Creating SEO content that performs well on search engine result pages (SERPs) is a formidable task.
Your content needs to align with user intent, surpass the works of Charles Dickens in readability, and hit the mark in terms of SEO. However, there are common pitfalls that can lead to content that falls short of these goals.
In this article, we’ll explore five reasons your content might not be ranking and offer insights into how to rectify them.
1. Failing to Address Search Intent
The first and most critical rule for creating good SEO content is to write for humans, not just for search engines. Your content should aim to fill a knowledge gap for the user, whether that means answering a question or providing expert knowledge. Every piece of content you produce should satisfy a specific search intent. This principle can’t be emphasised enough: write for humans.
2. Using the Wrong Type of Content
You might have crafted a beautifully structured blog post with extensive content and even some literary devices. However, well-written content is only as effective as the format in which it is presented. If users are searching for category pages to browse products and your content is in the form of a blog post, they may pass on it. Tailor your content type to match user expectations.
3. Not Covering the Topic Adequately
One common pitfall in poorly ranking content is offering thin or insufficient coverage of the topic. Whether it requires more in-depth exploration or additional context, your content should comprehensively cover everything users would want to know about the subject.
4. Neglecting Internal Links
Internal links are a crucial ranking factor. If you’re not incorporating relevant internal links within your content, your efforts may be in vain. These links not only help search engines index your content but also aid in cross-promotion to your readers. It’s a win-win strategy.
5. Poor Readability and Language Choices
You may have successfully integrated keywords and internal links, but if your writing is so convoluted that only a literary master like James Joyce could decipher it, you’ve missed the mark. Ideally, your content should have a readability level of about 9 or 10 years old to be easily understood by the average user.
In conclusion, creating SEO content that ranks well on Google requires a careful balance of addressing user intent, selecting the right content format, thorough coverage of the topic, the inclusion of internal links, and clear, easily digestible language. If you’re looking to enhance your content and improve your ranking on Google, consider reaching out to Dark Horse for expert guidance.
If you want to learn more about writing content that ranks on Google, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Dark Horse. We’re here to help you succeed in the world of SEO content.
