Watch your Google Rankings Rise

You have a blog on your site, and you know you have to post regularly to boost your SEO, or search engine optimization. But do you know just how to write a blog post that will increase your search engine ranking?

For the best results in search engine optimization, the blog post must have some essential elements.

1. Use Keywords for SEO

Search engines look for keywords. That’s why it’s most important to include them in every blog post. Look back at your keywords list to ensure that you are using keywords in every post. Especially use them in the title, body (make sure there’s at least one in the first paragraph and the last paragraph), headings and subheadings, title tags and meta descriptions, and anchor text (text you hyperlink to other related pages on your site).

2. Write Compelling Blog Headlines

Think about what is going to grab someone’s attention so that they’ll read your post. Make a promise in the headline and then fulfill it in the body copy, entice the reader with a catchy headline, or tell them how to solve a problem they have…or don’t know they have. Use a keyword in the headline.

3. Create Quality Blog Content

Don’t stuff your content full of keywords; write copy that is informative and fun to read. Remember, you are speaking with an audience to engage them in a conversation, not talking at them. Make the copy easy to read, and appealing to your target audience. Include essential keywords and subheadings (with keywords). In addition, with more value in your content, others will be glad to link to your post, thus attracting valuable incoming links.

4. Use Strong Meta Titles and Descriptions

The meta title is what tells search engines (and readers) what’s on the page. Primary keywords should be listed first in the title and description, with up to 72 characters allowed in title tags and 165 characters in title descriptions. Don’t repeat a keyword more than twice or you may be tagged as “keyword stuffing.”

5. Include Tags

We find that people often forget to list the tags for their blog post. Be sure to include relevant tags and keywords.

6. Use Images

If you can, always use an image in your blog post and use keywords in the file name, alternate text field, and description when you post the image. To reiterate the point of your article, include a caption with the picture that tells in a nutshell what your article is about.

7. List your Category

Make your blog post easy to find by listing it under a category you’ve assigned. This makes it easy for others to link to additional posts on this topic, as well as boosts your SEO.

8. Link to Resources

If you are using another person’s work in your blog, be kind and link to their article or site. It is good etiquette and may get you a link back from their site. Quality links to your site are great for boosting your search engine ranking.

9. Use Social Media Connections

Make sure you have buttons for social media on your blog to broaden your reach. You can use Facebook, Google+, Pinterest, Twitter, or any other social media connection. Your followers on these resources will also be interested in your blog post.

10. Let Readers Subscribe

Encourage readers to subscribe to your blog with a prominently placed RSS or Feed Subscription button or box. When they do subscribe, they’ll automatically receive your latest blog post as soon as you post it.

Congratulations, you’re well on your way to writing better blog posts…and rising in your search engine rankings. If you’re stuck for ideas on what to write about, contact All the Buzz. We’ll help you generate hundreds of ideas.