How to Write the Perfect SEO Article: 30 Rules to Follow

SEO–Writing in Phases

Writing SEO content can be broken down into three main phases. The first phase involves preliminary research. This includes keyword research, refining the target audience, analyzing competitors, and more. This phase is the most crucial before you start writing. A significant portion of time is dedicated to this stage to lay a solid foundation.

The second phase, which is actually the shortest, is the actual writing of the content. In this phase, a draft version of the text is written, which is then refined in the third phase. In phase three, the text is given its final shape and character, which is essential for effectively reaching the target audience. Depending on the audience, this may require different approaches tailored to their needs and preferences.

The third phase focuses on fine-tuning and perfecting the text. This phase often takes the longest because every detail is checked and improved. Is it efficient? Yes, if your goal is to create a perfectly optimized SEO article! Many different factors influence search engine performance, and taking full advantage of these often requires improvements—or optimization—for the search engine (SEO).

In addition to these three main phases, there is a fourth phase, which, in my opinion, is also extremely important. This phase can only be carried out after the text or page has been published. In this stage, the performance of the keywords, links, and the page itself is carefully analyzed. This allows you to see exactly which pages perform better than others and why.

Preliminary Research

The foundation of a perfect SEO article begins with thorough preliminary research. This phase is where you create a strategy for your content creation. It includes everything from targeted keyword research to competitor analysis. This lays the groundwork for your text and is the key to success.

1. Create a Brief

In a clear brief, outline the goals, target audience, and key points of your content. This forms the basis for focused and effective content creation. Include the keywords, links, and headings that should be incorporated into the text.

2. Analyze the SERP: Where Do Competitors Rank?

By analyzing competitors, you gain insight into what works around the topic you’re writing about. This helps refine your own strategy. Looking at websites that rank high on the SERP (Search Engine Results Page) shows you the words and writing styles that resonate with your audience, highlighting what does and doesn’t work.

3. Keyword Research

Discovering relevant keywords provides a focus for your content, helping you reach people searching for your expertise. These keywords should be included in your brief so you know which terms to incorporate into your text. Use tools like Ahrefs or Semrush for this research.

4. Location-Specific Keywords

Adding local keywords increases visibility for local searches, making this essential for businesses with physical locations. It allows you to effectively reach the people for whom your content is most relevant.

5. Keyword Implementation

Strategic placement of keywords in your content attracts more traffic and improves your ranking. Incorporate keywords into headings and smoothly flowing sentences. Ensure the text remains natural and engaging.

Writing

Once you’ve gathered all the necessary information, you move into the writing phase. Here, you use the insights you’ve collected to craft engaging and informative content. A unique voice and clear structure are crucial in keeping your audience engaged while helping search engines understand your page’s purpose.

6. Unique and Relevant Texts

Offer value with fresh insights and relevant information your audience can’t find elsewhere. This boosts both your authority and your audience’s interest. Remember, you’re writing not just for search engines but also for real people.

7. Tone of Voice That Appeals to Readers

Consistent use of an appropriate tone creates engagement and strengthens your brand identity. The language should resonate with your audience and be easy to understand.

8. Descriptive Titles and Headings

Descriptive titles and headings enhance readability and attract the attention of both readers and search engines. Including keywords in these elements is essential to drive search traffic.

9. Answer Questions

Addressing frequently asked questions increases your chances of being featured in “featured snippets,” helping you appear at the top of search results. When your text answers common queries, it naturally ranks higher.

10. Write Convincingly and Clearly

Writing persuasively and specifically builds credibility and encourages action. Readers are more likely to stay engaged with content that is straightforward and concise.

11. Clear Structure and Organization

A well-structured text makes it easier for readers to find information and for search engines to understand its relevance.

12. Headings

Use headings to organize content into sections, improving readability and clarity. These headings, ranging from H1 to H6, create a hierarchy that benefits both readers and search engines. The most important heading (H1) is the largest and boldest, while H6 is the smallest.

13. Structure Content for Readability

Short paragraphs, white space, and bullet points enhance scanability and keep readers engaged, guiding them smoothly through your text.

14. White Space

White space provides breathing room for your text, creating an attractive layout that helps readers navigate.

15. 500 to 1000 Words

Striking a balance between depth and conciseness is ideal for user experience and SEO. An SEO article should contain at least 400 words, with 500 words as a solid baseline. Avoid overly lengthy texts to keep readers from losing interest. Focus on one topic per article, and link to other pages for subtopics.

Fine-Tuning

After writing, fine-tuning is essential. This phase optimizes your text for search engines and enhances the user experience. It involves careful adjustments to improve readability and ensure your content aligns seamlessly with your audience’s needs.

16. Focus Keyword

A focus keyword helps search engines understand and rank your content. It signals which word the page prioritizes.

17. URL

An optimized URL containing the focus keyword improves search engine recognition and clickability. The URL slug should describe the title but doesn’t need to match it exactly. Keep the slug concise.

18. Internal Links & Backlinks

Internal links connect your content, enhancing the user experience and helping search engines index your site. They allow users to navigate to related pages for more information. Backlinks, links from external websites to your page, build authority for search engines.

19. Relative Internal Linking

Using relative URLs for internal links within the CMS improves load times by helping search engines quickly identify the page. To create relative links, only use the slug in the hyperlink.

20. Anchor Texts

Meaningful anchor texts clarify the context of links for users and search engines. Anchor texts connect to a linked page and should include relevant keywords matching the destination page.

21. Visual Content

Visuals like images, videos, GIFs, and other elements engage readers and make your page more attractive.

22. Image File Names

Descriptive image file names enhance the visibility of your visual content. Use keywords in file names and match them with the alt text and content of the page for cohesion.

23. Snippet

An optimized snippet with relevant keywords increases the likelihood of clicks in search results. A snippet includes the page title, meta description, and URL, all of which should be tailored for optimal SERP display.

24. CTAs

Call-to-Actions (CTAs) guide readers toward further actions, boosting engagement and conversions. CTAs can include buttons, polls, or links to other pages depending on your goals.

25. Fast Load Time

A fast website enhances the user experience, reduces bounce rates, and improves SERP rankings. Compressing images, links, and code contributes to faster load times.

26. Check Grammar, Spelling, and Sentence Structure

High-quality, error-free content reflects professionalism and builds credibility. This improves your authority with both readers and search engines. Tools like Grammarly can assist, especially for writing in English.

After Publication

Even after your content goes live, your work isn’t done. Monitoring performance and staying updated is essential to maintain your position and keep content relevant. Social media can extend your reach and help share your content with a broader audience.

27. Boost Pages on Socials

Sharing content on social media increases reach and drives traffic, positively impacting your SEO efforts. Share immediately after publication or later to renew interest in your page.

28. Analyze Page Performance

Evaluating statistics reveals how well your content performs and highlights areas for improvement. Tools like Google Analytics provide comprehensive metrics.

29. Keep Content Updated

Staying up-to-date is critical for maintaining relevance and your search engine ranking. If your topic evolves, ensure your content reflects current information to avoid misleading readers.

30. Monitor Keyword Rankings

Tracking keyword rankings offers insights into performance and areas for optimization. Tools like the Rank Tracker in Ahrefs help you adapt content to current trends by implementing the most effective keywords.

Conclusion

Writing the perfect SEO article is an extensive process requiring careful planning and execution. By focusing on keywords, content quality, and user experience, you can engage your audience and climb search engine rankings. With these 30 rules as your guide, you’re well on your way to creating impactful content that delivers results.