Google-Friendly Blog Formatting Tips for 2024
Laura Kenner
Content Machine with a Cybersecurity Engine??| Community Builder ??? | Cybersecurity and Cloud Security SME ??
TL;DR
To optimize your blog for SEO and Google's new Search Generative Experience (SGE) in 2024, focus on a format that enhances user experience and meets Google’s new standards. Start with a quick answers section to provide immediate value and improve snippet potential. Use a table of contents with jump links for better navigation, and ensure your content is detailed, structured, and incorporates multimedia elements like images and videos. Internal and external linking is crucial for SEO, and strategically placed calls-to-action guide readers through the next steps. Adding a FAQ section can address common questions and target long-tail keywords and voice search. This new format not only improves your search rankings but also provides a better experience for your readers.
Intro
You’ve heard the buzz about Google’s latest algorithm updates and the new Search Generative Experience (SGE). If you want to keep your content ranking high and your readers happy, you need to optimize your blogs to meet these new standards.?
One thing that might need a refresh is your blog format. My recommendations incorporate features to improve user experience, which in turn improves Google’s assessment of your site.
Also, this new format addresses the SGE goal of answering search queries on the spot, as well as “featured snippets” which are a list of questions and quick answers provided by Google. You want to increase your chances of being cited in these, because they are the new “top rank” on Google. Users trust Google to serve them the most reputable, helpful results. You want your company to be one of them.?
Take notes, and incorporate these features into your NEW blog format.?
Add a quick answers (TL;DR) section
It doesn’t matter what you call it (quick answers, TL;DR, the down low, the low down, whatever works for your brand), adding a quick answers section at the top of your blog is important for both user experience and improving your chance of appearing in SGE results. The goal here is to give readers a snapshot of what they’ll learn and surface the top question answered in the blog.
What the quick answers section is NOT - This is not the FAQ section. It is not a long list of questions answered in the blog. It is a bite-size summary of the blog and the main question it addresses.
Provide table of contents with jump links
Including a table of contents with jump links aligned to your H2s helps your readers navigate your blog more easily. This is especially handy for longer posts, letting people skip to the parts they care about most.
Create detailed blog content
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Google loves detailed, high-quality content. It shows that you’re an expert and provides value to your readers. Give the people what they want - an in-depth and truly helpful resource. This approach will not only help with rankings, but also keep people on your page longer.
Structure and organize content
No one likes a wall of text. Breaking your content into clear sections with headings, bullet points, and short paragraphs makes it easier to read. This structure also helps Google index your content better.
Incorporate multimedia
A picture is worth a thousand words, right? Using images, videos, audio, and infographics in your blog can make your content more engaging and easier to digest. Plus, multimedia elements can show up in various search results, boosting your visibility.
Use internal and external linking
Links are your friends. Internal links help Google understand your site’s structure and keep readers exploring your content. External links to reputable sources build your credibility and show you’ve done your homework.
Don't forget calls-to-action (CTAs)
Don’t leave your readers hanging. Include clear CTAs throughout your blog to guide them on what to do next, whether it’s signing up for a newsletter, downloading a resource, or contacting your sales team.
领英推荐
Adding a FAQ section
FAQs at the end of your blog can clear up any remaining questions your readers might have. They also help target those long-tail keywords and voice search queries, making your content even more discoverable. Place the FAQ section below your conclusion.?
For a blog under 750 words I might not add the FAQ section because it could seem redundant to the reader. However, especially for longer blogs, readers who read or scan all the way to the bottom may find the FAQs helpful, as they were probably searching for a particular answer to a question.?
This is the place to list all questions answered in the blog in a straightforward and easy to understand manner.
The "You might also like..." section
Keeping readers on your site longer not only helps with engagement but also improves your SEO. Adding a "You Might Also Like..." section at the end of your blog can guide readers to related content, encouraging them to explore more of what you have to offer. Here are some examples of what to add to this section:
Key takeaways
Following Google's latest updates and SGE can seem like a lot, but sticking to these best practices will keep your blog in top shape. Focus on providing high-quality content, structuring it well, and using multimedia and links effectively. Not only will you improve your SEO, but you’ll also give your readers a much better experience.
There you have it! This blog format is designed to help you create content that both your readers and Google will love. Happy blogging!
FAQs
What is the quick answers (TL;DR) section?
The quick answers (TL;DR) section is a concise summary at the top of your blog. It provides readers with a snapshot of the main points covered in the blog, catering to those who seek quick, accessible information. This section can also improve your chances of appearing in Google's featured snippets.
Why should I include a table of contents with jump links?
A table of contents with jump links enhances navigation and accessibility, especially for longer posts. It allows readers to quickly jump to the sections they care about most, improving user experience and making your content more user-friendly.
What is the purpose of the FAQ section?
FAQs at the end of your blog address common questions and enhance user experience. They help target long-tail keywords and voice search queries, making your content more discoverable. For blogs under 750 words, the FAQ section might be redundant, but for longer blogs, it can be very helpful.
Why add a "You Might Also Like..." section?
Adding a "You Might Also Like..." section at the end of your blog keeps readers on your site longer by guiding them to related content. This increases engagement and improves SEO by reducing bounce rates and encouraging deeper exploration of your content.
You might also like…
Author
Laura Kenner is a freelance content marketer offering a variety of services for B2B SaaS cybersecurity companies and specialized marketing agencies who cater to their needs. ?? Follow me on LinkedIn
?? Thoughts, feelings, opinions? I’m always open for discussion.?
#ContentMarketing #B2B #SEO #BlogFormat
This! Updated blog formats are key in 2024. Can't wait to learn more about optimizing for both readers and search engines!