant content, and visitors can immediately recognize low-quality content.

One tip for generating engaging content from the beginning is to always write with the idea that readers are smarter than you. This will push the quality of your content over the top and keep readers interested, which will help build credibility for your brand.

But while quality is at the forefront of your writing, you also have to persuade to promote your product or services. This takes time to master, but it’s worth all of the energy you can provide. And it all has to flow nicely, which can be achieved through constant editing.

While quality and flow comes from knowledge, research and practice, persuasion takes a bit more effort to master. If you want to create truly engaging content for your business, you must be able to put all of these ideas into practice effectively. Here are a few proven strategies that can help:

Write Strong And Converting Headlines

According to the American Press Institute, six out of 10 Americans don’t read past a headline. One of the main differentiators of whether people actually open your article is a strong, attention-grabbing headline. In our fast-paced world, the headline is as important as the actual content. If nobody is going to click open the story, what’s the use of writing it?

At the company I founded, my head of content tells his team to start an article with a headline first. The headline might change slightly by the end of the writing process, but focus much time on what’s going to draw the reader in.

When writing, take command with words and create a focal point that utilizes the main keyword of your article. In a few words – or the Google recommended 50 to 60 characters – show value; show how this article will benefit the reader. We observe many of our clients trying to create headlines that are too clever or too original; we always simplify them. Again, simplicity reigns in the writer’s world.

It helps to also have attention-grabbing subheadings to break up your text, making the words more appealing to the reader’s eye.

Start With A Strong Opening Paragraph

Now that someone has the post open after reading an attention-grabbing headline, you have to further grab that reader's attention with a great opening paragraph.

Some of the most effective pieces begin with a simple, personal story that addresses something unique. Say you were writing about a product featured on your website; show how that product made a difference through simple storytelling. Intrigue or startle – whatever it takes, just do it. Display passion and motivate, and chop all colloquialisms to create a truly unique voice.

Apply The Rule Of Three

This is an old principle of writing that says things in three are easier to remember, more satisfying and more effective than any other number of things. From classic tales such as the Three Little Pigs, Three Wise Men, and the three ghosts in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, to adages like "stop, drop and roll" or the Latin Olympic motto “Faster, Higher, Stronger,” the rule of three can help keep an audience not only engaged, but remembering your content.

Try to keep to three major points in every article; think of them as characters like the three ghosts or bears, and make people remember your attention-grabbing anecdotes.

Use "Because"

Use "because." This word shows readers why they should take action. This simple tactic works because it gets people quickly to the actionable point.

Don't Forget On-Page Aesthetics And SEO Meta Descriptions

Besides using subheadings, use bullet points, bold or italics for important phrases or names. These emphases help organize your article and drive attention immediately to that point of the story. In the most basic terms, if you can list it in a quick bullet point instead of a lengthy paragraph, then do it.

Also remember your meta descriptions. Search engine god Google says meta descriptions are not a ranking factor in regards to SEO, but they sure help conversions. Be sure to:

• Use only 155-160 characters.
• Use the same principles of grabbing attention as you would for headlines and opening paragraph.
• Use the focus keyword(s) in your meta description.

Concluding Thoughts

Engaging an audience begins with an attention-grabbing headline, followed by an equally attention-grabbing opening paragraph. From there, craft copy designed to motivate and persuade.

About the author:

Kristopher B. Jones is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and best-selling author. In 1998 Kris founded digital marketing and affiliate network Pepperjam, which he sold to eBay Enterprise (NASDAQ - EBAY) in 2009. In 2010 Kris founded KBJ Capital to invest in early stage technology companies. Kris has made over 25 investments, including as cofounder of entertainment booking app Special Guest alongside actor / comedian Damon Wayans, Jr. with venture backing from Lightspeed Venture Partners (Jeremy Liew), Precursor Ventures (Charles Hudson), and multiple celebrities (Kevin Hart, Jake Johnson, Marlon Wayans...)

Kris is most widely known as one of the top SEO and growth marketers in the world. In 2008 Kris authored the best-selling book of all-time on SEO called "SEO Visual Blueprint," which has sold over 100,000 copies. Over the last 20 years Kris has worked with over 250 of the top brands in the world. In 2014 Kris founded enterprise SEO and digital marketing powerhouse LSEO.com - LSEO was a finalist for "SEO Agency of the Year" in the United States in 2018 and 2020 (US Search Awards). To find out how to scale your SEO and digital marketing visit https://lseo.com/