I am old enough to remember when blogs were more utilized as interesting teen-show plot devices meant to help propel the story of some beautiful, rich, daughter of a traveling artist or ghost hunter to write about her journeys in a daily internet diary. And while those shows slapped and I may have attempted my own a few times only Xanga (yes I'm that old) I must perfer the mature and productive purpose blogs have found in their middle age.
What mature and productive purpose am I speaking of? POWERFUL SEO, of course.
Blogs have an almost unrivaled hold on the SEO market in ways that almost seem too easy to be true. I know because I am often met with disbelief when suggesting a simple blog could help drastically improve search ranking and/or help maintain a steady stream of new leads for your business.
As with any power, though, there are limits and the limit here is time. SEO is a slow game and while blogs can be a bit faster than website pages (we'll get into that in a bit) they still need time to win over the algorithms. So if you're looking to grow your sales, leads or customers in May here's your guide.
But first, let's address the 🐘 in the room
Ever wondered how Google decides which websites get the VIP treatment on the first page of search results? It's the freshness.
The algorithms aren't as mean or mysterious as meme culture would have you believe. Not unlike each of us, they are just trying to keep their jobs. Their one job is to propagate relevant search results for the people using them lest they go the way of Ask Jeeves.
If you went to Google looking for a cookie recipe and they only gave you apartment search results in Ontario, you probably would find another way to search. And Google would lose their job. So they try to read all the internet content every single day, thousands of times a day, and decide what content is relevant and what content was yesterday's news.
If you're website hasn't been updated since you had it built 3 years ago or since you took down your last event page last fall then your site has been checked literally THOUSANDS of times with no change.
This is not fresh.
How Blogs Crack the SEO Code
So if you've been following along so far things you should be feeling a bit of clarity now.
Customers want a search engine that helps them buy or engage when they're ready.
To make these algorithms happy you have to have fresh website content.
In order to keep your website fresh you have to make regular updates.
Blogs are a GREAT way to do this for a few key reasons. First, there aren't always new updates that can be done on the core pages of the site, and making constant unnecessary changes there is only asking for trouble. (Take it from a web designer.) Second, blogs allow you to target additional keywords or phrases you haven't yet used on your core pages. And finally - and likely more importantly - people like blogs!
Tips to ensure your April blogs bring May Customers:
Alright so now you get it, in theory at least, but now let's talk tips for making sure all your hard work doesn't go to waste.
First- Know Your Readers:
Understand your audience's interests and problems.
Tailor your content to what they want and need.
Second - Craft Catchy Headlines
Craft headlines that grab attention.
Use exciting words and numbers to spark curiosity.
Add Value from the Get-Go
Provide instant value in your introduction.
Clearly show what readers will gain from your content.
Keep your Writing Google-Friendly
Use keywords naturally throughout your blog.
Optimize meta tags and alt text for better search engine visibility.
Let the Visuals do the Heavy Lifting
Use high-quality images, infographics, and videos.
Break up text to make your blog visually appealing.
NEVER forget your CTA (call to action)
Include clear calls-to-action (CTAs).
Prompt readers to subscribe, share, or explore more content.
And finally, Be Authentic and Build Trust:
Share personal experiences in your writing.
Engage with your audience on social media for a personal touch.
Still feeling a bit overwhelmed? Luckily enough this is far from the first time we've discussed the importance of blogging.
One Final Thought:
In the ever-changing moving target that is an online presence, blogs have come a long way from being personal diaries to becoming essential tools for SEO and business growth. For nerds like me, this transition is nothing short of beautiful.
Recognizing the key role blogs play in staying visible to potential customers is vital in the SEO game. Blogs offer a lively platform for sharing fresh, engaging content that grabs the attention of both your audience and those elusive search engine algorithms.
As you jump into the world of blogging, keep in mind that every word you write contributes to your website's search ranking and overall business success. Let blogging be more than a task – embrace it as a fundamental SEO strategy where your creativity takes the spotlight. With persistence and a commitment to delivering value, those April blogs of yours might just be the ticket to welcoming a wave of eager customers in May. Cheers to your blogging adventure! 🌟
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