Anyone tackling SEO copywriting faces the same hurdle as most writers do – getting started. In her article, “Creating A Search Engine Copywriting Plan,” Karon Thackston with Marketing Words Inc. offers some guidelines on how to do just that to maximize SEO efforts. It’s all pretty common sense, but good to keep around as a checklist for reference.

1) Use Three Keyphrases Per Page – Not a carved-in-stone rule, the guideline of three keyphrases per page gives good variety and helps keep the copy from sounding too repetitive. I always choose keyphrases first – before I write – because they can have a direct impact on the focus of the page.

2) Have 250 or More Words of Copy – The length of your copy depends on several things: Your target customer’s preferred communication style, whether the product is new to the marketplace, if a detailed explanation needs to be given, site design and many other factors. However, the 250-word minimum gives enough room to get your message across and offer an effective level of keyword support. Remember though, it’s all about the customer. If your target customers prefer longer copy, write longer copy. If they like shorter copy, write shorter copy.

3) Write In Natural Language – “Natural language” is a term popular in SEO copywriting. It means that the reader should not be able to (or should barely be able to) detect what keyphrases the page is being optimized for. The copy should flow as if it were not written with the search engines in mind. You don’t want the copy to sound forced or stiff. When you generate ideas for the page copy, keep your keywords in mind. Ask yourself whether you can use them in the copy in such a way that they won’t be obtrusive.
Other tips include:

4) Use Keyword Phrases In Headlines and Sub-headlines
5) Use Keyword Phrases Once or Twice Per Paragraph
6) Use Keyword Phrases In Bold, Italic or Bulleted Lists
7) Do NOT Use Keyword Phrases As Substitutes For Generic Terms
8) Use Keyword Phrases As Anchor Text In Links
9) Test and Track

To see the article in its entirety, visit: http://www.isedb.com/db/articles/1161/

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