The challenge is real: how do you use language to convey something whose entire point is to be experienced visually? How do you communicate the weight, the texture, the presence of a significant piece of sculpture through words on a screen? And how do you do all of that in a way that also serves a commercial purpose?

Informing buyers, building trust, and supporting the search visibility that brings those buyers to the site in the first place?

The best fine art and sculpture websites have figured this out. Their content strategy treats writing not as a necessary caption for the photography but as an art form in its own right — one that amplifies the visual experience rather than simply describing it.

The Purpose of Written Content on a Fine Art Website

Written content on a gallery or fine art dealer website serves several distinct purposes, and a good content strategy distinguishes between them clearly.

Product descriptions provide factual information that buyers need to make informed decisions: medium, dimensions, period, attribution, provenance, condition and edition details where relevant. These are the content equivalent of a catalogue entry — precise, complete and authoritative.

Artist and maker profiles establish the cultural context for individual works. A collector encountering a piece by an unfamiliar sculptor needs context: who is this artist, what is their significance, what does ownership of their work mean in the context of art history or the contemporary art market?

Exhibition and news content keeps the site active and provides a reason for collectors and enthusiasts to return. It also signals that the gallery or dealer is engaged with the wider art world, not merely selling from a static inventory.

About and provenance copy does the work of establishing trust — communicating the dealer’s credentials, expertise and approach to sourcing in a way that reassures buyers considering significant purchases.

Each of these content types requires a different voice, a different level of formality, and a different set of priorities. A content strategy for a fine art website maps these out clearly and maintains consistency across all of them.

Writing Sculpture: The Specific Challenge

Sculpture presents particular writing challenges compared to two-dimensional work. A painting can be described in terms of its compositional arrangement, its colour relationships, its light and shadow. Sculpture exists in three dimensions, in physical space, with weight and material presence that photographs can only partially capture.

Effective sculpture copy acknowledges this limitation honestly and works with it. Rather than attempting to describe what the photograph already shows, good sculpture writing engages with what the photograph cannot show: the sculptor’s process, the conceptual or emotional intent behind the work, the historical or cultural context in which it was made, and the experience of encountering it in person.

A description that reads “bronze figure, 45cm, on wooden plinth” tells the reader nothing. A description that situates the piece within an artist’s development, notes the technical accomplishment of the casting, and conveys something of the figure’s mood or presence tells the reader a great deal — and does so in a way that builds both interest and confidence.

SEO for Fine Art Content

Search engine optimisation for fine art and sculpture websites is a genuine opportunity that many galleries and dealers underexploit. The search queries relevant to this sector tend to be highly specific — artist names, periods, media, subject matter — and the volume of well-optimised content is relatively low compared to mainstream product categories. A gallery that invests in richly written, keyword-informed product pages, artist profiles and historical content can achieve strong organic rankings for queries that represent very high buyer intent.

The key to effective SEO content for fine art is not keyword stuffing but depth. Search engines reward content that thoroughly covers a topic — that answers the questions a genuinely interested person would have about a particular artist, period or type of work. This aligns perfectly with the content standard that fine art buyers actually expect: informed, expert, substantive writing that treats them as an intelligent audience.

Case Study: Bowman Sculpture

The content approach at Bowman Sculpture — a leading London gallery specialising in fine art sculptures from the 19th century to the present day, including significant Modern British sculptures and works by European Romantic masters — demonstrates these principles in practice.

The gallery’s written content matches its visual quality. Artist profiles are substantive and contextual, placing sculptors within their art historical moment and communicating why their work is significant. Artwork descriptions go beyond catalogue facts to engage with the character and significance of individual pieces. The gallery’s blog and publications section adds depth, signalling a business that is actively engaged with scholarship as well as commerce.

This investment in written content serves multiple purposes simultaneously. For the collector or researcher encountering the gallery for the first time, it establishes immediate credibility and expertise. For the search engine, it provides the substantive, structured content that earns strong organic rankings. And for the repeat visitor — the serious collector who returns to the gallery regularly — it provides a reason to keep coming back.

For any gallery or fine art dealer looking to distinguish themselves in a competitive market, the quality of written content is one of the most effective and most underused competitive advantages available. Bowman Sculpture’s approach to content is a strong model worth studying.

Tone and Voice in Fine Art Writing

One final consideration is tone. Fine art writing occupies a specific register — one that assumes a degree of cultural literacy in the reader without becoming inaccessible or unnecessarily esoteric. The goal is to sound like an informed, enthusiastic expert writing for a fellow informed enthusiast, rather than either dumbing down or showing off.

This tone is harder to achieve than it sounds, which is why genuinely good fine art copy is rare and genuinely valuable. When a gallery or dealer invests in a writer who understands both art and audience, the result is content that builds long-term trust and loyalty — not just a description of what is for sale.

Conclusion

Content strategy for fine art and sculpture websites is a sophisticated discipline that pays significant dividends when executed well. From product descriptions that honour the work they describe, to artist profiles that provide genuine context, to SEO-informed pages that attract high-intent buyers from search — the quality of writing is a competitive advantage that many galleries and dealers underinvest in. Bowman Sculpture demonstrates what a committed content approach looks like for a serious fine art and sculpture gallery. For any business in this sector, the standard is there to learn from.

The post Writing About Art: Content Strategy For Fine Art Websites appeared first on Write Upon Demand.

Headlines are your first impression, and in the digital world, you rarely get a second chance to make one.

Why Headlines Matter

Research shows that 80% of people will read your headline, but only 20% will read the rest of your content. This statistic highlights the importance of making your headline count. A strong headline not only grabs attention but also sets the tone for the rest of your content, guiding your audience to take action.

Key Principles of a Great Headline

Before diving into case studies, let’s explore some key principles that make a headline effective:

• Clarity: Your headline should clearly communicate the value of your content.
• Relevance: It must resonate with your target audience.
• Urgency: Adding time-sensitive language can drive clicks.
• Curiosity: Sparking interest can encourage users to read further.
• Conciseness: Keep it short and to the point.

Case Studies: How Great Headlines Drive Engagement

TWC Network: The Power of a Compelling Headline

One excellent example of effective headline usage can be found on TWC Network. This platform—focused on connecting likeminded members and fostering financial education—uses the headline “Unlock Your Potential, Build Your Network” on its homepage. This headline instantly resonates with the audience’s desire for growth and connection.

After implementing this headline, TWC Network saw a 35% increase in user engagement. The headline’s clarity and motivational tone directly contributed to capturing user interest, showcasing the importance of thoughtful copy.

Buzzfeed: Click-Worthy Headlines That Deliver

Buzzfeed has mastered the art of creating headlines that generate clicks. By leveraging curiosity and listicle formats like “10 Things You Didn’t Know About XYZ,” they’ve consistently driven traffic. The secret lies in their ability to provoke intrigue while promising valuable content.

The New York Times: Informative Yet Engaging

The New York Times balances informative headlines with emotional appeal. For example, headlines like “How Climate Change is Reshaping Our World” not only inform but also evoke a sense of urgency and relevance, ensuring readers stay engaged.

How to Test and Improve Your Headlines

Creating the perfect headline is often an iterative process. Here are some methods to refine your headlines:

• A/B Testing: Experiment with different headlines to see which one performs better.
• Analyse Metrics: Use tools like Google Analytics to track engagement metrics.
• Seek Feedback: Share your headlines with colleagues or your target audience for insights.

Tools to Craft Better Headlines

Several tools can help you write better headlines:

• CoSchedule Headline Analyser: Evaluates your headline’s structure and emotional appeal.
• Yoast SEO WordPress plugin: Scores your headlines within WordPress posts
• Ubersuggest: Offers keyword suggestions to optimise your headline for SEO.

Conclusion

Headlines are more than just a string of words; they’re your chance to captivate and connect with your audience. By understanding your audience’s needs, leveraging proven strategies, and continually testing your approach, you can craft headlines that not only grab attention but also drive meaningful engagement.

For more insights into effective copywriting and how to optimise your digital presence, explore our other writing resources — let’s make your words work harder for you!

The post The Art of Crafting Headlines That Capture Attention appeared first on Write Upon Demand.

Whether it’s an e-commerce site, a service-based platform, or a content-rich landing page, great copy persuades your target audience to take action.

Here, we’ll break down 10 proven tips to help you write compelling copy that converts, including a real-world case study from Smart Edition Academy’s HESI A2 Free Practice Test page.

1. Know your audience inside and out

Before you even begin writing, it’s crucial to understand your target audience. What are their pain points? What problems are they trying to solve? Research your ideal customers to create a buyer persona. This allows you to speak their language and tailor your message to resonate with them.

For example, if you are writing for nursing students preparing for exams, you would emphasise the importance of study materials, practice tests, and success stories, just as Smart Edition Academy does with its free HESI A2 practice test.

2. Create a Strong, Clear Headline

Your headline is the first impression your audience gets of your page. Make it count. A strong headline grabs attention immediately and tells the reader what they will gain by reading further. It’s important to be concise but engaging. Headlines should address your customers’ needs and desires, using language that resonates with them.

On Smart Edition Academy’s page, the headline “HESI Free Practice Test” stands out immediately, grabbing the attention of students looking for test preparation materials. It promises something valuable for free, which is a great hook.

3. Highlight the Benefits, Not Just the Features

People care more about how a product or service will improve their life than the technical details behind it. Make sure your copy emphasises the benefits your product or service provides. Instead of simply listing features, describe how those features solve a problem or improve the user’s situation.

For instance, the Smart Edition Academy’s free test page doesn’t just mention that it offers practice tests. It tells students how the test mimics the real exam, helping them better prepare and gain confidence.

4. Use Compelling Calls to Action (CTAs)

A good call to action (CTA) is vital to driving conversions. Whether it’s a “Buy Now” button or a “Sign Up Today” link, your CTA should inspire immediate action. The key is to be clear and use action verbs that evoke urgency.

On the HESI A2 Practice Test page, the prominent “Start Your Free Test Now” button is a perfect example of a compelling CTA. It’s direct, clear, and encourages the visitor to engage without hesitation.

5. Use Social Proof to Build Trust

People are more likely to trust your product or service if others vouch for it. This is where social proof comes in. Incorporating testimonials, reviews, or even case studies can lend credibility to your claims and reassure potential customers that they’re making the right choice.

On the Smart Edition Academy page, they effectively incorporate video testimonials from satisfied users who share their success stories. This instantly builds trust with new visitors and demonstrates that the product works for people like them.

6. Focus on Clarity and Simplicity

Your copy needs to be easy to read and understand. Avoid jargon or overly complex language that might confuse your audience. Keep sentences short and concise. The easier it is for your audience to grasp your message, the more likely they are to engage with it.

Smart Edition Academy keeps things simple. Their instructions on how to use the free practice test are laid out in easy-to-follow steps, guiding users through the process with minimal friction.

7. Use Emotional Triggers

Effective copy appeals to emotions. Whether you’re evoking excitement, fear of missing out, or a sense of urgency, tapping into your reader’s emotions can be a powerful motivator for action. Use words and phrases that trigger emotional responses to persuade your audience to buy.

Smart Edition Academy subtly taps into emotions by addressing the stress and anxiety that comes with preparing for an important exam like the HESI. Their copy reassures students that their practice tests can ease that burden, providing peace of mind and preparation.

8. Offer Value First

Offering something valuable upfront, like a free trial, discount, or a free resource (e.g., a practice test), can entice customers to trust you. This builds goodwill and encourages them to invest in your product or service later.

Smart Edition Academy does this perfectly by offering a free HESI A2 practice test. This generous offer provides immediate value to potential customers, increasing the likelihood they’ll engage with paid products or services down the line.

9. Be Consistent Across Platforms

Make sure your messaging and tone are consistent across all platforms, whether it’s your website, social media, or email campaigns. Inconsistent messaging can confuse your audience and undermine trust.

The Smart Edition Academy maintains consistency in tone and message across its website, emails, and social platforms. Whether students are browsing their website or interacting with their content elsewhere, the same helpful, supportive message comes through.

10. Optimise for SEO Without Compromising Readability

Writing copy that sells doesn’t mean ignoring SEO. Use relevant keywords to improve your search engine rankings, but don’t stuff them into your content unnaturally. Instead, focus on writing naturally for your audience while weaving in keywords where they fit.

Smart Edition Academy’s page is well-optimised for search engines. It ranks highly for key terms like “HESI A2 practice test,” ensuring that students who are searching for preparation materials will find them. However, the copy remains readable and customer-focused, never feeling stuffed with keywords.

Case Study: Smart Edition Academy’s HESI A2 Practice Test Page

Now, let’s take a closer look at Smart Edition Academy’s free HESI A2 Practice Test page and how their compelling copy drives conversions.

1. Headline and CTA: The page immediately draws attention with the headline “HESI Free Practice Test.” This headline is simple, clear, and tells the reader exactly what to expect. It immediately sets the expectation that the content is valuable and free. The prominent CTA, “Start Your Free Test Now,” reinforces this message and makes it easy for visitors to engage.
2. Social Proof: Right below the CTA, Smart Edition Academy integrates real-world testimonials from students who’ve used their resources and succeeded. The use of video testimonials adds a personal touch, making the testimonials more believable and relatable. This social proof provides new users with confidence that their time and effort in taking the test will be well-spent.
3. Value Proposition: The copy on this page highlights the value of the free practice test, focusing on the idea that it is a realistic preparation tool for students. By emphasising that the test mimics the actual HESI A2 exam, Smart Edition Academy positions their free offer as a must-have resource for students looking to succeed in their nursing exams.

By combining these strategies, Smart Edition Academy creates a compelling page that not only attracts but also converts potential customers.

Final Thoughts

Writing copy that sells is both an art and a science. By knowing your audience, crafting engaging headlines, and delivering value with a clear CTA, you can significantly improve your conversion rates. As seen in the case study from Smart Edition Academy, attention to detail in your copy can make all the difference in turning a visitor into a paying customer. By following these 10 proven tips, you’ll be on your way to writing persuasive copy that drives results.

The post Ten Proven Tips For Writing Copy That Sells appeared first on Write Upon Demand.

Crafting concise copy that delivers an impactful message is an essential skill for anyone in the field of marketing, web design, or content creation. This article explores the art of writing brief yet effective copy, providing practical tips to help you communicate more with fewer words.

The Power of Concise Copy

Concise copy is powerful because it respects the reader’s time. In a world where attention spans are shrinking, brevity is not just appreciated; it’s expected. Effective concise copy can convey a message quickly and clearly, making it more likely to engage and persuade the audience.

Essential Principles of Concise Copywriting

To craft concise copy that delivers, it’s essential to understand and apply a few fundamental principles:

1. Know Your Audience: Understanding your audience is the foundation of effective copywriting. Tailor your message to their needs, preferences, and pain points. By doing so, you can focus on delivering the information that is most relevant to them, avoiding unnecessary details that might dilute your message.
2. Prioritise Your Message: Identify the primary message you want to convey. What is the most important point you need to get across? Prioritise this message and ensure that every word you use supports it. Avoid the temptation to include secondary information that can distract from the main point.
3. Use Strong, Actionable Words: Actionable words inspire readers to take action. Use strong verbs and precise language to create a sense of urgency and drive engagement. For example, instead of saying “Consider using our product,” say “Use our product today.”
4. Eliminate Redundancies: Redundancies and filler words can clutter your copy. Words like “actually,” “very,” “really,” and “just” often do not add value and can be omitted. Phrases such as “in order to” can be simplified to “to.” Review your copy critically to identify and remove these redundancies.
5. Be Direct and Specific: Ambiguity can confuse readers and dilute your message. Be direct and specific in your language. Instead of vague statements, provide concrete details that clearly convey your point. For instance, “Our software improves efficiency” is less effective than “Our software reduces processing time by 30%.”
6. Use Bullet Points and Lists: Bullet points and lists can make information more digestible and easier to scan. They break up text and highlight key points, making it easier for readers to absorb information quickly. Use bullet points to present features, benefits, steps, or any other information that benefits from clear separation.
7. Employ Active Voice: Active voice makes your writing more dynamic and engaging. It places the subject at the forefront of the action, making sentences clearer and more direct. For example, “The team completed the project” (active) is stronger than “The project was completed by the team” (passive).

Practical Tips for Crafting Concise Copy

1. Start with a Strong Headline: Your headline is the first thing readers see, so make it count. It should be clear, compelling, and concise. Aim to convey the main benefit or key message in just a few words. Use powerful and relevant keywords to capture attention immediately.
2. Write Short Sentences and Paragraphs: Long sentences and paragraphs can overwhelm readers. Aim for sentences that are no longer than 20 words and paragraphs that are no more than 3-4 sentences. This structure keeps your copy manageable and reader-friendly.
3. Use the Inverted Pyramid Style: The inverted pyramid style of writing means putting the most important information at the beginning. Start with the key message, then provide supporting details. This approach ensures that even if readers only skim the first few sentences, they still grasp the main point.
4. Edit Ruthlessly: Editing is crucial for concise copy. After writing your first draft, go through it multiple times, each time focusing on cutting unnecessary words and simplifying complex sentences. Ask yourself if each word and sentence add value to your core message. If it doesn’t, cut it.
5. Test and Refine: Testing different versions of your copy can provide valuable insights into what resonates most with your audience. Use A/B testing to compare variations and analyse which performs better. Refine your copy based on the results to continuously improve its effectiveness.
6. Leverage Visual Elements: Incorporate visual elements such as images, infographics, and videos to complement your copy. Visuals can convey complex information quickly and effectively, reducing the need for lengthy explanations. Ensure that your visuals align with and enhance your written content.

Case Study: Effortless Effectiveness from Bowman Sculpture

The website for Bowman Sculpture, a 19th & 20th century sculpture gallery located in St James’s, London, provides a compelling example of how concise copy can be both effective and engaging.

One particularly notable feature of this website is how visual elements complement the concise copy. High-quality images of the sculptures and the gallery space provide a visual context that enhances the written descriptions. The combination of succinct copy and compelling visuals creates a cohesive and immersive user experience.

Overall, the site exemplifies how concise copywriting can be both effective and engaging. By prioritising key messages, using strong and actionable words, eliminating redundancies, being direct and specific, and employing active voice, the website successfully communicates its value proposition and invites visitors to explore more.

Conclusion

Crafting concise copy that delivers an impactful message is both an art and a science. By understanding your audience, prioritising your message, using strong and specific language, eliminating redundancies, and being direct, you can create copy that captures attention and drives action. Remember, less is often more in the world of copywriting. Through practice and careful refinement, you can master the skill of writing concise, effective copy that stands out in today’s crowded digital landscape.

The post Crafting Concise Copy That Delivers appeared first on Write Upon Demand.

Welcome to the world of antiques, where each piece tells a tale of bygone eras, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage. As a content creator tasked with capturing the essence of these one-of-a-kind treasures, you hold a unique responsibility.

Your words have the power to transport readers into the past, evoke emotions, and awaken appreciation for the timeless beauty of antique products. In this guide, we’ll explore the art of writing compelling content for antiques, ensuring that each piece receives the attention and admiration it deserves.

