Content Quality and Structure: The Dynamic Duo for SEO Success

The world is noisy. The internet? Even more so. If you want to grab attention, you need to up your SEO game.

Let’s talk about 5 things you can do to improve your position on Google’s search engine results page (and maybe even end up in an AI Overview or two…).

Why SEO Matters

Before we get into what you can do to boost your SEO, let’s take a minute to discuss why it matters in the first place. 

Did you know that 57.8% of the world’s organic web traffic comes from Google? SEO has become somewhat of a buzzword, but it’s actually what helps drive that organic traffic your business needs to be successful. 

I’ve already introduced you to some on-page SEO techniques to use. Now let’s talk about five more:

• Creating long-form content

• Including internal links

• Adding external links to boost authority

• Structure content with Featured Snippets in mind

• Use bullet points or numbered lists

Create Comprehensive, Long-Form Content

The general public might not like to read (Did you know that almost half of American adults didn’t read a single book last year? 😭), but Google sure does. Lengthy blogs and copy provide search engines with sufficient information to index your website pages, which helps establish your authority in your niche. 

Long-form content not only dives deep into a subject but also allows you the flexibility to cover various angles, making it richer and more comprehensive. Think of it as your chance to demonstrate your expertise instead of just shrugging at a couple of superficial paragraphs. The beauty of long-form content is that it keeps readers engaged longer, which indirectly boosts SEO metrics like dwell time and reduces bounce rates.

Long-form content also increases the chances of earning backlinks and social shares, which are crucial for climbing those SERPs. Remember, the more valuable your content is, the more likely other sites will want to link to it. More links = more visibility. 

When writing blogs, always aim for at least 1,000 words. More content means more opportunities for keyword optimization and ranking higher in search results.

Include Internal Links To Your Important Pages

Let's be real, creating brilliant content is just part of the puzzle. Once you get people to your website, you have to direct them through it easily. This is where internal linking comes into play. By strategically placing internal links throughout your articles, you're guiding both users and search engines through your site. These links can lead readers to important pages, related topics, or valuable resources that might just hold the information they desperately want.

The key here is relevance. Don't just throw in links for the sake of it. Make sure they genuinely add value to your content and guide your reader on a well-structured journey.

When search engines crawl your site, they use internal links to understand the hierarchy and context of your pages. Appropriate linking can improve the ranking of the linked pages, too. So, get your linking game on point, and watch as your content helps elevate every important aspect of your website.

Add External Links To Authoritative Sources

While internal links help you navigate your own site, external links open the door to other reputable sources. Linking to authoritative websites is like giving your content a shiny badge of credibility. This signals to search engines that you’ve done your homework and you’re plugged into the larger conversation in your industry.

Including credible external sources strengthens your content by providing readers with additional resources to deepen their understanding. It's also a friendly nod to the powerful players in your field, building a sense of community and credibility. Just remember: quality over quantity is the name of the game. A few high-quality links to reputable sites are always better than a long list of links to random, unchecked sources.

However, don’t be stingy with the love! A well-placed external link can enrich your content and help readers verify your claims, leading to a more trustworthy experience. Plus, some site owners may notice your backlinks and be inspired to return the favor, creating even more exposure for you. So go ahead and sprinkle those links judiciously. Your SEO will thank you.

Structure Content With Featured Snippets In Mind

Are you aiming for the coveted featured snippet spot on Google? You'll need a solid strategy for structuring your content. Featured snippets are the eye-catching boxes that appear at the top of search results, providing users with quick answers to their queries. To grab one, you’ll want to format your content with clear, engaging headers (think H2 or H3) that directly address common questions in your niche.

But don't stop there! After posing a question in your header, make sure to provide a succinct answer right away, ideally between 40 to 60 words. This approach gives Google the precise information it craves to showcase you as an authoritative voice on the topic.

Also, consider using lists or tables as part of your featured snippets strategy. Google often favors these formats since they clearly present information in an easily digestible way. So, craft your headers and answers carefully. It could make the difference between showing up on page one or being buried somewhere in the depths of the internet.

Use Bullet Points And Lists

Want to ensure that your content is both engaging and digestible? Get those bullet points and lists ready! Using bullet points or numbered lists:

• Breaks up lengthy paragraphs and makes the content scannable

• Helps your readers skim for important information

• Shows search engine well-organized content

• Emphasizes key points

• Makes complicated processes easier to grasp

• Enhances the layout of your content

• Gives your readers a break from walls of text

So sprinkle those lists and bullets throughout your articles. Not only will your readers thank you, but your SEO metrics may also see an uptick.

Key Takeaways:

• Focus on creating long-form content that answers your audience’s questions.

• Use internal links to guide users through your site.

• Include authoritative external links to boost your credibility.

• Structure your content with featured snippets in mind for a chance at prime SERP real estate.

• Incorporate bullet points and lists for easy scannability.

Ready to take your SEO efforts to the next level? Don't miss out on the chance to download the Ultimate SEO Checklist, filled with 20 actionable strategies you can implement right now! It's jargon-free and designed for everyone, even if you're not a tech whiz.

Need some more personal, hands-on help? Schedule an SEO Audit with me today!