Seeking to elevate your content’s search engine rankings, we turned to the experts for their most effective strategies. From optimizing for E-A-T to developing structured content with topic clusters, here are the top five tactics recommended by SEO specialists and content creators, including a Head of SEO and a founder.
Optimize for E-A-T
One key strategy SEO content-writing services should use to ensure their content ranks higher is optimizing for E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness). This involves creating high-quality, well-researched content written by subject-matter experts, incorporating credible sources, and ensuring the content is accurate and up-to-date. Additionally, building author profiles and linking to authoritative sites can enhance credibility. By focusing on E-A-T, content can meet search engines’ quality standards, improve rankings, and build trust with the audience.
Slavko Kovacevic, Head of SEO, Health Link SEO
Incorporate Branded and Generic Keywords
To help any SEO content rank on Google searches, the strategy I’ve followed is incorporating both branded (if applicable) and generic keywords in my content. Long-tail generic keywords work best, along with common user queries, which can also act as long-tail keywords (e.g., “Why is SEO important?”). Now, this doesn’t guarantee top rankings, but it definitely increases the possibility. As always, the foundation should be helpful and include relevant content in line with Google’s E-E-A-T guidelines. Keyword optimization comes later.
Kunal Singh, Technical Content Writer
Conduct Comprehensive Keyword Research
One key strategy I believe SEO content-writing services should use to ensure their content ranks higher in search engines is focusing on comprehensive keyword research and natural integration. When I first started in SEO, I quickly learned that understanding the search intent behind keywords is crucial. By identifying what users are looking for and crafting content that directly addresses those needs, you can significantly improve your chances of ranking higher.
For instance, I worked with a client who had a blog that wasn’t performing well. We overhauled their content by integrating long-tail keywords naturally within the text, focusing on providing real value rather than just keyword stuffing. This approach improved their search rankings and increased their reader engagement and conversion rates.
Additionally, it’s important to create content that is not only keyword-optimized but also high-quality and informative. I remember a project where we developed in-depth guides and articles that provided detailed answers and insights. This content attracted backlinks from reputable sites and kept visitors on the page longer, both of which are positive signals to search engines.
By combining thorough keyword research with a commitment to quality, SEO content-writing services can create content that stands out to both users and search engines, leading to better rankings and more sustained traffic growth.
Brandon Leibowitz, Owner, SEO Optimizers
Target Lower-DR Competitor Keywords
One key strategy for ensuring that content ranks higher in search engines is to identify keyword opportunities where a competing site with a lower Domain Rating (DR) is ranking in the top 10 search results. By targeting these keywords, you can create and publish insightful, well-written, and keyword-optimized articles that have a strong chance of outperforming lower-DR sites’ content.
This SEO approach leverages the potential to outrank competitors by producing superior content that meets user intent and search engine criteria. It focuses on quality and relevance, which are essential for improving search engine rankings.
Additionally, ensuring that the content is comprehensive and engaging can attract more organic traffic and encourage longer visitor engagement on the site. Incorporating visuals such as photos, videos, and infographics can significantly enhance this engagement, making the content more appealing and easier to digest.
Regularly updating internal links to related content and refining the content based on performance metrics can further solidify its position in search results. Ultimately, this strategy helps establish the site as an authority in its niche, driving sustained organic growth.
Barbara Sturm, Agency Owner, Epic SEO Content
Develop Structured Content With Topic Clusters
One effective strategy for SEO content writing services aiming to boost their search rankings is to develop structured content around comprehensive topic coverage. This involves creating a central “pillar” article that provides a broad overview of a topic, linked to more specific “cluster” topics.
For example, a digital marketing service might have a main pillar page on “Digital Marketing Strategies,” with related clusters addressing SEO, PPC advertising, and social media marketing. This structure enhances the semantic relationship between pages and boosts the site’s authority on the subject.
Keyword optimization is crucial—incorporate primary and secondary keywords strategically, ensuring they align naturally with user search intent. Perform thorough keyword research to determine relevant keywords for both pillar and cluster content, ensuring each piece meets different user needs.
Focusing on user intent is key. Tailor content to directly address specific user queries by creating material that answers questions or solves problems relevant to the keywords. Analyze the types of queries that lead users to your page and craft content that satisfies these intents.
Ensure the content is high-quality and engaging. Include multimedia elements like images and videos, and consider adding interactive components to increase time spent on the page. Regular updates are essential to keep the content current and informative. Continuously re-optimize for new keywords and update sections like statistics or recent trends to maintain relevance.
By implementing these strategies—structuring content into topic clusters and pillars, focusing on strategic keyword use, aligning with user intent, and maintaining high content quality—SEO content writing services can significantly enhance their search engine visibility and user engagement.
John Reinesch, Founder, John Reinesch Consulting