Understanding the Significance of Antiques

Before delving into the intricacies of writing about antique products, it’s essential to grasp their significance. Antiques are more than just old objects; they are tangible links to history, culture, and human creativity.

Whether it’s a meticulously crafted piece of furniture, a delicate piece of jewellery, or a rare collectable, each antique item carries with it a narrative that spans generations. By understanding and respecting this narrative, you can effectively communicate its value to your audience.

Research, Research, Research

The foundation of any compelling piece of content lies in thorough research. When writing about antiques, this principle holds even greater importance.

Take the time to delve into the history of the piece you’re featuring. Who was the artisan behind its creation?

What historical period does it belong to? Are there any noteworthy anecdotes or events associated with it? The more you know about the antique product, the richer your content will be.

Tell a Story

At the heart of writing about antiques is the art of storytelling. Instead of merely listing facts and features, strive to weave a narrative that brings the piece to life.

Imagine yourself as a storyteller, tasked with captivating your audience with tales of the past. Share the journey of the antique product, from its origins to the present day. Highlight any unique characteristics, such as intricate detailing, historical significance, or provenance.

By infusing your content with narrative depth, you’ll engage readers on a more emotional level, fostering a deeper appreciation for the antique.

Capture the Essence

One of the challenges of writing about antiques is conveying their essence through words alone.

Unlike modern products, which can be easily described in terms of functionality and design, antiques possess a certain intangible quality that transcends mere description.

To capture this essence, pay attention to sensory details. Describe the texture of aged wood, the patina of antique silver, or the delicate filigree of vintage lace.

Use evocative language that appeals to the senses, allowing readers to visualise the antique product in vivid detail.

Highlight the Craftsmanship

Central to the allure of antiques is the exceptional craftsmanship that went into their creation.

Whether it’s a hand-carved piece of furniture or a finely wrought piece of jewellery, each antique product is a testament to the skill and dedication of its artisan.

When writing about antiques, be sure to highlight the craftsmanship that sets them apart. Describe the techniques used in their creation, the attention to detail, and the mastery of form and function.

By celebrating the artisanal expertise behind antique products, you’ll deepen readers’ appreciation for their intrinsic value.

Emphasise Authenticity

In a world inundated with mass-produced goods, the authenticity of antiques shines brightly. Unlike their contemporary counterparts, which are often churned out by machines in factories, antiques bear the marks of individuality and age.

When writing about antiques, emphasise the importance of authenticity. Highlight any signs of age, such as patina, wear, or repair, as these are testaments to the antique’s journey through time. Reinforce the idea that each antique product is a unique and irreplaceable treasure, worthy of admiration and preservation.

Provide Context

To fully appreciate an antique product, it’s essential to understand the context in which it was created.

When writing about antiques, provide historical and cultural context that helps readers understand their significance.

Discuss the social, economic, and artistic influences of the time period in which the piece was made.

Explore any symbolism or cultural motifs that may be present in the design. By placing the antique product within its broader historical context, you’ll enrich readers’ understanding of its value and importance.

Appeal to Emotion

Writing about antiques is not just about conveying information; it’s about evoking emotion.

Antiques have a unique ability to stir feelings of nostalgia, wonder, and awe in those who behold them. As a content creator, strive to tap into these emotions through your writing.

Share anecdotes, personal stories, or historical tidbits that resonate with readers on a deeper level. Invite them to imagine themselves in possession of the antique product, to envision the stories it could tell and the memories it could create.

By appealing to readers’ emotions, you’ll forge a deeper connection between them and the antique, fostering a sense of appreciation and reverence.

Case Study: Steve Sly Japanese Art

To showcase a website with well-written content, we would like to highlight Steve Sly Japanese Art, an antique Japanese Art supplier, as a case study for more writers to pay attention to.

Not only do specific products on the website outline the history, period, characteristics and craftsmanship, however, the website also provides updates on further research, relevant citations and literature.

All of this not only helps antique buyers to better understand the piece, however, it also helps them become more invested by knowing more about it. Not to mention that the relevant information better serves Google’s algorithms too, as well as builds natural backlinks from other historical websites citing the piece.

Conclusion

In a world where the pursuit of the new often eclipses appreciation for the old, writing about antiques serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring value of timeless treasures.

As a content creator, your words have the power to breathe life into these one-of-a-kind pieces, to preserve their stories for future generations.

By following the guidelines outlined in this guide — conducting thorough research, telling compelling stories, highlighting craftsmanship and authenticity, providing context, and appealing to emotion — you can ensure that your content captures the essence of antique products in all their glory.

Therefore, let your words be a beacon that guides readers on a journey through time, illuminating the beauty and significance of antiques for all to see.

The post Crafting Content for Timeless Treasures: A Guide for Writing about Antique Products appeared first on Write Upon Demand.

Business writers play a pivotal role in this paradigm shift, tasked not only with crafting compelling narratives but also ensuring their work garners visibility amid the vast ocean of online content.

Understanding and adeptly employing SEO strategies have become essential for their success in reaching and engaging target audiences.

Unveiling the SEO landscape for business writers

In a landscape saturated with information, the ability to rise above the digital cacophony is critical for businesses striving to establish a robust online presence.

The evolution of writing beyond traditional forms has bestowed upon it a central role in shaping online visibility.

However, creating captivating content is only one facet; ensuring its visibility holds equal importance. This is where SEO emerges as a crucial factor, enabling business content to secure a prominent position in search engine results, ultimately enhancing its discoverability.

The nuances of SEO for business writers

SEO isn’t an enigmatic concept but rather a systematic approach to optimising online content for improved visibility in search engine rankings.

Business writers need to delve into the core principles of SEO and seamlessly integrate them into their writing.

Keywords, the backbone of SEO, demand meticulous research and strategic placement within content, striking a balance between relevance and readability.

Moreover, understanding the interplay between engaging, valuable content and SEO is crucial for success.

Crafting content seamlessly aligned with SEO principles

The foundation of impactful SEO-driven content lies in comprehensive keyword research and utilisation.

Business writers must align keywords with business objectives while discerning audience intent.

Balancing keyword density with natural language is an intricate craft, where adept integration enhances both readability and search engine rankings.

Additionally, organising content structurally through headings, subheadings, and bullet points engages readers while signalling search engines about its relevance and coherence.

The technical facets of SEO and their influence

Beyond the realm of written expression, technical aspects wield immense influence over SEO.

Optimising metadata, encompassing elements such as meta titles and descriptions, furnishes search engines with concise contextual information about the content.

Ensuring multimedia elements are optimised and content is seamlessly compatible with mobile devices caters to diverse user preferences, contributing to an enriched user experience — an indispensable factor in SEO ranking algorithms.

Tracking progress and enriching SEO strategies

Understanding the efficacy of SEO initiatives is pivotal for ongoing success.

Leveraging tools like Google Analytics aids in tracking and analysing metrics, unveiling insights into user behaviour, traffic sources, and content performance.

This empirical data empowers business writers to make informed decisions, iteratively refining their SEO strategies and elevating the quality of their content.

Embracing the iterative nature of SEO underscores the importance of continuous refinement for sustaining and advancing rankings.

Advanced strategies for business writers

Amidst the realm of SEO-aligned content, an example showcasing Modern Antiquarian offers a wealth of insights. It seamlessly blends timeless European and garden antiques with a contemporary touch — a showcase of effective content strategy entwined with SEO finesse.

This antique site crafts immersive narratives for each piece, elegantly weaving keywords into captivating descriptions.
Each word not only evokes the essence of the antique but also resonates with search algorithms, enchanting antique enthusiasts and design aficionados alike.

The strategic use of keywords isn’t just for visibility; it’s an art of elevating storytelling while enhancing search engine rankings.

Beyond descriptions, their technical prowess shines. From concise, evocative meta titles to descriptions offering glimpses into historical significance and modern applications, every element entices users.

Multimedia elements, adorned with captivating visuals, contribute to improved SEO rankings through strategic optimisation.

This website exemplifies the fusion of tradition and modernity, mirroring the challenges of effective business communication in a digital era.

Integrating SEO seamlessly with compelling content isn’t merely essential; it’s an artful display of aligning audience intent with business goals.

By drawing inspiration from this approach, business writers can infuse their content with a similar blend of relevance, storytelling finesse, and technical precision.

Emulating this fusion enhances digital presence and amplifies engagement within target audiences.

Unlocking the multifaceted potential of SEO

SEO is more than a simple checklist of keywords; it’s a versatile tool that, when utilised effectively, can significantly enhance the visibility and impact of business content.

While keywords serve as the foundation, seamlessly integrating them into engaging narratives forms the cornerstone of successful SEO-driven writing.

Keyword alchemy: Balancing relevance and readability

The art of SEO lies in the balance of keywords. It’s not merely about scattering content with high-ranking terms; it’s about integrating them smoothly to maintain the natural flow of language.

Business writers need to conduct thorough research to uncover pertinent keywords while ensuring their inclusion feels natural, enriching the content rather than disrupting it.

Navigating the SEO tapestry: Structure and signalling

Crafting content extends beyond stringing together sentences. It involves structuring information to cater to both readers and search engines.

Headings, subheadings, and bullet points not only enhance readability but also signal the content’s coherence and relevance to search algorithms.

This structural finesse enhances the content’s chances of securing a prominent position in search engine rankings.

Concluding the symbiotic relationship between SEO and business writing

SEO transcends the realm of algorithms; it’s about harmonising business objectives with user intent.

For business writers, mastering the art of writing with SEO in mind elevates their content’s visibility and impact.
The symbiosis between effective business communication and SEO techniques presents an unparalleled opportunity to reach and engage target audiences.

Implementing the strategies outlined in this blueprint serves as the initial stride towards optimising business content for SEO.

Embracing this synergy between words and visibility propels not only the content but the entire business towards digital success, carving a path for sustained growth and visibility in the competitive online landscape.

The post The SEO blueprint for business writers: Driving traffic through words appeared first on Write Upon Demand.

Content is not just filler text; it’s the lifeblood of your website. Real content can make or break the user experience, and it’s especially important when creating web prototypes.

The problem with Lorem Ipsum

For many years, designers have used Lorem Ipsum, a pseudo-Latin text, as a placeholder for content in web prototypes.

It’s a convenient tool to fill space without distracting from the visual design. However, while Lorem Ipsum has its uses, it falls short in several critical ways when it comes to web prototyping.

1. Lack of realistic context

Lorem Ipsum lacks the context and meaning that real content provides. It doesn’t reflect how users will interact with the actual content on your website. Real content can influence the design decisions you make, such as the size and placement of elements.

2. Missed opportunities for user testing

When user testing a web prototype, it’s essential to simulate a real user experience as closely as possible.

Using real content helps users understand the site’s purpose and navigate it more naturally. This leads to more valuable feedback during testing.

3. SEO and content strategy considerations

Design and content should go hand-in-hand, especially when it comes to SEO and content strategy.

Using Lorem Ipsum can neglect critical SEO considerations, such as optimising headings, titles, and body text for search engines.

The benefits of real content in prototypes

Now that we’ve seen some of the limitations of Lorem Ipsum, let’s explore why using real content in web prototypes is a game-changer.

1. Improved user experience

Real content allows you to design with the user in mind.

You can create a more intuitive and user-friendly interface when you consider how the content flows and how users will engage with it. This, in turn, leads to a better overall user experience.

2. Accurate space planning

Real content helps you plan the space on your website more accurately.

You can determine the right amount of space needed for headlines, paragraphs, images, and other elements. This can prevent design issues that may arise when you replace Lorem Ipsum with real content later in the development process.

3. Content-first design

Content-first design is an approach that prioritises content creation before design.

When you start with real content, you’re forced to think about the message you want to convey and the story you want to tell. This can lead to more cohesive and persuasive web designs.

4. Better SEO integration

Considering SEO from the beginning is crucial for a successful website.

Real content allows you to optimise headings, meta descriptions, and keywords early in the design process. This can help your website rank higher in search engine results from day one.

Strategies for writing real content in web prototypes

Now that we understand the importance of real content in web prototypes, let’s explore some strategies for effectively incorporating it into your design process.

1. Collaborate with copywriters

One of the most effective ways to ensure high-quality content in your prototypes is to collaborate with professional copywriters.

Copywriters can craft engaging, on-brand content that aligns perfectly with your design goals.

2. Create content guidelines

Develop content guidelines that outline the tone, style, and messaging for your website. These guidelines will ensure consistency across all pages and help your team maintain a unified vision.

3. Use placeholder text sparingly

While Lorem Ipsum has its limitations, there may still be situations where you need placeholder text during the design process.

Use it sparingly and strategically, such as for areas where the final content is not yet available.

4. Plan content iterations

Content is not a one-and-done task. Plan for content iterations as you refine your web prototype. This ensures that the content evolves alongside the design and user feedback.

5. Conduct usability testing

Test your web prototype with real users to gather feedback on both the design and content. This invaluable input can help you make improvements and identify any content-related issues.

6. Consider mobile content

Remember that content on mobile devices may need to be concise and focused. Design with mobile content in mind to ensure a seamless user experience across all devices.

Real-world examples

Let’s take a look at some real-world examples of how using real content in web prototypes can make a significant difference:

CLASS UFC Gym

When designing a website for a Gym in Woking, using real content instead of Lorem Ipsum significantly enhanced the prototype.

The CLASS website prototype uses real content on the homepage, class descriptions and feedback to engage users effectively and showcase its offerings.

• Homepage: The homepage greets visitors with a real message that reflects Class’ mission. It also includes a teaser for the classes that are offered to encourage sign-ups.
• Class descriptions: Class provides real descriptions for its classes, showcasing the variety and expertise available to members.
• Success stories: Real feedback from Class members add credibility and motivation, showing potential members the tangible results they can achieve.

Scarab London

When developing this London antique watch company website, similar to CLASS’s website, not using Lorem Ipsum really helped to illustrate the content areas on where user’s eyes were drawn to next.

Use of real headings, paragraphs and even call-to-actions helped to better navigate the users throughout the website, without struggling to think where to click next, or what an interaction with an element on the website does — resulting in less dead-clicks.

Conclusion

In the world of web design, real content is a powerful tool that can elevate your prototypes to the next level. It provides context, enhances user experience, and ensures your design aligns seamlessly with your content strategy.

So, the next time you embark on a web design project, consider going beyond Lorem Ipsum and start with real content from the beginning. Your users will thank you, and your website will be better for it.

The post Beyond Lorem Ipsum: Writing real content for web prototypes appeared first on Write Upon Demand.

By tailoring your messaging to their unique needs, desires, and pain points, you can create maximum impact and connect on a deeper level.

In this blog post, we will explore strategies and insights for understanding your audience and leveraging that knowledge to craft copy that leaves a lasting impression.

Defining your target audience

Before crafting any copy, it’s important to define your target audience. Understanding who you are speaking to allows you to create messaging that is relevant and compelling.

Start by considering demographics such as age, gender, location, and income.

Additionally, delve into psychographics, including interests, values, motivations, and lifestyle choices. By combining these factors, you can paint a detailed picture of your audience and tailor your copy accordingly.

Conducting market research is key to gaining insights about your target audience.

Utilise surveys, interviews, and social listening to gather valuable information.

Explore online forums, social media groups, and industry publications to understand their pain points, challenges, and aspirations.

This research forms the foundation for creating impactful copy that speaks directly to your audience.

Identifying pain points and desires

To truly connect with your audience, you must identify their pain points and desires.

By understanding what keeps them up at night or what they aspire to achieve, you can position your product or service as the solution.

Conduct customer interviews, surveys, and focus groups to gain first-hand insights into their challenges and desires.

Analyse common themes and trends that emerge from these interactions and use them to inform your copy.

When addressing pain points, emphasise how your offering alleviates their problems.

Showcase the benefits and advantages that directly address their pain points. Similarly, when appealing to their desires, highlight how your product or service helps them achieve their goals or aspirations.

By aligning your messaging with their needs, you create copy that resonates on a personal level.

Speaking their language

Speaking the language of your audience is vital for effective communication.

Consider their preferred tone, style, and language. Are they looking for a formal and professional approach or a casual and conversational tone? Adapt your copy to match their expectations and preferences.

Conduct brand voice exercises to define your unique tone and style.

This consistency across all your communication channels helps build trust and familiarity with your audience.

Furthermore, create buyer personas that represent different segments of your audience.

These personas act as fictional representations of your ideal customers, guiding your copywriting efforts and ensuring your messaging speaks directly to each group.

Customising your messaging

Tailoring your copy for maximum impact involves customising your messaging to specific audience segments or buyer personas.

By addressing their unique pain points, desires, and motivations, you create a stronger connection and relevance.

Craft variations of your copy that specifically target different segments and personalise the messaging accordingly.

Segment your audience based on key characteristics, such as demographics or psychographics, and adapt your messaging to resonate with each group.

For example, if you offer a product that appeals to both millennials and seniors, customise the language, examples, and benefits to align with the specific needs and preferences of each group.

Case study: Wick Antiques

Caption: Example of tailored messaging. // Source: Wick Antiques

Segmented audience: The text mentions that Wick Antiques specialises in antique globes and offers a selection for both enthusiasts and collectors. This indicates that the messaging is tailored to address the specific interests and preferences of these two segments.

Highlighting unique features: The text emphasises the unique characteristics of the globes available, such as pocket globes in shagreen cases, elegant table globes, and a remarkable floor-standing 30-inch terrestrial globe. By highlighting these features, the messaging aims to appeal to the distinct tastes of the target audience.

Variety of options: The text mentions the extensive variety of globes from different makers, including the Carys, Newtons, Loring, Lane, Josling, Johnston, Smith & Son, and Harris & Son. This demonstrates the customisation of the messaging to cater to the various preferences and budgets of potential customers.

Call to action: The text encourages customers to reach out if they have specific requests or are looking for a particular globe. This personalised call to action further illustrates the customised approach of the messaging, aiming to assist customers in finding their desired globes and providing expert guidance throughout the process.

Using emotional triggers

Emotions play a significant role in influencing purchasing decisions.

By understanding the emotions that drive your audience, you can create copy that strikes a chord and compels action.

Incorporate emotional triggers into your messaging to establish a deeper connection and evoke a desired response.

Storytelling is a powerful tool for tapping into emotions. Share stories that resonate with your audience, highlighting relatable situations and experiences.

Additionally, demonstrate empathy by showing that you understand their challenges and frustrations.

Use social proof, such as testimonials and case studies, to provide evidence of how your offering has positively impacted others.

These emotional triggers create a sense of trust, authenticity, and connection.

Testing and iterating

Even with a deep understanding of your audience, it’s essential to test and iterate your copy based on data and feedback.

Conduct A/B testing to compare different versions of your copy and determine which resonates better with your audience.

Utilise user testing to gather qualitative insights and make adjustments based on user behaviour and feedback.

Analytics play a crucial role in evaluating the performance of your copy.

Monitor key metrics such as click-through rates, conversion rates, and engagement levels.

Identify patterns and trends to understand what resonates with your audience and make data-driven optimisations accordingly.

