Tips and tricks to optimize website pages with keyword integration.
When we say we are writing "optimized page content," what should come to mind? Keywords! In SEO lingo, "optimization" usually means keywords—which, when integrated correctly, improve online visibility.
With that in the back of our minds, let's jump right into how to write optimized page content.
Step 1: Identify the target keyword
Identify the target keyword for the page.
- If it is a service page, what is the name of the service?
- If is a landing page, what is the campaign name or title?
Step 2: Put keyword in page H1
The target keyword should always be in the page's H1. One H1 per page only—no more, no less!
- Google uses H1 to determine what pages are about. Putting the keyword in the H1 helps Google with this process.
- Having more than one H1 will confuse Google.
Step 3: Put keyword in the URL slug
The target keyword needs to be in the page's URL slug. Make sure separate words are separated with dashes, not underscores or spaces!
- Since Google reads URL dashes as "spaces," this will help it determine what the page is about.
For example: https://greenhouseuvu.com/services/seo-services/
- If this is not done correctly, Google will be really confused!
If you are using YOAST SEO, you can include this in the backend.
Step 4: Put keyword within first 100 words of content
You know how we are obsessed with making sure Google knows what our page is about? Making sure the keyword appears again within the first 100 words of content is important to this process.
- Remember, you can do this while making it sound organic! (Please do. Otherwise you may risk conversions).
- If you need help with this process, talk to the Content Writer!
Step 5: Use Marketmuse for keyword recommendations
We need to continue using the keyword throughout other page content. A general rule of thumb is that you should use the keyword (naturally!) about every 100 words. However, this depends on how long your content is. So, do yourself a favor and copy the content into Marketmuse. It will give you recommendations for keyword usage and save you lots of time and guesswork. (Training on Marketmuse here).
Remember the Goldilocks Principle:
- Using the keyword too much will come across as spammy. Google doesn't like that.
- Using the keyword too little will come across as insufficient. Google won't know what the article is about.
Step 6: Put keyword in page H2 and H3
You guessed it! More keyword integration! However, unlike H1, H2 and H3 don't all need to include the keyword, especially if it interrupts the flow of the content. That being said, including it wherever possible is a good idea!
*If there is an image* Step 7: Put keyword in image ALT
Image ALT descriptions are used so the visually impaired can determine what images are depicting. So while this description needs to fulfill that purpose, it is also helpful to include the keyword within it.
Remember:
- Make it natural but find a way to include it.
Step 8: Put keyword in SEO Title
The SEO title is the name of your page that will appear as the clickable link on search engine results pages. This is important for users and SEO, so be sure to include the keyword here!
If you are using YOAST SEO, on the backend setup for the page, there is a box called "SEO title." You can write the title here.
If you are not using YOAST SEO, look around! Every other SEO plugin should have a place to edit the page title.
Step 9: Put keyword in Meta description
Metadata is defined as "data about data." For websites, meta descriptions are the little website summaries/snippets users can see under search engine results. They provide data about the data on your page! These are important for both attracting new visitors as well as SEO. Make sure to always include your keyword in meta descriptions.
If you are using YOAST SEO, look for the box called "Meta description." You can write the meta description here.
If you are not using YOAST, look around! As with Step 8, every other SEO plugin should have a place to edit the meta description.
Step 10: Link to the page from the homepage
Google crawlers are like trains: they love to access wherever there is tracks. So if you want Google to be able to index the new page you are creating, be sure to include a clear link to it from the homepage. This can be in the form of a dropdown (preferable for service pages) or a clickable link elsewhere. Just make sure it is clear!
*If using YOAST SEO* Step 11: Focus keyphrase box
The "Focus keyphrase" box on the page's backend does not effect SEO. It is just a tool YOAST provides to assess how optimized your page content and structure is around that keyword. Don't worry about it if you've followed these tips and if you've used Marketmuse.