Short versus long blog posts: which is better? Some sources such as Backlinko say that the average piece of content that ranks on Google is 1,900 words in length. They and others agree that writing longer copy allows a topic to be covered more completely, helps your blog stand out from the crowd and emphasis the importance of the topic being covered.
Long copy proponents say that the average user only reads 20% of each page because they are looking for a specific piece of information. In long form copy the addition of pics, stats and additional headlines make the content skimmable for the reader and actually gets them to read more.
Of course, the opposite side of the table points out that you should keep your posts short, because after 375 to 750 words you risk losing your reader's attention. The average post on WordPress is just 280 words in length. Although many of these will never rank high on Google, wildly popular marketing blogger Seth Godin is famous for short, daily posts that get shared. Some of his posts are less than 60 words.
From my point of view short is better. Generally, as a reader I don't have time to skim long content posts and as a blogger I don't have time to write long posts. If readers want more info on a particular topic, all they have to do is Google it. My work is done when I bring it to their attention.
For help with blog or web content, contact Anderson and Company.
Showing posts with label anderson and company blog posts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label anderson and company blog posts. Show all posts
Thursday, August 24, 2017
Thursday, June 1, 2017
How Using Effective Key Word Phrases In Your Blog Can Push An SEO Button
Okay, you know about key words, but what about choosing effective key word phrases. Although there is no SEO button, one of the easiest ways to increase your Search Engine Optimization[SEO]is by using key word phrases and focusing the content of your blog.
To start, choose five content marketing topics that define your blog. These will be topics that you either already blog about frequently or,if you are just starting a blog, choose topics that you believe your target readers would most like to read.
Under each of these main topics, list key words that relate, but don't stop at just the single word. Think what a reader wants to know about that word and develop a list of key word phrases. Why? Millions of blogs that cover similar topics will use the same key words.
To raise your blog up through the clutter, you will need to hone in on specific key word phrases that are being searched on Google. To test your possible key words phrases, simply type them into Google and see what comes up.
Are the search results pulling up two or three pages with your search term? Good, that means it's relevant. To move it up in the Google search ranking, try changing your key word phrase slightly by adding other words to the phrase and testing that search.
If you can come up with key word phrases that show up on the second, or even third page of a Google search, this is still a good result. Why? Many people who are interested in a particular topic will "drill down" a few pages and read all of the items of interest.
By developing longer key word phrases you are aiding "long tail keyword search", which is the term that describes a key word search phrase as opposed to a key word. As certain key word phrases become more and more common among bloggers of a particular topic, the more specific you will need to be in choosing phrases. These will be more likely to put your content before more reader groups, each searching a more specific topic.
Bottom line: frequently test your choice of key word phrases and use them in your blog headings and near the front of your copy.
For help with web content and blog posts, contact Anderson and Company.
To start, choose five content marketing topics that define your blog. These will be topics that you either already blog about frequently or,if you are just starting a blog, choose topics that you believe your target readers would most like to read.
Under each of these main topics, list key words that relate, but don't stop at just the single word. Think what a reader wants to know about that word and develop a list of key word phrases. Why? Millions of blogs that cover similar topics will use the same key words.
To raise your blog up through the clutter, you will need to hone in on specific key word phrases that are being searched on Google. To test your possible key words phrases, simply type them into Google and see what comes up.
Are the search results pulling up two or three pages with your search term? Good, that means it's relevant. To move it up in the Google search ranking, try changing your key word phrase slightly by adding other words to the phrase and testing that search.
If you can come up with key word phrases that show up on the second, or even third page of a Google search, this is still a good result. Why? Many people who are interested in a particular topic will "drill down" a few pages and read all of the items of interest.
By developing longer key word phrases you are aiding "long tail keyword search", which is the term that describes a key word search phrase as opposed to a key word. As certain key word phrases become more and more common among bloggers of a particular topic, the more specific you will need to be in choosing phrases. These will be more likely to put your content before more reader groups, each searching a more specific topic.
Bottom line: frequently test your choice of key word phrases and use them in your blog headings and near the front of your copy.
For help with web content and blog posts, contact Anderson and Company.
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