Conclusion

Understanding your audience is the foundation of impactful copywriting.

By defining your target audience, identifying their pain points and desires, and customising your messaging to resonate with them, you can create copy that makes a lasting impact.

Additionally, incorporating emotional triggers and continuously testing and iterating based on data ensures your copy remains effective and relevant.

Invest time in researching and understanding your audience, as this knowledge forms the backbone of persuasive copy. By speaking their language, addressing their needs, and appealing to their emotions, you will create copy that truly connects and drives meaningful results.

Take the insights and strategies shared in this blog post and apply them to your copywriting efforts.

Remember, understanding your audience is an ongoing process.

Continuously refine your understanding, test new approaches, and listen to feedback to ensure your copy always delivers maximum impact.

The post Tailoring your copy for maximum impact appeared first on Write Upon Demand.

However, the power of words should not be underestimated. Compelling and persuasive copy is a critical component of successful web design.

Copywriting is the art of crafting engaging and persuasive content that drives user engagement, enhances brand messaging, and ultimately converts visitors into customers.

In this article, we will explore essential copywriting tips that every web designer should master to create impactful websites that captivate audiences and drive conversions.

Understand your audience

Before diving into the copywriting process, it is crucial to understand your target audience. Research their demographics, needs, pain points, and preferences.

This understanding will enable you to create a copy that resonates with them and addresses their specific concerns.

Use analytics tools, conduct surveys, and engage in market research to gain valuable insights into your audience’s motivations and desires.

Define your brand voice

Your brand voice sets the tone and personality of your website. It creates a consistent and memorable experience for your audience.

As a web designer, work closely with the client to define the brand’s voice and ensure it aligns with their overall brand identity.

Is it professional, playful, or authoritative? Once the brand voice is established, infuse it into the copy to create a cohesive and authentic user experience.

Craft clear and concise headlines

Headlines are the first impression your website makes on visitors.

Craft clear, concise, and attention-grabbing headlines that communicate the value proposition of the page.

Use strong action verbs, evoke curiosity, and focus on benefits.

Experiment with different headline structures and test their performance to find what resonates best with your target audience.

Write compelling website introductions

The introduction of a web page is crucial for capturing and retaining user attention.

Use the introduction to address the audience’s pain points, highlight the benefits of your offering, and create an emotional connection.

Engage the reader with a compelling narrative or a thought-provoking question.

A well-crafted introduction can entice visitors to explore further and engage with your content.

Focus on benefits, not just features

When writing copy, it’s essential to highlight the benefits your product or service provides rather than solely focusing on its features.

Help the audience understand how your offering solves their problems, improves their lives, or fulfils their desires.

Use persuasive language to convey the value and positive outcomes they can expect.

Utilise persuasive Calls-to-Action (CTAs)

Effective copywriting incorporates persuasive calls-to-action (CTAs) that encourage users to take the desired action.

Use action-oriented language and create a sense of urgency.

For example, instead of a generic “Click here,” use a compelling CTA such as “Get Your Free eBook Now” or “Unlock Exclusive Access Today.”

Place CTAs strategically throughout the website to guide visitors toward desired conversions.

Optimise for readability

Web copy should be easy to read and digest.

Break up the text into shorter paragraphs, use subheadings, and incorporate bullet points and numbered lists. Utilise whitespace effectively to improve readability.

Avoid jargon and use simple, conversational language that matches the reading level of your target audience.

Remember, skimming and scanning are common user behaviours, so make key information easily scannable.

Incorporate relevant keywords

Keywords play a vital role in optimising your website for search engines.

Conduct keyword research to identify the terms and phrases your audience is using to find information related to your business or industry.

Incorporate these keywords naturally throughout your copy, including headings, sub-headings, and body content.

However, prioritise the user experience and avoid keyword stuffing, which can negatively impact readability and SEO.

Tell stories and use social proof

Humans are wired to connect with stories.

Use storytelling techniques to engage your audience and create emotional connections with your brand.

Share success stories, case studies, or customer testimonials that highlight the positive experiences others have had with your product or service.

Social proof builds trust and credibility, which can significantly impact user decision-making.

Test and iterate

Copywriting is an iterative process.

Continuously test different variations of your copy to understand what resonates best with your audience and drives the desired outcomes.

A/B test headlines, CTAs, and overall messaging to gather data and make informed decisions.

Use analytics tools to track user engagement and conversion rates, and make adjustments based on the insights gained.

Case study: EcoCare Student Accommodation

Defining the brand’s voice

This Loughborough Student Accommodation company defined their brand’s voice as friendly, reliable, and focused on creating a supportive community for students.

The brand voice is reflected consistently throughout the website’s copy, conveying a sense of belonging and comfort.

Crafting compelling property descriptions

To showcase the benefits and features of each student accommodation property, the website crafts compelling descriptions that go beyond the basic details.

Caption: Showcasing compelling accommodation descriptions. // Source: EcoCare Student Accommodation

By highlighting amenities, proximity to educational institutions, study-friendly environments, and the vibrant social atmosphere, it creates a connection with potential tenants, addressing their needs and aspirations.

Utilising urgency and scarcity techniques

To encourage prompt action, the website employs urgency and scarcity techniques in its copy.

Highlighting “Let agreed” or “Newly listed” creates a sense of urgency among potential tenants, motivating them to take immediate steps to secure their preferred accommodation.

Caption: Highlighting visual labels on accommodation listings, to indicate useful information. // Source: EcoCare Student Accommodation

This case study demonstrates the tangible impact of mastering the power of words within web design.

By understanding the target audience, defining the brand voice, crafting compelling property descriptions and utilising urgency and scarcity techniques, the website experienced an increase in user engagement and conversion rates.

Conclusion

As a web designer, mastering the power of words is crucial for creating impactful websites that engage users and drive conversions.

By understanding your audience, defining your brand voice, crafting compelling headlines and introductions, focusing on benefits, utilising persuasive CTAs, optimising for readability, incorporating keywords, telling stories, and using social proof, you can create a copy that captivates and motivates your audience.

Remember to test, iterate, and refine your copywriting efforts to continually improve the user experience and drive the desired results.

Embrace the art of copywriting, and unlock the potential of words to elevate your web design projects to new heights.

The post Mastering the power of words: Copywriting tips for web designers appeared first on Write Upon Demand.

Whether you’re writing a sales page, an email, or a social media post, the ability to persuade your audience is essential for capturing attention, generating interest, and driving desired actions.

In this article, we will delve into the art of persuasion and explore techniques that will help you write compelling copy that leaves a lasting impact on your readers.

Understanding persuasion in copywriting

At its core, persuasion is about understanding human psychology and influencing reader behaviour through strategic communication.

In the context of copywriting, persuasion involves crafting messages that appeal to the needs, desires, and pain points of your target audience.

By understanding your audience’s motivations, you can create a copy that resonates with them on a deeper level and compels them to take action.

Knowing your target audience

Persuasive copy begins with a deep understanding of your target audience. Take the time to research and identify their demographics, interests, and pain points.

By tailoring your persuasive techniques to their specific needs, desires, and challenges, you can craft a copy that feels personalised and relevant to them. This will significantly enhance the effectiveness of your messaging and increase the likelihood of generating a response.

Building a strong value proposition

A compelling value proposition is the cornerstone of persuasive copy.

Clearly communicate the unique value that your product or service offers and why it is the best solution for your audience’s needs.

Focus on highlighting the benefits and outcomes they can expect, rather than merely listing features. A strong value proposition creates a sense of urgency and convinces readers that they can’t afford to miss out on what you’re offering.

Creating emotional connections

Emotions play a powerful role in decision-making.

To truly persuade your audience, you must evoke emotions that resonate with them.

Utilise storytelling techniques to create narratives that tug at their heartstrings.

Craft copy that speaks to their desires, fears, and aspirations. By establishing an emotional connection, you can build trust and foster a sense of empathy that compels readers to take the desired action.

Social proof and credibility

In the realm of persuasion, social proof is a potent force.

People tend to follow the actions of others, especially when they see that others have had positive experiences. Incorporate social proof elements such as testimonials, reviews, and case studies in your copy to establish credibility and build trust.

Real-life stories and endorsements from satisfied customers serve as powerful persuaders, assuring your audience that your product or service delivers on its promises.

Using persuasive language and rhetorical devices

The choice of language and the use of rhetorical devices can significantly impact the persuasiveness of your copy.

Employ vivid and descriptive language to paint a picture in the minds of your readers. Metaphors, similes, and analogies can make complex concepts more relatable and memorable. Additionally, rhetorical devices such as repetition, alliteration, and parallelism can add rhythm and emphasis, making your copy more persuasive and engaging.

Overcoming objections and addressing pain points

Addressing objections and alleviating concerns is a crucial aspect of persuasive copy.

Anticipate potential objections that your audience may have and provide compelling counterarguments.

Show empathy by acknowledging their pain points and positioning your product or service as the solution they’ve been searching for. By addressing objections head-on, you build trust and credibility while removing barriers that may prevent readers from taking action.

Creating a sense of urgency

Urgency is a powerful motivator in persuasion. By creating a sense of urgency, you encourage readers to act promptly rather than delaying their decision. Limited-time offers, scarcity, and time-sensitive incentives are effective ways to instil urgency in your copy

Case Study

Mastering the art of persuasion is a fundamental skill for any copywriter. By incorporating these techniques into your writing, you can create compelling copy that captivates your audience and drives them to take action.

Let’s take a look at how the Clientown website implemented these techniques to enhance its copy and achieve impressive results.

By understanding their target audience of CRM professionals and business owners, the team at Clientown crafted persuasive copy that directly addressed their pain points and provided valuable insights. Through thorough market research and persona development, they gained a deep understanding of their audience’s motivations and challenges.

Utilising emotional storytelling techniques, the website created narratives that resonated with its readers. By highlighting real-life success stories and illustrating how their CRM software transformed businesses, they established an emotional connection with their audience, building trust and credibility along the way.

Caption: Testimonials in order to enhance persuasive copy // Source: Clientown

To further enhance their persuasive copy, they leveraged social proof by showcasing testimonials and case studies from satisfied customers. These endorsements served as powerful persuasion, validating the effectiveness of their CRM software and instilling confidence in potential buyers.

Moreover, the website effectively used persuasive language and rhetorical devices to make its copy more engaging and memorable. By employing vivid descriptions, metaphors, and parallelism, they created a captivating reading experience that heightened the persuasive impact of their messages.

By addressing objections and pain points, the website removed barriers that could hinder conversion. They proactively anticipated and answered common questions, positioning their CRM software as the ultimate solution to their audience’s challenges.

Finally, by incorporating a sense of urgency in their copy, the website encouraged readers to act promptly. They employed limited-time offers and time-sensitive incentives to create a fear of missing out, compelling readers to take immediate action.

By studying the techniques discussed in this article and implementing them in your own copywriting, you can unlock the power of persuasion and achieve remarkable results for your business, just like Clientown.

Conclusion

Ready to take your copywriting to the next level? Embrace the art of persuasion, understand your audience, create emotional connections, and leverage social proof. Craft copy that speaks directly to your readers, addresses their pain points and motivates them to take action. By mastering the art of persuasion, you can create compelling copy that captivates your audience and drives your business towards success.

The post The art of persuasion: techniques for writing compelling copy appeared first on Write Upon Demand.

This is especially important for businesses that rely on local customers or have a physical location. By optimising your website for local search, you can increase your visibility to potential customers who are searching for businesses in your area. In turn, this can result in more website traffic, more leads, and ultimately more sales.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of Local SEO, how it works, and some strategies you can use to improve your local search rankings.

Using location-based keywords

Optimising your content for local search is a must if you’re trying to attract local customers to your business and one of the best ways to do this is by using location-based keywords throughout your content. Here are a few tips for doing so effectively:

1. Research local keywords: Start by researching keywords that people in your local area might be searching for. Tools like Google Keyword Planner and Ahrefs can help you identify high-volume, low-competition keywords that will be easy to rank for
2. Use long-tail keywords: Instead of targeting broad, general keywords like “plumber” or “lawyer,” focus on more specific, long-tail keywords that include your location. For example, “plumber in Los Angeles” or “personal injury lawyer in Miami.” These will be easier to rank for and more likely to attract local searches
3. Include keywords in page titles and meta descriptions: Make sure your location-based keywords appear in your page titles and meta descriptions. These are the first things that people see in the search results, so they need to be compelling and relevant
4. Use keywords naturally: Don’t stuff your content with keywords just for the sake of ranking. Make sure your content reads naturally and is written for your audience, not the search engines.

By using location-based keywords effectively, you can help your business show up in local search results and attract more local customers. But don’t stop there – there are other strategies you can use to optimise your content for local SEO.

Creating content that appeals to a local audience

In addition to using location-based keywords, creating content that appeals to a local audience is key to optimising your content for local SEO. Here are a few tips for doing so:

1. Create location-specific landing pages: If your business operates in multiple locations, create landing pages for each location that include location-specific content. This could include information about local events, landmarks, or attractions that your customers might be interested in
2. Write blog posts that address local issues: Use your blog to write about local issues that your customers care about. For example, if you own a restaurant, you could write about the best local food festivals or the history of the cuisine in your area
3. Feature local testimonials: Ask your satisfied customers to leave testimonials that mention your location. This will not only help with local SEO but will also show potential customers that you have a strong presence in the community
4. Create localised social media content: Use social media to create content that speaks to your local audience. This could include sharing photos of local landmarks or events, or highlighting local customers who have had a positive experience with your business.

By creating content that appeals to a local audience, you can establish yourself as a trusted local business and attract more customers in your area.

However, don’t forget to optimise your Google My Business listing – this is another important component of local SEO.

Optimising Google My Business listings

Google My Business (GMB) is a free tool that allows businesses to manage their online presence across Google, including in search results and on Google Maps. Here are a few tips for optimising your GMB listing:

1. Claim tour listing: If you haven’t already, claim your GMB listing and ensure all the information is accurate and up-to-date. This includes your business name, address, phone number, website URL, and hours of operation
2. Add photos and videos: Add high-quality photos and videos to your GMB listing to give potential customers a better idea of what your business looks like. This could include photos of your storefront, products, or services in action
3. Encourage reviews: Encourage your satisfied customers to leave reviews on your GMB listing. Not only do reviews help to build trust with potential customers, but they also play a role in local SEO. The more positive reviews you have, the higher your business will appear in local search results
4. Use relevant categories: When setting up your GMB listing, make sure you choose relevant categories that accurately describe your business. This will help Google understand what your business does and improve your chances of appearing in relevant search results
5. Post updates: Use the “Posts” feature on your GMB listing to share updates, special offers, or news about your business. This will not only keep your listing up-to-date, but it will also show potential customers that your business is active and engaged in the local community.

By optimising your Google My Business listing, you can improve your chances of showing up in local search results and attracting more local customers.

If you have multiple locations, similar to this High Wycombe martial arts company, you can be even more targeted and add local town names and not just use the city names alone.

An example of this would look like the following:

• Business Name – City (Town 1)
• Business Name – City (Town 2)
• Business Name – City (Town 3)

By following this approach, not only do you avoid confusion about multiple locations with the same name (and potentially avoid bad reviews of people complaining that they have shown up at the wrong location), but you also cover more targeted searches and provide further relevance for customers who want to visit you.

Though, don’t forget – these strategies work best when used together. By using location-based keywords, creating content that appeals to a local audience, and optimising your Google My Business listing, you can establish your business as a trusted local authority and attract more customers in your area.

The post Writing for local SEO appeared first on Write Upon Demand.

A lot of competition

Did you know that 88% of people never click on the 2nd page of Google? With only 10 results per page on the world’s most successful search engine, the race to get on that front page reveals one ugly truth — that writing for websites is never an easy task.

There is nothing more lawless than the endless deluge of websites catering to every whim, and nothing more under the microscope than the secret laws of SEO that holds court over the digital world.

Your every word is computed, analysed, and ranked by somewhat secretive algorithms that determine whether you’re a front-page hit or consigned to the backwards pages of number 2 and beyond.

However, writing for the web isn’t all doom and gloom — it’s just different. And, like every new challenge, once you learn the rules, you’ll be competing with the top dogs for that ever-elusive and highly exclusive front-page result.

Read on to find out how you can boost your chances at success on the web.

How to write content that works

1. Know your audience

The first hurdle you’re going to face in getting your copy off the ground is knowing who you’re selling to.

If you’re selling B2B, a more chatty, conversational tone generally just isn’t cut it. Conversely, if you’re writing for the average reader, avoid adopting a too-formal tone, as superfluous vocabulary, industry-specific jargon, and longer run-on sentences (like this one) are deemed to be overtly detrimental to reaching out to the target audience.

Of course, there are exceptions, however, it’s important to know exactly who it is you’re targeting, and ensure you’re using the correct language and tone to match.

2. Have a goal in mind

Knowing what you want to achieve with your web copy is vital. Are you looking to build brand awareness? Convert views into sales? Provide information? Whatever your goals are, have a clear understanding of what your call to action will be.

Caption: Call to action example on Focus Fitness's website // Source: Focus Fitness

An example of a call to action can be seen on this High Wycombe Martial Arts Classes website. On their website, the user reads the selling copy, looks for a call to action and then clicks the large button — which is made obvious through commanding words, large fonts and bright colours, saying that “this” is the next step.

Another example is if you’re building brand awareness, make sure to pepper your copy with internal links to keep people engaged on your site (not only the current content). Direct customers to special offers, or entice them to browse your shops or services with powerful command words.

Now, knowing your audience? Having a goal in mind? These aren’t specific to copy for the web, it’s copywriting 101. It’s the copywriter’s bread-and-butter, so why are we focusing so much on the basics? Well, there’s one very simple, defining reason for that, and that is…

3. You have 15-seconds

15-seconds …that’s it. That is the average time that a potential customer inbound from an external link will spend reading your copy.

When the cost of backing out is one click, and with hundreds of other hits to choose from, your target audience will not waste any time on your site. Therefore, you have to make those 15-seconds count, and that means your copy has got to get to the point, fast.

You’re not going to get to the point quickly unless you know exactly who your audience is, what they want to see, and how they want to get it.

Speaking of getting to the point fast…

4. Be concise

Writing for the internet means being economical with your words. Your copy might be good enough to get your audience past the 15-second mark and out of contributing towards the dreaded ‘bounce rate’, however, you can still lose your audience if you go on too much.

That’s not to say you can’t have a long, wordy article, however, you have to adjust the format slightly.

Shorter sentences and frequent paragraphs all make for a better copy.

With 59% of all web traffic coming from mobile as of 2022, and clearly increasing year-on-year, what might look like a manageable paragraph on a monitor will look like an unappealing wall of text on a mobile.

Therefore, make sure you make use of pictures and test the content responsively across devices too (i.e. does it look good on desktops, mobiles and tablets).

5. Optimise for SEO

There’s no getting around the elephant in the room when it comes to web copy, and that is Search Engine Optimisation (SEO).

SEO defines the digital world and determines whether your website succeeds or dies. Here are a few ways to increase your SEO standing:

Keywords: The mainstay of SEO, keywords are important to get your copy on the radar. Draft up a list of keywords related to your copy, and make sure to include them in your copy. Make sure to not go overboard with them. Too little, and your copy won’t be listed as relevant; too many and you get flagged for abusing the system.

Meta titles and meta descriptions: They’re not supposed to be seen by the viewer on the actual page, however, can be seen when clicking through via a search engine. Therefore, you need a balance of both systematic relevance and human relevance, in order to get the best of both worlds.

Include internal links. Link to other parts of your website wherever possible. ‘Bounce rate’, a measure of how many people ‘bounce’ from your website can quickly negatively impact your SEO, and its counterpart ‘dwell time’ increases it. Increasing the time people spend on your website tells search engines your site is worth spending time on.

Good copy is hard. Good web copy is even harder. But, follow these tips and you’ll drive up engagement, and get yourself on the top of the search engines quicker.

The post How to write website content that sells appeared first on Write Upon Demand.

Many users find social media pages through websites and blogs. It’s therefore important to consider how to make your site discoverable, which should include links to your platforms.

Once your audience has found your socials, the next challenge is to keep them hooked.

Nowadays, there’s so much noise on social media, making it increasingly hard to become noticed. There’s certainly a lot out there, from niche brands to the more generic ones, meaning you should work hard to ensure that yours is getting the attention it deserves.

It can be challenging knowing where to start when it comes to writing good content for social media, but if you learn to do this well you should have little to no issues with it.

Tips on writing good content for socials

Be interactive

Include clear CTAs (calls to actions) in your posts’ copy because these encourage your followers to carry out a certain action and interact with your brand. It could mean asking a question or telling them to click a link to an article you’ve recently posted.

If you’re directing the audience to an article, use command words. For instance, it would be better to say, ‘Tap to read the new post!’ rather than ‘The new post is out now.’ By doing this, you’re telling them to complete a certain task, making them more inclined to do it.

You should keep in mind that when writing for an audience, write ‘you’ to address them directly and interact with their comments to show that you care.

Write short & clear captions

Write short captions in order to keep the attention of your readers. There’s nothing worse than looking at something that has tonnes of writing and isn’t even split up into paragraphs.

Caption: Example of Instagram Guides. // Source: MyHindiBindiFood / Instagram

Instagram and LinkedIn are the best places to write slightly longer copy. For example, people often use Instagram as their blog, such as skincare gurus, who may post a particular product and review it in the caption. If you want to do this, split your writing up into short, concise, paragraphs with 1 or 2 emojis to break it up, or consider using Instagram Guides.

Posts should be clear to understand; always proofread them before posting. They should be suitable for your audience to skim read. Many people will go on socials when they’re on public transport, for example, where they will have limited time to absorb the information.

Consider your tone

It’s important to use a consistent brand tone when writing copy for social media. Try to write in a similar way to your audience, enabling them to form a connection with your brand. If they speak in a conversational way, for instance, your brand should reflect this.

One way that will make it easier for you to establish a tone of voice is to create a Style Guide. When you hit a blank and are not sure how you should be writing, you’ll have this to refer back to, which will also be a handy tool for your website or blog.

The tone used on your socials should reflect your site and vice-versa to avoid misleading your audience, as you should aim to present your brand as trustworthy.

Ensure visuals & content match

Make sure that your posts and content match to avoid confusing your audience. For instance, you can’t talk about your favourite place to eat in the caption but post a picture of a book. It doesn’t make sense.

The content you post should be informative and make your audience curious to find out about something. Don’t forget to clearly signpost the link to your site in your post. You should also make sure that the link is relevant, meaning the text and images you’ve used on your site should match with what you’ve written on socials and the image you’ve posted.

If users tap a link on Instagram and it doesn’t match with the content you’ve posted on your blog, it can present you as unreliable. If readers are confused, they will click off and find something else. You also shouldn’t be presenting anything you write online as ‘clickbait.’

Tips for writing engaging posts to attract an audience on socials

Always signpost social media icons

Audiences may find your brand’s social media directly through your site. It’s therefore important that you clearly signpost links to socials either through text, icons or even both. These can be advertised in your posts or in a visible place on your website.

Caption: CTA of encouraging visitors to visit a social media platform. // Source: Atlas Band Touring

For example, this van hire company based in Newcastle and Manchester have used bold, commanding text on their page that says ‘Follow us: our Instagram page.’ Below is their social handle in bold and a ‘Find out more’ button that will take you to their Instagram.

They have used direct language telling their audience to visit their social media which will make them more likely to do it. It will also enable customers to get to know them better through their socials, which include fantastic shots of the festival’s they’ve recently been to.

Make your posts SEO-friendly

It’s important to make sure that your blog can be found by those using search engines, which means that all your posts should include keywords that will rank them higher up.

A good way to ensure you’re using the right words is to use Google Keyword Planner. It allows you to find out which popular words and phrases users are currently searching for, which can then be incorporated into your blog post titles, making them discoverable.

There won’t be an increase in visitors straight away. It takes time and effort, but you will eventually see the results. With more users on your blog, they should be clicking the icons taking them to your socials, which will result in plenty of new followers to engage with.

The post Writing for social media & attracting an audience appeared first on Write Upon Demand.

Presently, whatever your product or service is, there’s a good chance other sellers have already built their target markets. So, the question is “How do you get potential customers to notice you?”

How do you make yourself distinctive? How do you make your products appealing to the customers?

The answer is simple. When it comes to selling something online or offline, one of the major factors in influencing the customer is the content revolving around the offering.

If you can write and describe your product/service in a way that’s clear, precise and relatable to customers, then mission accomplished.

If you are puzzled about achieving the same for your own business, then don’t be, because in this article, we mention a course of action you can take to write captivating content for your products or services.

Do your research

Source: Nathana Rebouças ​/ Unsplash

Writing service or product-related content involves a lot of research, as your service or product may not be for everyone. The end result is wanting to reach the right people, at the right time, in order to increase the chances of a customer triggering a conversion (for example; a sale or an enquiry).

Since you want content that drives sales, basic and simple product descriptions won’t just do the trick. You’ll have to address how your products will solve user problems. If you can convince users that you have a solution, then they’ll organically start to convert.

To perform in-depth market research, you can

Look at what your competitors are doing:

One of the best ways to assess what’s currently working in the marketing space is to look at what your competitors are doing.

This way you can create content using similar strategies or if you already have content ready but it’s not yielding any results, then you can assess what you are doing wrong.

For instance, while looking at your competitor’s content, you may find that unlike yours, their content is less wordy but highly impactful or they may have used a compelling tone of voice and better format whilst writing their content.

You can also research competitors’ strategies that didn’t work too — as it’s equally important to know what not to do with your content as well.

Look at what content Google is ranking

One of the best ways to get noticed by potential customers is to appear at the top of Google’s search engine. And to do that, you have to look at the keywords Google is ranking the top listings for.

To find these keywords you can use SEO tools such as Ahrefs or Semrush for example, as these will tell you what phrases people are searching for, what your competitors are using and how difficult it’ll be to rank for those keywords.

Apart from this, these keywords can generally be found within the meta title tag and within the on-page headings of most pages.

If you structure the content around these keywords, Google may label it as more relevant and display it higher within their search results.

Be original with your content

While researching your content, you may come across websites that sell similar products or services and as much as it’s normal to get inspired and influenced by their content whilst writing yours, it’s noteworthy that you don’t copy and paste content from other sites.

Copying content from other websites is termed “plagiarism” and Google has strict regulations against it.

Not only may Google push your site down the ranks, but also get you penalised too. If that happens, losing customers/users will be a common repercussion.

Don’t bore buyers with too much information

A common mistake you’d often find websites doing is overstuffing their sites with information. In an attempt to establish their expertise in their respected field, they over-promise which tends to backfire in the long run.

Remember the people take out time to read your content with the sole motive of buying and by bombarding them with information, you’ll do more harm than good.

Here are some points to make sure your content gets the job done while not being too wordy.

• Always pay attention to users’ search intent. Try to think of the customer’s perspective whilst writing your content (what they’re typing into Google)
• It doesn’t matter how much information you put in, if the users feel like you don’t understand their problems, they likely won’t interact further
• Always keep the content short and precise. Use bullet points instead of long paragraphs, in order to make it look clean and enhance the reader’s readability
• Show them customer experiences, testimonials can help to assure customers and show them why you are a perfect choice.
• Finally, read this useful article on how to write blog posts, as a lot of the points above can relate there too.

Pair your content with imagery

Source: Reinhart Julian ​/ Unsplash

Nobody likes dull content

Pairing images with content is a great way to keep content refreshing, whilst also communicating with your visitors. The imagery of your physical products or services generally provides users with a better idea of what to exactly expect when making a purchasing decision via your website.

Besides that, you can also use infographics or animated videos in order to either explain your products in a very simple (yet detailed) manner. You may also use them to summarise all of the essential details of a product or service — through a single piece of media.

Be consistent in order to be comparable

If your brand deals with several products or services and provides different variations, the website’s content should be accordingly designed to match expectations too.

Source: Student Accommodation Company

Take this student lets company, for example, they sell a wide range of student houses and each of their houses listed on their website consistently display how many bedrooms and bathrooms are included, as well as showing relevant photography and descriptions across each house too.

This is a great example of a company presenting consistently, providing well-designed content across each page, as buyers land onto each property page knowing exactly what to expect, based on the previous listing on the same website.

Conclusion

In this super-competitive market, writing product content using these tips will make you stand out.

To summarise this article, during your process of researching and writing content for your products, think from a perspective of a customer. For them, you might be the answer to their question.

Offer to solve their problem and describe how you are going to solve it. Try to keep the content as short and accurate as possible.

And while you are at it don’t forget to Google! Do extensive keyword research and SEO and say no to any kind of plagiarism.

The post How to write content for a product or service appeared first on Write Upon Demand.

For most consumers, reviews are a focal point for their purchasing decisions.

Moreover, In today’s digital world, where one can know all about your brand and products through social media and online forums, good customer reviews are your biggest leverage.

Often, reviews are the only thing that influences the customer to choose your brand, it is what makes your brand stand out from the crowd.

Provide credibility to your business

It’s no secret that people want to know about the history and experience of the company (especially newer ones) they are buying from and what better way to do that than checking out its reviews.

Reviews and ratings are some of the quickest ways to establish your rapport in the market. With such high levels of saturation concerning every product/service, if you (as a customer) are given a choice to pick a brand to buy from, it’s a no-brainer who you would choose.

Besides using marketing techniques to reach new audiences, it’s also crucial to focus on building existing customer relations. Incorporating their reviews into your marketing strategies could prove to be a great tactic.

People may not trust your company just by marketing campaigns, many of them won’t even have assurance about these marketing tactics, but people do trust other genuine people. So if your business has authentic reviews, it’ll have a positive influence on the potential customers.

Show customers that you do a good job

Customer reviews show how a customer feels about your product/service. They act as a metric to gauge customer satisfaction.

Customers would take out time to write a review only if you met their expectations (or exceeded them). So, having a lot of positive reviews would imply that you do a good job of understanding what customers need.

It is safe to say that one of the factors ensuring the success of your marketing campaigns is your existing reviews because they tell the customers if you deliver what you promise.

Aside from this, having negative reviews will help you see your product’s shortcomings and improve upon them. If you act on a negative review as soon as possible and pose a solution to the user, chances of you retaining that customer become sky-high.

Showing people that their opinions matter is one of the best ways to build customer loyalty.

How to generate reviews for your business

Now that you know the “why”, it’s important to figure out the “how”. In most cases, only 10% of the total customers leave a review. The primary question is how to get most of your users to leave a review?

Here are a few techniques you can try out:

Build them naturally

Caption: Google My Business reviews on a website. // Source: Barney Estates & Auctioneers

In the past, it was difficult to collect reviews but today, the majority of businesses have an online presence and there are a lot of sites where customers can post their opinions. Moreover, A 2016 study shows that when asked, over 70% of customers are willing to leave a review.

It is evident that people like voicing their opinions about a brand but lack a medium. The major mistake businesses make is not giving their users a Call To Action (CTA).

A CTA is a link or button or icon through which the customers are sent to one of these forms. For e-commerce sites, a CTA is usually best placed on a thank you page.

Another good example of indicating that your business collect reviews are by showcasing them on your website. These UK land auctioneers do a great job at highlighting their best reviews directly on their key landing pages.

Ask your pre-existing customers

Asking your pre-existing customers for a review could feel awkward at first but if they had a good experience working with you in the past, they won’t hesitate to provide you with one.

A major tip to speed up this process would be to write the review yourself and send it to them. This way they can just copy the format and if need be, edit it accordingly.

You could even template the request to ask for review too by sending out the same request to all your pre-existing customers, below is an example you could use:

Dear valued customer,

We are glad we could meet your expectations and provide you with the results you’d hoped for.

If you wouldn’t mind posting a quick review on {your-review-platform-here}, we’d really appreciate it. This type of feedbacks allows other potential customers to understand us better.

Thanks

What platforms to use to generate reviews

Alternatively, You can also use certain google chrome extensions/plugins and apps to make this process automatic, meaning these apps could be linked as CTAs to take users to the review page.

Trustpilot

Caption: Trustpilot website. // Source: Trustpilot

Founded in 2007, Trustpilot is an open and free platform wherein customers can share their experience regarding a specific brand. Anyone can post a free review simply by creating an account.

The reviews generally consist of a 1 to 5-star rating, where 1 being “bad” and 5 being “excellent”

Trustpilot offers premium services like Automated Feedbacks, wherein you can place a link in an email or invoice. This link will take consumers to Trustpilot’s site where they can leave a review.

Google My Business

Caption: Google My Business website. // Source: Google
Google My Business is a free business directory, meaning brands can use it to upload important information about their business (like location, contact and reviews) to the internet.

A major advantage of having your business listed on google’s directory is its effect on google rankings, if you have a lot of positive reviews on your listing, Google will rank your website higher as compared to others.

Niche review sites

Caption: Clutch’s website. // Source: Clutch
Unlike the first two platforms, niche review sites are specifically designed to register reviews pertaining to a specific niche (i.e.repairs, design, etc.)

Whether you are an established company or just starting, collecting customer reviews is a great way to acquire and retain customers. It is crucial to form and maintain customer relations.

The post Why reviews are important for your business appeared first on Write Upon Demand.

Anyone can write, post, and publish an article in this information age; in fact, the definition of an article itself has become a very blurred line. The distinction between a good interesting article and a bad boring article, however, remains very much defined.

This should be the key focus when creating your article.

Article writing can be quite tricky as it requires you to use the correct techniques, answer the right questions, and format the article in the best way possible. However, if you choose the right topic, write engagingly and use tricks to keep them hooked, then you will be writing great articles in no time.

Tips & tricks to make articles interesting

Focus on your topic

Do your research. Writing your article will be much easier if you are up to date with the topic you would like to write. By making it a practical topic, it will naturally be more interesting for the reader. Focus on writing about subjects that your reader can use in real life.

For example, SR1 Development, a software and IT consulting company, have recently blogged about helping professional service companies manage client documents. This is practical and their target audience will be able to use this information in real life.

Of course, some topics don’t lend themselves to this level of practicality, which requires some more creativity on your part.

Rather than writing a review, try writing a buyer’s guide. Another idea can be writing an instructional piece on how to use a new product, or highlight the advantages/disadvantages of it.

Write in a casual, personal voice

Source: Chris Spiegl / Unsplash

One way to make your article more interesting is to write in a consistent brand voice. Whether the voice will be formal or more relaxed depends on your target audience. If you’re writing a blog, try to use a more casual, conversational approach to liven up the piece.

Many brands want their voices to be professional, authoritative, and distinguished. Although there’s nothing wrong with that, it can cause the article to sound bland, heavy, and uninteresting for the reader.

Even boring or flat topics can be livened up by metaphors. Try making your article more interesting by adding in a playful comparison; a mundane topic is the perfect opportunity to get creative!

Compare your subject matter to something more familiar or interesting that may connect better with your target audience.

Make your content actionable

Source: Jakob Owens / Unsplash

Although some posts and news can be interesting, there’s no better way to spice up your article than by making your content actionable. Make a list or write steps as a guide for readers in the body of the article so that the subject matter becomes more practical.

Not only can the reader understand the information more clearly, but they can also apply the article to their own life.

If you’re struggling to find things to write about, have a look at our article on how to find new content ideas.

Include images and videos

Source: KAL VISUALS / Unsplash

Writing creative content is probably the most useful in terms of optimising your site for SEO, but images and videos can transform a written piece from boring to captivating.

32% of marketers say the use of visuals is the most valuable content for their business, with blogging being the second (27%) …so why not mix both together?

Including an image or video within an article or blog post will grab the reader’s attention better than a block of text, making people more likely to read the content that accompanies the image.

Apply your content to different trends

The general rule for content strategies is that your article should be valuable in years to come. However, if you’re looking for a short-term burst to make your content more interesting, have a look at current trends that interest your target audience.

Research recent industry news that have shaken up the market, or wider public incidents that have created a lot of attention. Try to incorporate these into your articles and, if possible, consider incorporating relevant current case studies or examples.

Use unique facts and statistics

Source: Stephen Dawson / Unsplash

Try to include more original statistics and facts wherever possible. Users will feel more connected to the information they are reading if they can see how it’s applied or used in real life.

It is always best if you can research and collect the data yourself, as you can earn some links from others referencing your statistics. However, you can also use third party authorities — just make sure to check their reliability first!

Make it concise

Technical and niche industries often create long-winded, descriptive content than can sometimes lose the reader’s interest. When writing your own piece, make concise points and highlight them to draw the reader’s attention.

This will make your article more scannable to the reader, as they can skim the parts that are not relevant to them and focus on the points that do catch their interest.

To write an interesting article, measure how effective your current content is and make one change at a time. By creating interesting content, it will not only attract more visitors, but will make more personal connections with potential customers and increase your conversion rate.

Even if your subject matter isn’t the most interesting or ‘cool’, these tips should help make your content more engaging and appealing to your target audience.

The post How to make your article interesting appeared first on Write Upon Demand.

You may think that not including pictures makes the article seem more mature and therefore developed, however, in reality, it’s just boring.

In a society oversaturated with content (not all good), images are not only essential but also the easiest way to grab your reader’s attention.

Strong imagery could be the difference between gaining or losing a reader.

With this in mind, it’s important to know exactly how to balance your text with pictures.

Take, for example, this article about home-schooling by High Life North. The text is split up into simple, easy to read sections along with a corresponding image.

Before the reader knows it, they’ve read the full article without being scared off by the amount of text on the page, great isn’t it?

The benefits of using images

Support your points

One of the most obvious reasons to include images in your article is that they can support your point.

They say an image is worth a thousand words right? So why waste time trying to explain things in the text, when you can simply upload an image?

This especially works in situations where you’re trying to explain an app or a website. As a simple screenshot of the website itself will go a long way to helping most people understand exactly what you’re highlighting.

Help emotionally connect readers

Depending on what you’re article is about, images may be a perfect way to touch your readers on an emotional level.

The power of emotion isn’t something to sniff at. Designers spend their whole lives developing products that encourage emotional connections.

Advertisers are constantly using imagery to elicit emotions to try and maximise sales.

We know images work, so why not use these in your articles?

Improve a page’s SEO

Source: Webaroo / Unsplash

Images are great for SEO. It’s as simple as that.

When you’re writing with SEO in mind, it’s all about making sure that those essential targeted keywords are used throughout the content.

Images are just another thing that allows you to do this, and rather easily at that.

To start with, just making sure that the image file name is meaningful is a great start.

Once you have named your image and it has been uploaded, an ALT tag needs to be added to the image.

Using images also helps you show up more in search engines, as if someone clicks on your image, it will bring them straight to your article.

Choosing the right images

As important images are, they need to be relevant to what you’re writing about.

There are certain things you should look out for when looking for your images.

Review image quality

Source: Alex Knight / Unsplash

A blurry image isn’t going to look good. If your image is blurry, you’d almost be better off with no image at all. Same with if your image is too grainy.

Anything less than a clear image will make your article seem unprofessional and quite frankly, lazy.

Add a human touch

We’ve already talked about how it’s good to have images that can make people feel. Images with real people are perfect for this.

Images of humans are powerful, as a reader can connect with this and put themselves in their shoes.

We empathise with the images, this is especially prevalent during Christmas when the ever famous Christmas adverts are released.

This connection makes your article memorable, and you couldn’t ask for much more from an image.

Not all about the emotions

This may seem like a step backwards, but it really isn’t all about the emotions. It all comes down to common sense.

For example, if you’re writing a technical article about how to fix your toilet cistern, your readers probably aren’t looking for any emotional connections and are just wanting something that is informative and straight to the point.

Avoid clichés

With all of the images that are available on the internet, there really is no reason to use cliché images.

Your readers will have seen these time and time again, and they may be bored because of them.

A picture of two people shaking hands adds nothing to your article and your readers may pick up on this.

Add ALT tags

ALT tags were briefly mentioned earlier on but they really deserve their own special section.

ALT tags are very important and serve three main purposes

1. Accessibility: ALT tags are essential for visually impaired web users. Screen readers will read the ALT tag of an image to the user so they can get a sense of exactly what is there.
2. Missing Image: If your file doesn’t load, ALT tags are displayed in its place to give a context of what the image originally was.
3. SEO: As previously mentioned, ALT tags help search engines index your image properly (as well as help with accessibility, which can help with SEO) but giving the image a description and better, therefore, better context.

It’s important to remember that even though you should be fitting in your keywords, you shouldn’t be overdoing it.

Don’t overstuff your ALT tag with keywords to the point where it doesn’t really make sense. Ideally, it should be descriptive, concise and contain one target keyword.

How do you know that the ALT tag is good?

Read your ALT tag to someone who hasn’t seen the image.

If they can imagine a reasonably accurate image of what you’re describing, you’re on the right lines.

Tips for finding images

Source: Rabie Madaci / Unsplash

Great! You’ve found the perfect photograph! But can you use it? Copyright issues have to be considered.

Unfortunately, you can’t use just any old image you come across on the internet, that is without permission of course.

There are stock websites where you can pay to licence images, such as Adobe Stock and Shutterstock.

There are also lots of free options out there, like Unsplash and Pixabay.

Whatever you decide, by keeping these points in mind, you can be sure to elevate your articles and get the best out of them!

The post How to pair articles with pictures appeared first on Write Upon Demand.

Imagine writing for a SaaS app when you don’t even know what SaaS stands for, or perhaps writing for a B2B product you have never even heard of.

In instances like these, you must remember that you don’t need to be an expert in these fields. All you need is to just be an expert in what you do best; writing.

If your next project demands you to create high-quality content around a specific industry, here we list 8 tips that can help develop exciting industry-relevant write-ups around topics that may be out of your comfort zone.

Tips to write for industry

1. Research the market landscape of the industry

Every industry has its players. Start researching businesses within that industry, also taking into account the target audience and their location.

Look out for the preferred tone of voice, the target audience, and the pain points of that industry.

Let’s say you’re writing about the property industry; the first step would be to check out the popular websites that deal in property trade, and if your target audience is area-specific, keep that in mind too.

For instance, if you are writing for a company operating within the UK, websites such as Zoopla and Rightmove would be more relevant and credible.

Furthermore, if you niched the industry to a more local market such as London, taking these London property auctioneers as an example to look at; their use of terms such as “borough” and “North/East/South/West” allow the content to be more user-friendly towards the locals, as this is how locals refer to certain areas of London.

2. Understand industry jargons

It’s super helpful if you’re well-versed with popular industry jargon around the topic you are writing on.

For instance, in the US, property brokers are ‘real estate agents,’ whereas they are called ‘estate agents in the UK.

You can also reach out to the existing or potential customer base if possible. Look out for frequently asked questions, concerns, and expectations.

Every industry will have its unique customer base, depending on location, language preferences, and behaviours.

You must understand how and what the customers within that industry like to read and already know about (the reader’s level of experience within an industry).

3. Explore industry forums

Every industry has its forums, where people ask and answer questions about topics relevant to the industry.

You can explore popular chat rooms and industry-related forums to understand what’s trending and what people are talking about.

Start from Reddit, Quora and other industry-specific threads and forum categories. Furthermore, you can look into Facebook and LinkedIn groups for more user-centric discussions.

4. Connect with industry experts

You should connect with influencers and bloggers who usually have tons of real-world industry experience.

Following an expert on their social media channel will make it easier for you to learn about their industry and the content that works best.

For example, blogs like Moz, Semrush, Ahrefs and Neil Patel are the gold standard for SEO solutions and how-to articles on online marketing.

You can also connect and interview bloggers within an industry to get more factual information on a topic you’d be writing on.

Citing credible details coming straight from a subject expert or authorities not only makes your content more accountable but also helps the page rank better in terms of SEO.

5. Keyword research

Writing good content is not enough. Make sure you are prepared to write SEO-friendly content within that industry.

Whilst writing, it’s equally important to take the time and do thorough keyword research for your content. By researching, you will get a fair idea about widely searched keywords and popular phrases.

Proper keyword research right from the start will help uncover both short and long-tail keywords that are popular within the industry.

Once you have a solid list of keywords, writing SEO-friendly content will become a lot more relevant to search engines and potentially also the readers.

6. Stay up to date

Make sure you are writing content that cites up to date information from credible sources. This is particularly important with industry-specific topics. Furthermore, current affairs surrounding a topic can help to boost your article’s credibility and performance.

For instance, when writing about property related websites, you should keep your content up to date with any new property regulations or policies. This is in order to avoid any misinformation and remain as the relevant expert within the property industry.

Another example to think about would be an article written on the best places to visit in the UK. This would be very different ten years from now, therefore, it should constantly be kept up to date with the newest trends. This is the opposite of “evergreen content”, meaning that the content doesn’t stay relevant forever.

7. Write clear and concise content

You need not complicate industry-specific content with too much technical jargon.

Everyone prefers to read content that is easy to understand and leaves them informed.

Therefore, when writing content specific to an industry, make sure that your content is well balanced in relevant industry-specific terminology, yet still reader-friendly.

You can use tools such as our readability checker, in order to ensure your sentence structures pass our tests for the age bracket you’re trying to write for.

8. Storytelling and conversations

Bloggers and influencers use their storytelling skills to make engaging content that generates views and also leads.

Readers prefer understanding a topic from influencers or subject experts rather than plain-informative websites.

If you’re writing for a high-end service or a product, you can create conversational content that speaks directly to the customer without boring or selling aggressively.

Think of content that engages you the most whilst researching and learning about the industry.

There you have it. These simple 8 ways can help you write for an industry if you know or don’t know much about it.

All you need to do is; trust your writing skills and listen to the industry from a reader’s point of view.

The next time you’re writing around an alien topic or an industry you just aren’t an expert in, don’t drop the gig — dive right in and learn more!

The post How to write content for an industry appeared first on Write Upon Demand.

If you’re wanting to remain competitive with other consumers, then you need to stay modern. To do this, you need to be aware of trends that are popular this year. Content is getting better because we are smarter at analysing our audience. This allows us to strategize, research and create content that will align with their habits, preferences, and search needs.

Trends of types of content

With this in mind, let’s have a look at the content trends that are taking over the online world this year.

1. Blog posts

Caption: Blog archive page example from Write Upon Demand.

We will be seeing more blog posts by companies this year to generate traffic. 55% of marketers say that creating content for blogs is their biggest marketing priority.

Some specific elements that can take your blog post from newbie to pro blog writer are:

• Data, case studies, and statistics to back up points.
• Easy to read structure by breaking up the post with a heading, subheadings and bullet points.
• A consistent tone of voice.
• Correct grammar, spelling and punctuation with tools such as Grammarly.
• Images, videos and visuals to make the content more alive and appealing. For example, Buy to Let Deals have included images on their news page, which makes it look attractive to the audience.

2. Video and live streaming

Caption: Homepage of Twitch, a popular live stream service (mainly for gamers).

Apart from blog writing, another go-to content for companies to use is videos. Modern consumers increasingly expect to receive video content from their favourite brands. Video content keeps audiences engaged longer than other types of content.

Live streaming audiences continue to grow too, with 80% of respondents to a LiveStream survey, confirming that they would rather watch a live video than read a blog post.

Considering where to publish your video content is equally as important as using video content. Think about what suits your company the most, and whether it would be best to post videos on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

Structuring your videos and live streaming have several options, including webinars, Q&A sessions, interviews with experts, product demos and even behind-the-scenes. In fact, 87% of viewers would prefer to watch a video online if it meant more behind-the-scenes content.

For longer videos, think about writing a script so that you don’t go off track with the point you’d like to get across.

Many of these video examples allow you to interact better with others, which will boost the value of your company and product. Also, in many cases, the content you’ll create can be easily transferable to audio-only content or transcribed by text.

3. Social media

Caption: Homepage of Facebook.

Social media has stood the test of time so far, with over 2.95 billion users. Sharing content on social media allows you to present it to people who are following you, who can then share it with other people who have never heard of your business.

Aside from the large possible reach, content getting shared on social media enables the important interaction with followers, which allows relationships to form with current readers and customers, as well as with potential new ones.

Here are some tips for writing content for different social media platforms:

• Twitter – this app is all about conversation and is one of the best platforms to speak directly with customers. It is important to maintain a friendly but professional presence.
• Facebook – use this app to share all of your content to generate likes, comments and engagement.
• LinkedIn – it is meant for professional networking, so make sure to keep a professional tone when creating content on this social network.

4. Visual data

Source: Stephen Dawson / Unsplash.

Visual data is a trend that can drastically improve the user experience and contribute to the good appearance of content. If you have an editing program, then you can use the data to create graphics, which will not only make your content more appealing but will also make the information easier to understand.

Some websites even create entire articles in image form, which can be really interactive for the consumer.

5. Voice search and smart devices

Source: BENCE BOROS / Unsplash.

According to Brafton, 30% of all searches beginning in 2020 will be screenless, which means more people are using Siri, Alexa, Google Home and other similar channels to make searches.

Content creators will need to adjust and implement full and natural search terms. One way to optimise your content for voice searching is to read your content out loud and make sure it sounds natural. Avoid using complicated language and over-complicated phrases that no one knows.

6. User-generated content

Modern consumers expect companies to provide users with a personalised experience across the board.

Your audience doesn’t want to receive the exact same collection of content that every other customer gets. The individual consumer wants to receive tailored content that is targeted specifically to their interests and needs.

As the consumers’ needs for personalised content increases, so does the development of technology that helps brands accommodate these demands. You can automate the curation and delivery of relevant content to customers.

7. Podcasts

Source: Kate Oseen / Unsplash.

They have become very popular over the last few years, and now they’re one of the most popular content marketing trends.

They’re informative and allow people to access content on the go. People listen to podcasts while driving, walking, and before bed. Podcasts can be about anything and don’t always have to relate to your business.

More and more companies are creating podcasts where they also discuss what is currently happening in their industry. Creating a podcast can be expensive because of high-quality equipment, but if your company has a large following, then it can definitely pay off. Why not ask your followers if they would be interested in hearing a podcast?

If you haven’t incorporated any of these trends yet, start having a think of ways you could use them to improve the reach of your business.

The post Content marketing trends of 2020 appeared first on Write Upon Demand.

As writing a blog post, ad campaign, or even an engaging email requires personality and feeling to captivate the reader.

Writing down your thoughts, feelings, stories and ideas is essential for digital content, but why not let technology help in making you a better writer?

To help develop your digital content, we’ve put together a collection of apps that will strengthen your online writing game to the next level.

Our top apps for writing content digitally

1. Grammarly

Caption: An example of using Grammarly in WordPress.

If you are confident with your ability to write but would like to check for grammatical errors, spelling and word suggestions, then Grammarly is your friend.

The app uses an algorithm that has analysed millions of sentences to really establish what makes good writing content.

Grammarly was used to check writing formalities like spelling and grammar, but over the years they have added feedback to help you overcome poor word choice; vagueness, and even plagiarism.

• Red underlines provide suggestions for punctuation, grammar and spelling.
• Blue underlines state the need for clarity or conciseness improvements.
• Green underlines offer guidance to make your writing more engaging to the reader.
• Purple underlines suggest improving politeness, friendliness and formality.

Grammarly is easy to download onto your internet browser and will provide guidance on social media platforms and most other websites such as WordPress.

2. Hemingway

Caption: Using the Hemingway app through their website.

An important rule for online writing content is understandable phrases and texts.

Ernest Hemingway was famously known for his simplistic, short style, which is the purpose of this app.

If you’re wanting a quick and fast correction tool, then Hemingway is one of the best to use.

It allows you to edit blog posts, email content and any other digital writing formats.

You just simply copy and paste your content to see your instant evaluation and an automated readability indexer grades your writing and studies how easy your piece is to read.

The app analyses adverbs and uses of passive voices whilst also highlighting where sentences may be hard to read or if a phrase may have a simpler alternative.

Any grade below 9 is considered good and therefore, clear to the reader.

10 is considered okay and anything higher will need some further improvements.

Not only does Hemingway work for everyone but it’s cost-effective, as it’s available online free of charge!

A one-off payment option is available too, which allows you to download the app on your desktop, which can then be used offline too.

3. Yoast SEO

Caption: Using the Yoast SEO WordPress plugin to analyse reliability scores.

For your writing to reach a large audience, it’s crucial that it’s written and structured well.

Helps to optimise written content with keywords

Before creating good digital content, it’s essential that you carry out keyword research. This includes a list of words that you know your audience will be searching for.

Keyword research makes sure that you are using the same words as your target audience and will. therefore, boosts the organic traffic of your content through search engines if the content is indexable.

When editing your text on a platform like WordPress, the Yoast SEO plug-in will be useful for SEO copywriting. As it guides you on how to optimises text for search engines (given you have your keywords ready) and makes your writing more user-friendly.

Helps to improve readability

This plugin suggests optimising your blog post or article but doesn’t affect the originality of the idea, which is a key factor when copywriting.

The readability analysis provides adjustments which make you aware of long sentences and if you are using a passive voice (which weakens your writing).

Content designer Sarah Richards said that by making your writing more readable “You’re not dumbing down, you’re opening up”. You are growing your audience as more people can understand the message you are wishing to paint.

Helps with internal and external linking

Yoast SEO also provides details on how you should internal and external links within your content (which is great for search engines, in order to help improve relevance within content).

The premium version of Yoast SEO provides a system where it even can suggest links you should include within your post (a page or blog post), by analysing similar terms used throughout other posts.

Alternatively, you could always hire a content marketing agency which could provide you with copywriting services, as well as find keywords that will help your content rank in search engines.

4. Google Docs

Caption: Using Google Docs to add comments and suggest edits to colleagues.

Another app that we would recommend as one of the best to really push your writing from good to great would be Google Docs.

Integrate apps within Google Docs

You will have access to many similar apps such as Microsoft Word, for example, however, you’ll get the most from using Google Docs by having add-ons that can enhance your writing.

GDoc SEO Assistant (an add-on for Google Docs) provides four main features to help writers, bloggers and online marketers;

1. Overall content SEO scoring that is based on Google’s ranking factors,
2. SEO suggestions in order to optimise content,
3. Related keywords in order to improve the relevancy of the content,
4. Keyword data to help provide relevant insights on the keywords used (e.g. monthly search volumes).

Collaborate with other writers

If you’re a part of a team, it might be important for providing or receiving feedback and also tracking changes within your content.

Google Docs has a great feature where more than one writer can be using the doc in real-time, as well as highlight notes for relevance.

5. Write Upon Demand’s Readability Checker

Caption: Using Write Upon Demand’s free readability checker.

Finally, an extra app which will make your digital content excellent is our free readability checker.

The calculation that is used is based on the Flesch-Kincaid reading ease formula. It was published by Rudolph Flesch in 1948 and has worldwide recognition for its accuracy.

It scores your writing on how easy it is to read. This scale runs from 0–100 and the higher the score, the more reader-friendly it is. For example, a score of 82 will be understandable to an average 12–15-year-old.

This is an essential tool for content writers, enabling their writing to reach a larger audience by being more readable.

So which is the best app?

There are many apps and tools that can improve your content and relevance to your audience.

In order to determine which app is best for digital writing, we’d say it’s a mix of them all (where possible).

As at Write Upon Demand;

1. We use Google Docs to write the initial content,
2. Have Grammarly enabled when writing,
3. Publish into WordPress and further optimise with Yoast SEO.

Our final suggestions would be to acknowledge that it’s important to tailor your writing to the topic and audience’s needs and to simply start using a few of these apps, as they will help you take your written digital content to the next level.

The post Best apps for writing good digital content appeared first on Write Upon Demand.

With a strategic plan, anyone can enter the world of blogging and if done successfully, they can rely on their blog as a sole source of income.

Ways to monetize your blog

Whether you have an existing blog or looking to set one up, there are several ways you can monetize it, as we discuss below.

1. Display ads

Caption: Example of Google AdSense advertisements.

Google AdSense offers an ad service which selects adverts to appear on your blog, relevant to your content.

This is an effective method of securing a consistent income through advertising and eliminates the need to deal with advertisers directly.

By selecting relevant adverts, more potential buyers are likely to be targetted and more commission will be given to the blog owner.

Google AdSense offers two types of adverts, pay-per-click meaning you are paid every time a visitor clicks on an ad and pay-per-impression which means you are paid every time someone views the ad on your page.

For a successful blog, this is a great way of earning money from the high volume of traffic your blog receives.

Alternatively, if your blog receives a lower volume of traffic there are other platforms available so you can start monetizing your blog immediately.

Shout Me Loud Blog recommends starting with no more than one or two ad units and reminds bloggers to stay focused on the quality of their content.

As an alternative, bloggers can utilise private ads which allows them to set their ad rates. Therefore, there is more potential to earn a higher rate of pay per advert you feature on your blog.

This is likely only to be a possibility with blogs receiving a high volume of traffic and bloggers will often find that advertisers will approach them directly to discuss advertising space. This can be in delivered in the form of banners, links or even sponsored posts.

As suggested by Blogging Basics, a great way to maximise the potential of private ads is to sell space within your email newsletters.

For example, a client we regularly write marketing material for, Leigh’s Nurseries, send out monthly newsletters to clients, which include the parents of children based at three different locations across Newcastle upon Tyne.

Paid advertisements for local children’s events and activities or new baby formula would also be relevant to their client’s needs and requirements.

Therefore, this would be an effective use of privatising advert space and would likely see a high rate of commission, based on how many clients are interested.

2. Affiliate schemes

Caption: An affiliate scheme example.

Another way to make money from your blog is to include links to products and services on your blog.

The advertiser will give you commission based on any traffic that comes from your link.

Your link is unique, therefore, the advertiser can track your affiliate code and identify which customers are coming from your blog.

However, this is dependent on whether the visitor you provide makes a purchase or conversion.

Bloggers often develop partnerships with brands and promote multiple products, increasing the likelihood that their followers will see an item they want to purchase.

Similar to adverts, this can be included in your blog in the form of banners or within your copy.

3. Sell your products

Although the sole purpose of your blog may be to share published content, once established it may be a good opportunity to start selling your products.

The most cost-effective method is to digital products that your followers can download at a cost.

Digital products could be in the form of ebooks, online courses or apps and often hold a lower production cost, so there is more room for profit.

Having established yourself within your field, especially for successful blogs, readers are likely to already value any content and information you can share.

However, it is important you research what would be useful to your readers and what you can be certain they’d spend money on. Therefore, make sure you listen to your followers and develop products relevant to your blog.

To secure a consistent income, it may be worth offering your readers the opportunity to sign up to a membership.

This could grant access to assets such as a monthly newsletter or job board for example.

4. Sponsored content

To secure sponsored content, it is essential you promote your brand by attending network and blogger events and establish connections with other bloggers and companies.

Making yourself more known increases the likelihood of being approached by bigger brands who will pay more for sponsored content.

This can be in the form of blog posts entirely dedicated to a product review or a relevant post with an accompanying ‘Brought to you by X’.

For example, makeup brands will often sponsor bloggers to use one of their products in a makeup tutorial to increase their exposure and the possibility of a purchase.

Again, bloggers receive a commission based on how many of their followers purchase the product.

The post How to make money blogging appeared first on Write Upon Demand.

The more platforms you share your blogs on, the higher the rate of reach and engagement you are likely to experience from multiple audiences.

Below we discuss the platforms you can publish your work on and the benefits offered by each one.

Places to write & share your blogs

LinkedIn

Source: www.linkedin.com

By sharing your work on LinkedIn you are building your professional reputation, gaining quality traffic and increasing online credibility.

As a platform defined as a hub for professionals and experts, sharing your work on the site can consolidate your reputation as an expert within your field.

Posting regular insights can demonstrate your ability to stay up-to-date with key advancements, a quality that is incredibly valuable in a competitive market.

Abbey Masterbatch, for example, has a LinkedIn page which they use to establish themselves as industry experts. This can be done both by posting their blog and sharing content from other relevant sites on their feed.

Additionally, your work can be easily consumed by professionals you are connected with. This cohort of professionals are most likely the people you’d establish business connections with and therefore sharing on LinkedIn could be very valuable to your business or personal growth.

Medium

Source: medium.com

On the other hand, Medium is an alternative platform dedicated to publishing written blogs.

Medium offers several benefits including providing engagement data not only including how many people read your article but also how long for.

According to Word Stream, average reading time should be between 7 to 11 minutes.

With Medium, there is also an opportunity to reach new audiences as the more your article is read, the higher it is ranked in regards to the subject area. These stories can even be featured on the Medium homepage.

Medium also allows you to import and share existing content using HTML canonical tags (see your own blog section for more on this), meaning your old blog posts no longer go to waste and there’s no harm to your website’s SEO either.

Your own blog

Source: rahuls.blog

Despite the growing number of guest blogging platforms, continuing to post on your blog still holds several benefits.

Most importantly, it can help with your SEO by keeping your website updated with fresh content and new keywords.

However, you must understand the implications of publishing on multiple platforms. Duplicate content can confuse search engines as it not evident which URL should appear higher.

A way to avoid this is to canonicalise content for search engines. Moz provides examples to do this using the rel=canonical attribute in HTML.

A guest’s blog

Another avenue worth considering is guest blogging.

Guest blogging can grant you access to niche audiences relevant to your work.

Additionally, for successful blogs, it gives you immediate access to established communities relevant to your expertise.

Including backlinks to your blog can also increase quality traffic and domain authority. This can also be an opportunity to encourage readers to subscribe to your blog or newsletter.

On a personal level, being endorsed by a popular blog can consolidate your position as a professional writer and increase your credibility.

Guest blogging can ultimately increase brand awareness and exposure, meaning you gain more valuable followers more likely to engage with your content.

Have we missed any places?

If you feel that we’ve missed any places to share your blogs to, let us know by commenting below. As we’d consider adding your best suggestions to the list too!

The post Places to write & share blog posts on appeared first on Write Upon Demand.

A technical writer communicates complex ideas and information so it is easily digestible to the average reader.

This is important for publications such as instruction manuals or journal articles which intend to inform the general public on technical matters.

Technical writing can also be referred to as transactional writing, as it speaks directly to the reader often to either inform or persuade.

The talent of a technical writer is their ability to keep the user in mind when writing. To produce an effective piece of writing, they must continuously be aware of the audience’s needs.

By researching and visualising the user, they can write in a way that is direct and understandable for their specific target audience.

Why is technical writing important?

Technical writing can make products and services more accessible to the general public by simplifying technical information.

This can be beneficial for businesses, increasing conversion rates by appealing to a wider scope of the population.

Technical writers endeavour to have an in-depth and broad understanding of the subject at hand, therefore can communicate the most accurate and relevant information.

As technology advances, technical writers are becoming more in demand across multiple industries rather than restricted to engineering or science-driven industries.

This is also a result of the continued expansion of technical and web-based products. In fact, according to Truity, employment of technical writers is projected to grow by 10-15% by 2022.

The principles of technical writing

Technical writing is often guided by context and audience, however, there are a few principles which remain consistent across most technical writing.

Technical writing is written with a purpose in mind, whether it is intended to inform or persuade. This can be either an explicit or implicit purpose depending on the context.

It is also user-focused, meaning the user needs are considered throughout to write an understandable and accessible document.

The writer must be clear and precise throughout for this to be possible.

Technical writing often requires the use of visuals to further illustrate complex points, diagrams and graphs are commonplace in this form of writing.

The technical writing process

Technical writing requires a significant amount of preparation before you can even begin writing.

The following process can be considered iterative and it is advised to return and review each step to ensure you have achieved the maximum potential.

Project Brief

Firstly, you need to analyse the project brief to fully ensure you understand the task at hand.

The following should be addressed: demographic, subject, content, purpose and document type.

Audience/user experience

Analysing the audience is an essential part of the process, as with technical writing facts do not change but the way they are conveyed does.

To produce a successful piece of technical writing, the writer must research and become familiar with the user needs and experience.

Once the user need has been identified it will guide the whole document.

According to Mindtouch, good technical writers deliver value for the customer. It is worth keeping in mind how your writing is benefiting the reader.

Planning

With technical and complex information it needs to be organised in a way that is easily followed.

At this stage, it is time to organise ideas into headings and subheadings to ensure the document will flow appropriately.

Consult experts

This stage can be carried out at any point in the process and often repeatedly.

Industry experts can provide clarity and ensure that technical information is consistently correct.

Writing

With a solid base of research and planning, it is now time to begin writing.

Keep into consideration key technical elements such as using an active voice, avoiding jargon and foregrounding important information in sentence structure.

Review

In the final phase, it is important to review the entire document checking for any grammatical errors or inconsistencies.

In-house vs. freelance writers

Companies working within technical fields often have an in-house technical writer.

This poses several advantages including the ability to consult experts directly and regular to ensure information is as accurate as possible.

However, for smaller companies employing a technical writer is not an option. Instead, they have the option to outsource technical writers to keep within their budget.

For example, Mad Communications offer technical writing services involving intensive research into various subject areas before writing professional content.

Ultimately, technical writing supports business innovation by making a product or service more accessible and increasing conversion rate.

It is therefore worth investing both your time and money into to make sure your brand’s voice is clear and understandable.

The post Basics of technical writing appeared first on Write Upon Demand.

Encouraging more comments and a higher engagement can have several benefits for your blog; by improving your online credibility, providing real feedback and developing a community around your brand.

Below we outline some key factors which can help to increase comments and support the growth of your blog.

Common ways to increase blog comments

1. Ask questions

Each blog post should invite your readers into a conversation.

Open up a two-way dialogue with regular questions and an opportunity for your reader to have their say.

No blog post should be written one-sided and readers will appreciate a direct invitation to become involved.

Asking for opinions will encourage your readers to not only respond, but engage with each other and help to build a community.

According to Optinmonster, directing your audience to comment on certain topics can effectively increase the number of valuable keywords on your page.

Therefore, with more keywords, your blog could even rank higher on Google!

2. Add emotion

Blog posts on an emotive subject are likely to get the best response from your audience.

Evoking an emotional response from your audience will encourage them to share their own experiences and stories on your comments section.

2.1 Include author-bios

Caption: Rahul’s author card.

Including an author-bio can also add some personalisation to your blog. If your audience knows who they’re responding too, they are more likely to relate to your situation and leave a comment.

3. Pick the right blog topics

When choosing your blog post topics, it’s important to relate to your audience’s own views and opinions to increase engagement.

A controversial topic may be a good idea if it aligns with your audience, as they are more likely to share the piece if they share your view.

However, it’s important to not seem aggressive but rather open up a discussion about a topic you are passionate about.

3.1. Use BuzzSumo to understand what's socially popular

Source: buzzsumo.com

BuzzSumo is a great tool to see if certain topics are being shared on social feeds. Therefore, it’s worth checking before you begin writing to determine whether it’s a topic worth discussing.

4. Share across all platforms

Social media is an effective tool for increasing traffic to your website.

Make sure you share your blog posts across all your platforms to increase the likelihood of comments.

It may also be worth asking questions when sharing your posts to encourage your audience to engage with a specific topic or opinion.

5. Respond to comments

Now you have set up your blog posts to receive a higher volume of comments from your audience, you should respond to them too.

Responding to comments will build a sense of community around your blog and your audience will feel their feedback is valued.

Additionally, many people feel a blog post is worth commenting on if they are likely to get a response from the author.

6. Close comments

Popular blogs often place a deadline on their comments section, in order to encourage their audience to comment immediately.

This not only helps build a sense of scarcity but also helps the admin not constantly rejecting spammy comments on the dozens of articles that they’ve posted in the past.

For websites that don’t have a blog or comment section

If your website doesn’t have a blog or comment section whatsoever, then we suggest you get one as soon as possible.

Not only do these help with SEO but you could be missing out on all the engagement with your visitors too.

With that said, Connect Insolvency is a company which relies solely upon using social media in order to engage with their visitors.

Not only do they not have comments on their website, but they also don’t have a blog at all. In fact, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn is their “blog” — encouraging comments to the max!

This wouldn’t be considered good practice for SEO if they’re wanting to rank on Google. However, it still brings in referral traffic through social media channels, which could equally be considered as good traffic in general.

The post Getting more comments on blog posts appeared first on Write Upon Demand.

Viral content works for itself. Once you’ve created your post and set it free into the world wide web, people will start finding it. With the right recipe, the content can explode with people and channels, sharing your page worldwide.

Whether you’re looking to expose your brand or get 15 minutes of fame we’ve got some tips for you. There’s no trick for a 100% success rate, however, there are always some tricks out there that will help to grow your content rapidly!

Tips for making blog posts go viral

1. Allow people to look intelligent

Nobody wants to look stupid, right? People like to come across as smart. Sharing content is like social currency. If it benefits them and makes them look smart, they are far more likely to want to share it with their friends and followers.

It’s essential to get your headline and introduction right so that social media users can instantly understand what your blog article is all about, enticing them to click, and look just as intelligent as your for posting it (tip: look into using Open Graph and Twitter meta tags).

Neuroradiology Consulting provides content on their blog that is important to neuroradiologists. By offering such content, it ensures other people involved will neuroradiology will find useful information that is worth sharing with others.

2. Don’t make fun of others

As we know, people want to look clever. Sharing content puts their reputation on the line. Try to avoid targeting specific groups of people or discredit someone if that’s going to cause an adverse reaction or upset anyone.

3. Keep content to the point

Your content must be right to the point. A lot of viral content is short. Look at Vine, for example. The app was built on content going viral, giving users only 7-seconds to do so.

People have short attention spans, so content should be easily read. Make content that is easy to scan using a combination of subheadings and paragraphs, ensuring that whatever it is the user should be looking for, they’ll easily find it.

4. Write relatable content

Try to aim your articles towards subjects that are relatable to the reader. That could be by offering advice, answering common questions, helping somebody to learn something new.

Write content that speaks to the reader on a personal level and provides them with a personal benefit. Doing so, you increase your chances of them wanting to tell everyone they know. The more relatable the content, the more chances are people will continue to share.

5. Make your content genuine

Original content will perform a lot better. Content that has already been done thousands of times before or topics that are of common knowledge won’t be as successful as an article offering new or improved information.

Create information that will capture the user’s attention and leave them feeling like they’ve gotten something back by spending their team reading it.

6. Use lists

Let’s start with a mention to Buzzfeed, the number one place for all things viral lists. Everyone at some point in time has found themselves endlessly looking through a Buzzfeed list.

People react well to lists, as they provide a simple format for offering information. A list can answer a lot of questions, are easy to scan and can tackle a lot of related topics all in one go.

Looking to write a list-style article? Check out these irresistible headline formulas by Sumo.

7. Add humour

It’s good to show a little bit of humour as opposed to coming across all serious. Adding a touch of fun to posts will help to reach your readers on a personal level.

It’s vital to get humour right and make sure you aren’t making jokes about something that could be wrongly perceived.

8. Use an intriguing headline

Your headline should seal the deal on catching a user’s attention. It’s vital that the headline tells the whole story; what will your user find out from your post?

Final thoughts

So now you know what helps make content go viral.

Sometimes it’s all down to luck, therefore, don’t be disheartened if every post from here on out doesn’t reach millions. However, using some of the tips offered in this post should help you to get the viral ball rolling.

If you’ve found these tips useful or had success by using them, let us know as we’d really like to know.

The post How to make your article go viral appeared first on Write Upon Demand.

According to Codeless, 60% of consumers feel engaged with a brand or company after reading custom content on their blog.

Factors for finding your blog’s tone of voice

Finding the right tone of voice allows your brand to build recognition and consolidate your online presence as an industry expert or leader.

However, finding the right tone of voice for your blog depends on several factors:

1. Research your target audience

Source: Startaê Team / Unsplash

Your blog’s tone of voice is very much dependent on your target audience.

Once you’ve established your target audience and illustrated their needs, likes, dislikes and other factors; you can then establish the right tone of voice accordingly.

User personas are a great user experience tool for illustrating your chosen demographic. As this method can allow you to visualise how your target audience interacts with your brand and from this, it allows you to develop a specific tone of voice.

For example, whereas an older audience may expect a more formal piece of writing, a younger audience may expect a more conversational tone.

2. Consider your subject matter

Source: Brendan Church / Unsplash

Your subject matter also has a significant influence over the tone of voice you use on your blogs.

The purpose of your blog could be either serious or more informal and your tone of voice very much depends on this.

For expert insights, a formal tone would be beneficial when communicating facts and figures, as a conversational tone may undermine your expertise and cause your brand credibility to decrease.

On the other hand, an opinion piece may require more emotion in order to persuade or convince your audience.

3. Add some personality

Source: Nick Fewings / Unsplash
Finding the right tone for your blog can help establish your brand’s personality.

In a competitive market, a personality can allow your brand to stand out from the competition.

By communicating to your audience in a relative and interesting way you can effectively appeal to your audience, whilst integrating your own idiosyncrasies.

In fact, your brand personality may be the deciding factor that encourages your audience to choose your product or service over your competitors.

4. Position your brand strategically

Source: Louis Hansel / Unsplash
How you identify your brand, company or yourself within your blog is crucial to your brand positioning.

Depending on your blog’s topic, you may want to have a more personalised relationship with your audience and even provide the author’s name. On the other hand, to build brand reputation, you may want to use your company’s name instead.

For example, Renew Advice (a financial equity release company) refer to themselves as their full company name when publishing their blog posts. Due to their financial subject matter and the overall formal nature of their business, this is a great method to increase brand recognition.

On the other hand, some companies opt for the collective ‘We’ or ‘Our’. This more humanistic approach is beneficial to establish a more emotional connection with their audience.

In the current climate, users appreciate companies that appear more human and more relatable.

Additionally, by using collective pronouns you are representing every employee as an integral component of your company which again, presents your company as more human.

Putting it all together

Similar to your audience, your tone of voice will grow and adapt with your blog over time.

It is important that you are consistently making sure your content and the way you communicate remains relevant.

Finding your own unique blogging voice can be an ideal method to connect with your audience and improve conversion rates for the better.

The post How to find your blog’s tone of voice appeared first on Write Upon Demand.

However, most freelance writers falter at this and that’s why we’re here — to make sure you’ve got a better chance to succeed.

With that said, in order to present the best bid proposal, you should try to follow the effective points below.

Steps to writing winning bid proposals

1. Read job descriptions thoroughly

If you want to be successful in anything, you have to read with attention.

HR personnel often say that most of the job applications they get, don’t talk about the actual job that was advertised.

This phenomenon happens with freelancers too. You get so excited that you shoot off a message, without having actually read the job description first!

With that said, you should always read and reread the job description, taking the time to understand what the client actually wants from you.

Just because the job description says, “Content writers needed“, the job could actually be about writers who can write about the tech space — potentially, something that’s totally out of your niche.

Another important reason to read job descriptions thoroughly (especially when finding work through UpWork or Fiverr) is because clients often write strange catchphrases, which they expect you to mention in your bid proposal, in order to validate you’ve actually read it.

Sometimes you feel weird writing “I-READ-THIS” on the top of the cover letter. However, this tiny gesture lets them know that you’ve understood their instructions and will do the job as they originally requested.

2. Read the client

Another thing you need to do before writing a bid proposal is to read the client.

The job description is a great place to see how the client feels about the project.

If for example, the client has taken the time to write a long job description, this would signify that they know exactly what they want from you and you should be willing to do that, else, you could face problems later on, if you did end up getting the job.

3. Check for reviews

Freelance job sites often have fantastic features available for their freelancers to use. One of those being the ability to both see and leave reviews for clients.

Meaning, you (as a freelancer) can check the reviews (left by other freelancers) of your potential clients, before you even start to work for them.

By reading these reviews, you’re able to get more insight into how the client was with past jobs. Specifically, their behaviours with past freelancers, how flexible they were about deadlines or even payment issues that may have occurred in the past.

All of this will not only help you be more vigilant in your approach but also show that you could potentially cover things other freelancers couldn’t.

4. Do your research

Clients often include links to their business website or blog in their job description.

Most freelancers, however, don’t take the opportunity to do any further research. They never visit these links in order to read some of the past articles on their blog.

Unfortunately, ‘a missed opportunity’ is what I would say to these naive freelancers. As the client clearly expects you to take full advantage of the resources they have sent over. They want you to know them, their business and their voice used throughout their blog posts.

These types of clients often want a writer that knows how to do research and write accordingly. Meaning, doing this very basic research is going to really favour you when you come to write your proposal.

5. Have confidence in your talent

This one is tough for freelancers, especially for the newer ones.

Being a freelancer, you don’t have someone who always praises you or gives you a ‘pat on the back’, for a job well done — you have to really be your own cheerleader.

Confidence in your talent is an absolute necessity. As once you master this art, you can really convince anyone that you are the right person for the job.

Therefore, when writing a bid proposal, confidence is something that really needs to be shown when reaching out to clients.

It’s unlikely for a client to trust you if you start by saying, “I’m new to writing but I wrote something about this recently, so I think I might be able to help you“.

Whilst it’s honest, you’re better off saying, “Whilst my online portfolio is slim, I have past experience in your niche, which is a real bonus for both of us! Perhaps, I can send you a sample of my past-work“.

…It’s still honest and it allows you to send that sample you wrote recently (even if it was just the one).

6. Jot down all relevant skills

Now that you are confident in your talent, write down all your skills.

However, before you do that, streamline what skills you are going to write down, whilst remembering to stay relevant to the job description.

Once you’ve got a few ideas, start dropping them into sentences.

For example, for a content writing job, with experience in the stock market, you could write: “I have an analytical mind that can understand statistics, which is also capable of doing complex calculations in order provide well-written and useful content for your readers“.

It looks so natural and doesn’t come across that you’re listing them without any relevance.

7. Write a draft bid proposal

You might be a genius at writing articles, however, for winning bid proposals, get used to writing drafts.

With that said, there’s no shame in saying you needed to write more than one cover letter, as a draft will help you get your thoughts in check.

Some writers I know (including myself) even do a checklist for this, by trying to cover the following:

1. The important points from the job description.
2. Which relevant skills to mention.
3. Answers to any questions the client has asked for.

By doing so, it allows you to chronologically tie all of these into a winning bid proposal, by making sure you haven’t left anything out.

8. Compliment the client’s tone

By using the client’s job description as their tone, you should check to see if the writing is professional, as you’d then also need to stay professional too.

However, if somewhere in the job description, you find frustration, humour or other informal phrases, then your bid should try to match their tone too.

9. Address the client accordingly

I know I said just above to compliment the client’s tone, however, that in no way means you should start your bid with “Hey dude, how’s it going“.

You should try to avoid using any cuss words or addressing the client in any derogatory manner.

With that said, you also don’t want to be too overboard with the politeness. You simply need to choose a middle ground between informal and professional.

10. Write the winning bid

Now that you’re ready to write. Start with a hook, something that will make the client want to read more.

Remember as a freelancer, you’re most likely amongst hundreds of other candidates all trying for the same job on Upwork, Fiverr or Freelancer, for example.

Sadly, similar to other employers, online freelancers also only have a couple of seconds to leave a good first impression.

Therefore, you should write in short sentences and remember all the things you want to say. Some people may even find it easier to create bullet points too.

Caption: Changing the writing language settings in Grammarly’s Chrome extension.

11. Check the spelling and grammar

As a writer, Grammarly is probably your best friend.

Meaning, it’s the perfect time to use it and erase any grammar or spelling mistakes you’ve made. As it’ll be an extreme turn-off, should your client spot anything out of place.

If your client’s job requires spelling written in UK or US English, try to write your proposal in this — it would definitely impress them (Grammarly even has this function built-in).

Once you’re done writing, don’t immediately send it off to the client. You should reread what you have written, as this is the last chance you get before you send in your bid — it has to be nothing but perfect.

12. Upload relevant documents

Most freelance websites, such as UpWork, allow you to upload files when submitting your bid proposal.

You should always try to attach samples of your past writing, along with links to your online portfolio and other online publications that you’ve previously written for.

Another good idea is to upload relevant testimonials from your past-clients, as this helps to show your work ethics and prowess as a writer.

13. Follow up your prospects

Once you’ve landed an interview, you need to have an equally good follow up.

Unlike real-world job interviews, you can actually cheat here by preparing yourself beforehand. As you could potentially write down the answers to questions, which you may be asked about, prior to actually starting the interview.

This can especially help you in situations where your mind just goes completely blank!

So, there you have it, all the steps for writing winning bid proposals, in order to land yourself those great freelance gigs.

Once you’ve started to follow these steps a few times, you’ll realise that it essentially becomes a repeatable process, allowing you to tailor your approach better and faster each time.

The post How to write an effective bid proposal appeared first on Write Upon Demand.

Understanding intent to write effective posts

In the context of writing, effective content primarily means writing content that has a purpose. Therefore, in order to write effectively, we’ve compiled a list of important points that you should consider.

1. What’s your post’s intent?

To understand your post’s intent, you need to ask yourself a simple question:

“What do I need this blog post to accomplish?“

Asking yourself this simple question can help to provide different styles of intent, which can ultimately offer different values for your business/website.

Here’s a list of common intents:

• Increase conversions (for example, product purchases or newsletter signups).
• Provide information to customers (for example, a new service you’re offering).
• Inspire others by amplifying a topic (for example, producing content which encourages others to link to your post, for better domain authority).
• Help rank better in search engines for a specific set of keywords (often applies alongside other intents).

Once you’ve got this, you can then better understand which steps you need to take, in order to fulfil that specific intent.

For example, if you’re trying to increase newsletter signups through a blog post, you’ll most likely want to include the signup form somewhere on that post’s page.

2. What’s your user’s intent?

Understanding your user’s intent is not only going to help keep your post’s bounce rate low but also help maintain your post’s purpose too.

You don’t want to be creating content about “reasons to buy a new car” when your visitors are searching for “reasons to not buy a new car“. Even though it’s the same topic, they both have two very different intents; one is for and the other against.

Refine user intent through Google’s related search function

As an example, let’s take the topic of “reasons to buy a new car” further, in order to refine the user’s intent through Google Search.

Simply type the query into Google Search and scroll to the bottom. Here, you’ll find Google’s related search function (as shown in the image below).

Caption: Showing the related searches function in Google for the query reasons to buy a new car.

In our example (for “reasons to buy a new car”):

• People are searching for a new vs used style of debate.
• People are searching for the disadvantages (specifically).
• People are searching for a pros and cons style of list.
• People are searching for the best times to buy a new car.
• People are searching for calculator/tool-based results.

Using the related search data above, you can instantly gather the intent of what people have been searching for, allowing you to create multiple effective pieces of content to provide to them.

To go even further, you should watch a Whiteboard Friday video provided by Moz on how Google gives us insight into searcher intent through the results. Specifically, the part where Rand mentions the intent to position ratio. As using this method can further help define your user’s intent.

By understanding the user’s intent, you will not only be able to better structure your post’s content effectively but also refine your keyword research in the process, which is extremely important if the intent is to rank better in search engines.

3. Create content to match both post’s and user’s intent

As you can see from the two points above, you need to create content that matches both the post’s and user’s intent, in order to write effectively.

This means that you should conduct your keyword research (to match your user’s intent) and apply these keywords accordingly throughout your post, whilst still maintaining your post’s purpose (to match your post’s intent).

Examples of effective content, matching both post’s and user’s intent

Example 1

Example 2

Further considerations for writing effective posts

The intent is important. However, when you’re writing your next blog post, you should know that there are also many other considerations to account for in order to write effectively.

These could range from a number of things such as;

• Breaking your content up into smaller paragraphs,
• Using headings and lists to make content easily scannable,
• Linking to external credible sources to reference your topic,
• Considering E-A-T in SEO.

With all that said; if you’ve understood both intents of the post and user and you’ve followed the list of further considerations above — you’ll be writing effective blog posts which work!

The post Writing effective blog posts appeared first on Write Upon Demand.

Doing so will ensure that the writing project is successful and that you aren’t suddenly faced with any unknown working conditions. Meaning, asking questions during your gig’s interview phase will help you to decide whether that the specific writing gig is the one for you.

Although every writer has several ways to tackle a writing project, it’s always good to know what the standards are. So, let’s look at the standard questions you should ask before accepting any writing gig.

A list of questions to ask your client

1. What is the gig’s budget?

The first question you should ask is regarding the budget of the potential gig. This allows you to judge whether the time and energy required to write your work of art will be satisfactorily compensated. You will also know if your client is willing to negotiate or is stringent.

Some clients even offer alternative plans besides a standard payment. Such as; future book royalties or bylines in a popular blog.

Therefore, knowing where you stand will allow you to make the right decision on whether it’s worth accepting the writing gig or not.

2. Where will you be writing?

Every writing gig is different. As you could either be writing for a blog, ebook, product or even an entire website for example.

Therefore, you ideally want to know which medium you’ll be writing for, from the get-go. As you’ll need this information to determine if you can even write for this particular medium in the first place.

With that said, even if you’re thinking that “writing is writing” and that you can “write anything, just to get the job done” — this isn’t always the case! As for example; some people may excel in writing blog posts, whilst others excel in writing interviews and memoirs, which actually involves having an entirely different journalistic approach to writing, in order to be successful with.

Meaning, as a writer; you should have a niche and you should try to find out if your niche aligns with your client’s content’s niche too, in order to be successful in writing for it.

3. What specific topic you will be writing for?

Now that you know where you will be writing, the next step is to learn what specific topic you will be writing for (not to be mistaken for by a niche).

As not knowing the specific topic could result in the client asking you to produce blog posts for basic uses of air conditioning, all the way to advanced uses of air conditioning in medical research for example. Therefore, knowing the writing topic beforehand can help you to prepare for the job much better.

Some clients may give you links to their business website or send a brief note on what they require from you. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to do some research before going into the gig’s interview. As reading up on these may help you to not only get the writing gig but also prepare you for when you start the job.

4. What are the deadlines?

The next thing you’ll need to know is what your client’s deadlines are. As you may not want to accept writing gigs for clients that expect 1,000-word articles written within 1-hour.

Therefore, asking for a deadline from the get-go provides you with a straight giveaway on how a client perceives the writing process in terms of research time, writing time and editing time, etc.

Having a set deadline can also help you out in other ways too. As you alone; can judge how fast or slow you could work and even help you decide if you can or cannot accomplish the writing gig successfully in order to favour it towards your client’s liking.

5. How much research is involved?

Different writing gigs require different research skills. Whilst some gigs may require you to write specifically for topics under your niche, others may require additional statistical information and more in-depth analysis to back these topics up too.

You should also make sure that you explain to your client how you go about doing your research. As depending on the gig, you might need to travel or do in-person interviews to gather this.

With all that said, you need to understand that this research takes time and how much time is given to you in order to do this is important to consider when pricing up your gigs.

6. Which country will your writing be published in?

Nowadays, you can get writing gigs from all over the world and knowing where your writing is going to be published is important from a spelling and grammatical point of view.

As you don’t want to start writing an entire ebook in US English and later discover that it’s being published in the UK — it would be a nightmare to sort through!

7. Who are your readers?

One of the most important questions to ask is who specifically will be reading this piece of content (not to be mistaken with which country they’re from).

Every piece of writing requires a voice; whether it’s personal, professional, conversational, emotional or diplomatic for example. Therefore, by getting to know the audience you’d be writing for can help you to understand if you have the flair to write in the specific tone of voice needed to get through to these readers.

Again, your research on the client’s website will help you gain useful insights for this. You could even pitch ideas in the gig’s interview, based on what you have read so far. As bringing more than just the basics to an interview will definitely help gain some points in your favour.

8. Which additional skills do you need?

Writing online isn’t just about writing. Often times, your client may need you to create an infographic or understand some basic HTML coding in order to format a blog post correctly for example.

Understanding which additional skills a client may require at the beginning of your gig can certainly help you in the long run. As you won’t run into an unpredictable gig and you could even suggest learning the specific skills throughout the process if you’re unfamiliar with them.

9. Do you need to sign an NDA?

Something you may face as a writer is having to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) before starting to work on a gig.

Business-based clients often present this as a standard for most gigs and to be safe; you should read these thoroughly and become aware of all the enclosed legal clauses before signing.

You could even use free tools such as DocuSign in order to sign documents online (without having to print them off). As, if you don’t have access to a printer or are just pushed for time, clients are normally happy to send their NDAs through these tools if necessary.

10. How will you communicate?

When you’re working in a company’s office, then communication isn’t that big of an issue. However, if you’re working remotely, it can potentially be the complete opposite.

There are some remote clients which take a laid-back approach, allowing you to work with minimum supervision and others which require constant emails or calls to provide updates on your current tasks.

Meaning, knowing how you’ll be communicating is important to understand, as you may need to invest in a phone, Skype credit, app memberships or various other communication tools which may have costs involved, if they’re not already supplied to you by the client.

11. Are there any set work hours?

Working times are not often considered when discussing remote writing gigs. However, time differences do play an important role. As some clients expect you to check into their internal system between fixed times so that everyone on the team is working at the same time in order to increase efficiency.

Even if there’s no such check-in system, you still should ask what your client’s preferred working hours are. As it might be that they can only review your writing within their specific working hours, making deadlines much stricter for you.

12. Do you get days off?

When the writing gig is in-house, you may get all the benefits that other employees enjoy. Things like maternity leave, paid vacation, sick days, etc. However, what if the writing gig is temporary or you are working remotely?

Remote workers sometimes do benefit from the same rights as other full-time company employees, however, freelancers don’t usually get these. In such cases, you need to make sure you understand what your benefits are, in order to avoid any misunderstandings.

13. Do you need to buy anything to produce content?

Writing gigs which involve writing product descriptions or reviews may require you to purchase a product in order to help you produce the content.

In any case, before you buy a product, you should always confirm with your client; the total cost of the item, the shipping cost and if they’re okay to reimburse these both after you have produced your content.

Remember it is always better to be prepared than to regret your decision of accepting a gig later. So what questions are you going to ask for your next writing gig?

The post Questions to ask before accepting writing gigs appeared first on Write Upon Demand.

We found that the best place to hire freelance writers for blog content specifically was through UpWork. Meaning, we’ll be focusing on certain filters you could apply on UpWork specifically, in order to help find the right content writer for your blog.

However, please note that these methods could also be carried across to different freelancing websites too. As most of them are general tips you could consider, regardless of the freelancing website you’re using to hire from.

Get to know your writer before hiring

Getting to know your writer is important, as you need to know if they’re the best all-around fit for your project and business.

Now, this doesn’t mean you should stalk them but you should at least ask them some generic interview questions, which could be aimed towards freelance writers.

These freelance writing interview questions could include:

• Do you have a portfolio of past work?
• Do you have a personal blog website?
• What are you most experienced in writing about, what’s your niche?
• What makes you qualified to write my blog’s niche? – Consider E-A-T in SEO.
• What’s your experience with SEO?
• Do you have a day job, if so, would this impact any deadlines?

From the above, you can very easily gather information about the freelancer, from just their answers alone. However, for a much broader approach (without even contacting the writer), you can easily gather some information from their freelancer profile by using the methods below.

1. Check if they’re experienced

Caption: Applying the earned amount filter on UpWork.

On UpWork, it actually shows you how much a freelancer has successfully earned, whilst being a freelancer on their website. There’s even a certain filter that you could apply to check this.

By applying this filter, you’ll automatically see that people who have earned higher numbers (>$10k) are shown as more experienced and those that have not yet earned their first dollar; are less experienced or have only just started using UpWork.

Using this filter is an obvious indication of the freelancer’s success. Meaning, if you’re going to start looking for good writers, you’ve got the proof to check if they’re experienced first.

However, it’s important to note that on UpWork, freelancers can offer multiple services. Meaning, it’s important to check their work history (you can check this in UpWork) and validate if they’ve generated their income from only writing projects and not through another service that they may have offered.

2. Check their portfolio

Caption: An UpWork freelancer’s portfolio.

UpWork allows freelancers to upload their writing portfolio to their profile. Therefore, if a freelancer has added theirs, be sure to check it out.

In particular, you’re looking to examine their writing style using the points below (even if the portfolio piece has nothing to do with your blog’s niche):

• Do they write in small paragraphs? – As blog content should be easily scannable.
• Do they spell correctly? – Copy and paste the written work into Grammarly and try to find any obvious errors.
• Do they come across too aggressive? – You’re most likely wanting to avoid this.
• Is everything backed up? – Consider SEO, as reliable content will help you rank better.

In the event that a profile has no portfolio to show, don’t worry! You could even proof their bio and examine some of the obvious points here too.

3. Check their work history

Caption: Reading an UpWork freelancer’s work history.

As mentioned earlier, you’re able to check a freelancer’s work history directly inside UpWork.

This is extremely useful, as you’re able to determine a couple of things:

1. What niche they’ve previously written for.
2. How much to pay them per article.

Using the example UpWork freelancer’s bio above, you are able to quickly see that this freelancer has previously written articles for an art niche, at the rate of $10 per 800–1,200 words, which most likely depended on the number of articles required.

Using this method, you’re able to instantly check:

1. If they’ve previously written for your niche (as it may save you costs if the freelancer charges for research time),
2. The starting rate at which you could try to negotiate each article from.
3. If a freelancer is open to lower their rates, on the basis you buy more articles from them.

Please note, not all freelancer’s work history on UpWork may look like this. It’s really down to the buyer’s request and what they write down once the job is complete.

4. Check if they have a large social following

This one is optional, however, still worth mentioning. As it helps to put the marketing back into content marketing by getting your own freelancers to market content for you.

It works by asking a freelancer for their website. Once you have this, make sure look for any social media links in hopes that they have a massive social media following.

You could even check for this by searching their name on Google, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Pinterest.

If they do, great! All you then need to do is kindly ask if they could share an article (of which they originally had written) from your blog once it’s published — it’s that simple!

Once this happens, hopefully, you’ll see a flood of traffic coming directly to your blog!

Places to hire online writers

If you’re looking for places to hire writers, then please use the table below, which helps to provide a general indication of quality, popularity and costs.

By looking at the table above, you can gather that the price you pay, determines the quality of each article. Meaning, if you’re wanting to come across as an industry leader, then you may need to pay the premium.

However, do note that this is not always the case. As, through trial and error; you could still find an affordable freelance writer, who is just good, if not better.

The post How to hire writers for your blog appeared first on Write Upon Demand.

List of supplementary writing skills

1. Learn how to optimise content for SEO

Optimising your content for SEO (search engine optimisation) can be massively impressive for any employer. As most online writing projects are ultimately created for the sole purpose of ranking a website better in search results.

Since SEO is massive, you should only focus on your content as a writer. This would include; finding keywords, optimising content, meta and images. Here’s our how-to guide on becoming good at SEO copywriting.

2. Learn country-specific spelling and grammar

Correct spelling and grammar are key. Especially if you’re wanting to come across as a professional writer in the writing industry.

Meaning, if your client’s website is in the UK or US, you need to ensure you’re using the correct UK or US spelling and grammar accordingly.

Caption: Changing the writing language settings in Grammarly’s Chrome extension.

You’ll probably find that spelling isn’t the hard part, due to tools such as Grammarly making it so easy for you. However, the local grammar is what you need to be looking out for.

For example, below are two different variations of the same topic title:

• Correct UK example – “10 ways I learnt to optimise content”.
• Correct US example – “10 way I learned to optimize content”.

Notice, that the words learnt/learned (grammar) are harder to spot and that the words optimise/optimize (spelling) are fairly easy to spot (especially when using Grammarly).

3. Learn how to use Adobe packages

Caption: Using Adobe Photoshop to edit images for an article.

Learning to use design software, such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign can also help to complement your writing. As by using these, you’ll have the knowledge to both edit and produce image-based content for your articles.

This can be extremely useful if you’re trying to create a unique crop on an image, edit something in/out of an image or produce an infographic to use alongside your article.

There are hundreds of courses and tutorials out there, which can help in learning these individually. However, we would suggest you download a free trial from Adobe and start off by seeing what you can and can’t do.

A breakdown of specific usage:

• Adobe Photoshop is great for creating uniquely cropped images and editing things in/out of images.
• Adobe Illustrator is great for creating infographics and SVG files (vector based) for websites.
• Adobe InDesign is great for creating ebooks and reports.

4. Learn how to use Google Docs

Caption: Using Google Docs to add comments and suggest edits to colleagues.

If you’re using a freelancing website such as UpWork, this might not apply to you, as you don’t want to giveaway your content before ensuring payment.

However, if you’re on a long-term project or are working on articles with multiple people involved; such as your client, Google Docs is the tool for you.

With Google Docs, you’re able to see who’s done what, when and where. Meaning, you’re able to fully track changes, provide comments and even suggest edits to your colleagues — all within one document.

Google Docs even allows you to integrate tons of add-ons. On top of this, Grammarly’s Chrome extension works here too.

5. Learn how to use WordPress

Caption: Creating a new post in WordPress.

WordPress is by far the most popular CMS on the web, with over 60-million installations.

Meaning, if you’re a full-time content writer, it’s more than likely your company’s website is powered by WordPress, especially if it includes a blog. Therefore, if this is the case, it’s something you should definitely try to familiarise yourself.

Here’s a quick guide to check if a website is using WordPress.

As WordPress is open source, there’s a ton of free information available to learn from. Meaning, we wouldn’t recommend that you go pay for any courses unless you absolutely need to.

Caption: Opening the Help documentation tab inside the WordPress admin area.

To begin with, you should visit the official WordPress website for documentation and also look out for the Help documentation tab inside your WordPress website’s admin area.

To combine both WordPress and SEO copywriting together, there’s a great WordPress plugin we recommend called Yoast SEO. As it’ll help you to correctly implement keywords, meta and images in your articles accordingly.

6. Learn basic HTML

Learning basic HTML can not only be helpful to show that you’re technically resourceful but also show that you’re a competent online writer.

The reason we emphasise online is that there are certain tags that you should use to optimise your article’s content for both SEO and user accessibility.

In terms of supplementing your writing skills with basic HTML, learning the uses of both the <a> and <img> tags, in particular, can be useful.

Within these tags themselves, there are further attributes that you learn too:

• For the <a> tag; learn about the href, rel and target attributes.
• For the <img> tag; learn about the src and alt attributes.

They are fairly easy to understand if you consider yourself a bit tech-savvy and you can easily find helpful information on W3Schools too.

Once you’ve covered our list of complementary skills, there’s nothing stopping you from complimenting them into your next article.

The post Complementary skills for online writers appeared first on Write Upon Demand.

In this guide, we’re going to answer exactly that! As we’ve self-tested numerous approaches, we’ve compiled a list of introduction ideas which work for us, time after time.

You’ll see good and bad blog introduction examples, learn different approaches to introductions and also learn basic SEO tactics to impress your boss in the process.

So let’s get started!

Approaches to writing good blog introductions

There are numerous approaches that we could cover, however, our most successful introduction ideas are listed below.

With that said, please note, that there’s no priority on which we prefer, as we actually try to aim and cover all of them in every blog post appropriately.

1. Include a question and answer

When to include

• Posts which are guide/tutorial related.
• Posts which are tips & tricks related.
• Posts which are who/what/when/where related.

The question

So, there’s a little SEO trick that goes into this one. It’s all to do with the searcher’s intent, which is not only important for SEO but also your reader too.

For example, let’s say your blog post is providing helpful information about a topic (for example, a how-to guide), it’s most likely Googled’ as a question — right?

Including a question into your post’s introduction (most importantly the meta description), will help to show the question in search results too. Instantly matching the reader’s search (and intent) in bold!

This is extremely encouraging for the reader to click on, therefore, increasing your post’s click-through rate in the process.

Note, there’s no need to be robotically spammy either. For a how-to guide related post, you could simply change the word “how” into “looking” or “trying” and you’ve covered the point of view aspect of the reader’s question (you asking them, whilst they ask you).

Caption: An example of a search result in Google using, a question to match for the reader’s search.

The answer

Once they’ve clicked your result and read the opening line, you need to briefly cover what you’re going to do, using “the answer”.

There’s no need to provide an in-depth answer however, you certainly shouldn’t bullet point these into a table of contents either (unless it’s necessary).

You just simply need to describe what you’re going to do and how you’re going to do it.

2. Make your introduction personal

When to include

• Posts which are results related.
• Posts which are difficult guides/tutorials related.
• Posts which are really trying to sell something.

By making your post’s introduction personal, you’re essentially telling the reader that you’ve done all the hard work (as the author). By them reading this post, you’ll tell them only the things that they need to know to serve their search’s intent.

This not only helps to encourage the reader to believe you have the right answers but can also help to validate your right to post the topic if you’re backing it up too — which is great for increasing E-A-T in SEO.

A good example of a personal blog introduction:
I’ve researched many methods in the past. However, as a result of publishing my book in 2018, I’ve discovered the tricks to my success and I’m going to share these with you too.

• “researched many methods” – possibly insert a link to said past-methods, proving that they’ve actually done the hard work.
• “publishing my book in 2018” – building validity that they know what they’re talking about, as they’re a published author.
• “I’m going to share these with you” – being personal by including the words “I’m” and “you“, whilst getting right to the point too (keeping the introduction short).

3. Remove unnecessary words

When to include:

• Always.

You should never fluff introductions with words that you don’t need. You’re trying to be short & snappy to hit all the key points of your blog’s post.

A bad example from a paragraph of this post’s introduction:

You’ll see both good and bad blog introduction examples, learn about different approaches to introductions and also learn some basic SEO tactics to impress your boss in the process.

As you can see, by removing the three words, the paragraph still makes perfect sense when reading. As a bonus, when we removed these words, it improved our readability score by just over 1 point.

Bringing it all together to create a perfect introduction

Caption: Example of a good blog introduction.

Take this post’s introduction as an example:

• Paragraph 1 – mentions the question.
• Paragraph 2 – mentions personal validation.
• Paragraph 3 – mentions the answer.

There’s no rule to say that you can’t mix and match introduction approaches. Meaning, if they all can relate and read well together — write it!

Now that you’ve got an idea of what it takes to write good blog post introductions, be sure to put it into practice for your next blog post.

The post Tips on writing blog post introductions appeared first on Write Upon Demand.

E-A-T stands for expertise, authoritativeness and trustworthiness. It’s something Google mentions in its search quality guidelines. Meaning, it’s to be considered as an SEO ranking factor.

This got us thinking on ways we could improve E-A-T through our blog’s content. Which ultimately helped us boost our SEO results massively.

Improving E-A-T in blog posts

Originally, we began by trying to find ways on how to improve E-A-T separately. However, we soon came to realise that these three things actually work hand-in-hand.

Meaning, if we covered one, it overlapped with another. Making it impossible to document what improved which E-A-T factor for SEO.

Reference external resources

A method we researched that had said to improve E-A-T was referencing external resources, such as websites and publications for example.

It makes sense too, as it could help to show that a writer has done their research and also suggest that others are collaborating by documenting on the exact same topic too. Which would imply that it’s the “correct answer”, so to speak?

Borrow experts to validate content

Writing an article and backing it up with references is one thing. However, a bigger thing would be to consult an expert and ask them for their opinion.

Boilerplate method of consulting an expert

1. Write your article and publish it.
2. Find points in your article that you feel could be backed up by an expert.
3. Find an expert in this field (try to look for authors, as they just love to write).
4. Reach out to them through email, LinkedIn or Twitter and ask if they could help confirm your article’s points.
5. If and when they confirm, get their permission to write “X-point was backed up by X-expert” in your article.

It’s really that simple; you’re essentially borrowing an expert, who is an authoritative figure which is helping back your article to increase its trustworthiness for the reader.

…see how it all works together?

Be vocal about the author

Caption: Rahul’s author card.

You should introduce author cards to the end of each article. If someone who’s blogging on your website is already an expert on the topic they’re covering — use this!

Let people know by adding their name, profile image, bio and even LinkedIn URL.

This should help:

1. Expertise, as you could mention their experience in their bio, which could even be covered on their LinkedIn page to back this up.
2. Possibly authoritativeness, as they might already be an authoritative figure in their industry.
3. Trustworthiness, as it puts a face to the article.

…again, E-A-T seems to always work together.

Understand that links may play a role

Links towards a specific article or website may play a role to measure authoritativeness.

This does not mean that you should participate in any link schemes whatsoever, as Google will penalise you for this.

However, what we suggest is that you allow links to build organically, as they’re much more natural, relevant and most importantly trustworthy, whilst allowing you to stay in Google’s good books.

How is YMYL writing more difficult?

YMYL is a term coined by Google, which is mentioned in their official search quality guidelines. It stands for “Your Money or Your Life” (…no, we’re not referring to Ice Cube’s song).

Website content which falls under YMYL is considered more of a risk to rank. This is because, if for any reason their content isn’t accurate, it could potentially have an impact on someone’s money or their life.

Here’s a list of website topics that fall under YMYL:

• Medical information topics.
• Financial information topics.
• Legal information topics.
• Shopping and transactional topics.
• Government, political or lawful information topics.
• Any other topics that could impact a person’s health and wellbeing.

For the full in-depth list, please refer to Google’s official search quality guidelines.

So, if your content happens to fall under the above YMYL list of topics, just be sure you’re producing the highest quality of content and following the best E-A-T practices.

Other E-A-T considerations to rank better

E-A-T may not just page related. It may also take into account the rest of your website too. Meaning, having a good E-A-T score sitewide is important to consider.

The design of your website

Source: wpvip.com

If you’ve got any important partnerships, incorporate them into your website’s design. We’ve even heard others say that this can help impact SEO results, which was because of E-A-T.

The security of your website

Improving the security of your website is crucial. Google actually favours websites which have an SSL certificate. Meaning, other security measures may possibly also be taken into account.

Create the basic pages

Google’s search quality guidelines mention that including; contact, about and customer service information pages can help indicate the quality of a website. Meaning, you should defiantly try to include these when possible.

If you think about it, they’re right, It provides the reader with clear ways to understand;

• what a website is about (about page),
• how to contact the website’s admin (contact page),
• finally, an overview of customer service information (possibly referring to privacy policies and business terms for example).

In summary, if you’ve followed the general rules we’ve covered, you’re going to be producing high-quality content which should rank well.

If you’re like me, you’ll go read all 164-pages of Google’s search quality guidelines thoroughly, as well as Google’s search guides too. As these would provide you with the most reliable information to rank well in Google.

The post Increasing content E-A-T value in Google appeared first on Write Upon Demand.

Methods to generate new content ideas

1. Look at your competitor’s content ideas

In order to copy ideas, simply go to a competitor’s website, locate their blog and study their topic ideas — there’s nothing more to it (initially).

You could even Google “top {your-niche} blogs”, visit their websites and do the exact same there too.

For best SEO value

Firstly, never copy and paste content from websites. It’ll harm your website’s SEO value and possibly even get you into some legal issues — period.

Secondly, there’s little SEO value to come from copying your competitor’s topics. Either because you’re not adding any further value into Google (compared to the original competitor’s content) or perhaps nobody is searching for it altogether, which is an even bigger issue, in terms of SEO.

The best way to favour SEO for replicated competitor content is to check if people are searching for it first and only then, rewrite it better. Ultimately, you’re aiming to add more value to the reader and Google too.

2. Browse through blog comments

Whether it’s your own website or a competitor’s, simply go to an article, locate the comments and try to find questions.

If someone’s questioning something (i.e. “How do I {topic}?”, “Would I need to {topic}?”, etc.), there are people most likely searching for a similar question too.

Do your research; look at the search volume and page-1’s results too. If it’s a clear monopoly — write it! Heck, even reply to the comment with your newly written article too!

3. Browse through community posts

By far one of our favourite techniques (similar to browsing through blog comments), which involves browsing groups on Facebook, Reddit or another niche-based Q&A style of site.

Our three-step process:

1. Find someone asking a question, as they’ve most likely already Googled’ it but can’t find any relevant result.
2. This would provide you with the perfect opportunity to write a whole article around it, with minimal chances of competition around the topic (however, check first).
3. Provide your link along with some key points when you answer their question.

From using this process; you’ve most likely found a non-competitive topic, you’ve written an article to answer their question and even received a relevant link from it — it’s perfect!

4. Use tools to generate new ideas

Depending on your skill level, there are numerous idea generation tools that you could use as a writer.

Ahrefs (advanced)

Source: ahrefs.com

Ahrefs’ Site Explorer allows you to literally type in your competitor’s URL to find their most popular content on Google.

These results can be filtered by ranking positions and keyword search volumes to help give you an idea on which content and what keywords you should use for rewriting a competitor’s content. Essentially, the aim would be to write a better article to outrank their result.

Another useful tool within Ahrefs is their Content Explorer. It allows you to search for phrases, providing you with estimates on Google search traffic and social media shares an article may have.

Buzzsumo (intermediate)

Source: buzzsumo.com

Buzzsumo is a similar tool to Ahrefs’ Content Explorer when it comes to researching social shares. It also includes a free (limited) search tool which is useful if you only want to search on an ad hoc basis.

Answer The Public (novice)

Source: answerthepublic.com

Answer The Public categorises your keywords into searchable terms which can help provide you with content titles.

For writers, useful categories would include; questions, prepositions, comparisons and related results. All of which can be used to generate different styles of content.

Planning new content ideas

Once you’ve got the processes to find new content ideas, you then need to plan when and how you’re going to write them.

When to write

We tend to write each article on an SEO priority basis. Meaning, if we think that a specific article will help bring lots of traffic from organic search results, we’ll prioritise it.

How to write

We always write with keywords in mind for SEO. We conduct our content generation research, we list our ideas and we also list our SEO keywords — we preach what we teach and vice versa!

Planning spreadsheet

Internally, we use a spreadsheet which both tracks and outlines our content planning schedule.

As a freebie, please email Rahul to get your free copy of our boilerplate planning schedule for your content generation process.

The post Ways to generate new content ideas appeared first on Write Upon Demand.

SEO copywriting checklist

Keyword research

Source: ads.google.com

First and foremost, do your keyword research. There’s no point in writing good search optimised content if no one is searching for it.

You’re going to want to get on Google’s Keyword Planner (a part of the Google Ads platform). It’ll give you insights for how many monthly searches a term has in Google, for any specific keyword or phrase you’re wanting to write copy for.

You should aim for phrases with around 200–800 searches per month if your website has little authority on Google.

Finally, once you have your keywords ready, do some searches in Google and see who comes top (ranking-1, 2 or 3 on page-1).

Bad keywords

If it’s anyone who’s a leader in the industry, it’ll be hard to rank for, therefore, don’t write for these keywords as it’s too competitive.

If it’s anyone who’s got a long thorough and well-written article, don’t write for this, it’s again too competitive.

Good keywords

If you find nothing, go for it — you’ve got the monopoly.

If you find something, but it’s not related to the intent of your search, go for it, as searcher’s intent is something Google seems to consider too.

Keyword placements

Keyword research is only part one, you then have to implement these into your content accordingly. The tricky part is doing this without sounding too spammy and unnatural.

Heading tags

If you’ve used WordPress in the past, you’ll understand what H-tags are and most likely, how to use them too. They’re essentially heading tags, with a hierarchy; H1 being the main, H2 being the sub and so on until you reach H6.

Heading tag rules for SEO

• You should only have a maximum of one H1 tag and five H2 tags on your page.
• H3–6 tags can then be used throughout your content more freely.
• Your H1 tag should include your main primary keyword, for example, “How to X”.
• Your H2 tags should contain your related keywords (LSIs).
• You should break your content into headings (not necessarily for SEO, but more for readability).

First paragraph

This one’s simple, just try to include your main keyword inside the first opening paragraph of your content. This should cover you if you haven’t been able to set a meta-description.

Title tag

Include your main keyword inside the page’s <title> HTML tag. You can try to implement this the same way you’ve created your H1 optimised tag.

Meta description tag

Your meta description tag should really be the first (optimised) paragraph of your content. However, keep in mind the character limit Google has in place for this.

In the meta description tag, your keywords don’t really have to be in any exact order. You could include natural stop-words into this if necessary (if, in, the, for, etc.).

Image alt text

Caption: Inserting alt text through the WordPress media system.

Setting alt text is easy if you’re using a content management system such as WordPress. It’s basically an area for you to describe your image, which is used for accessibility reasons. Similar to a caption, however, only visible to special screen-readers and search robots.

Even though humans can’t view it without using a screen-reader, it’s still an opportunity for you to insert keywords into. As this alt text is often used as the caption for Google’s Image results — ranking you for image search results.

Keywords in your content

Using keywords strategically throughout your content helps too. You again just need to make sure you’re not sounding spammy and unnatural.

You should also consider using related keywords as mentioned above, as they can help you rank for other related terms for the same searcher’s intent.

Tools to create optimised content

Use WordPress

As we’ve mentioned throughout this article, WordPress can help you set your headings, alt text and other advanced search engine optimisations too.

Use the SEO plugins in WordPress

Caption: Using the Yoast SEO WordPress plugin.

There are numerous plugins that can help with SEO in WordPress. These would include; overall site-speed optimisation tools (caches) and dedicated article writing tools too (such as Yoast SEO).

Use Grammarly

Caption: An example of using Grammarly in WordPress.

Consider correct spelling and grammar tools such as Grammarly when writing content for SEO.

Google is obviously smart enough to detect spelling mistakes. Meaning, if your content isn’t to standards — you may not be the authoritative page-1 result which Google is looking for.

The post How to become good at SEO copywriting appeared first on Write Upon Demand.