Creating Content that Google will love
You might have read some of my articles on ‘why we need quality content’, and because Google will soak it up. So, I’m going to focus this article on defining what quality content actually is, as well as how to achieve in just a few simple steps.
Google is no longer interested in material that is simply stuffed with keywords, content written for software spiders to pick up, or articles that have been spun. They are only interested in quality and substance. That doesn’t mean that you can’t use keywords and keyword phrases, just that they need to make sense to the human eye.
First Things First However
It really doesn’t matter if your material is high quality, if you don’t have a professional website to host it all. Or, a site that keeps you busy with maintenance, rather than creating more quality content to keep your site current.
Fortunately, for anyone starting out, or looking for a great site that is functional and pleasant on the eye, there is WordPress. They have more plugins than Glade. You can even get one that automatically deletes ads from your site that have expired, so you don’t have to spend the time scanning the site for them.
Another popular plugin is the one that will adjust the size of your images…automatically, so you don’t have to waste time doing that. Images that are properly sized will help in loading pages quicker, pleasing the visitor for not having to wait too long.
WordPress also has some cool themes to enhance your site. It’s all right there, ready for you to take your site to a professional level so you can host your high quality content in style. It’s not just about knowing how to make a website. It’s about developing the right one.
Opinion Counts?
Yes, it does. Unfortunately, ours…not so much. Of course we want to write what we feel is best and most informative, and that is true. I am not taking away from that at all. However, it’s ultimately the reader’s opinion on whether or not our material is informative that counts when it comes to growing our business.
This is a universal ‘rule’ in content development. In other words, it really doesn’t matter what type of site you have, it would still apply. Take for instance a review site. It might feel good to write all positive things about a product, because you don’t want to write a negative piece. However, the reader simply wants the truth, and what real consumers are saying about the item they are thinking of investing in.
Weaving a Story to the Reader
Before you begin writing, or write again, take a look at your favorite magazines and articles in various publications. Do you notice something in common with them, even if the topic varies? They are most likely weaving a tale to you, the reader, just as though you were sitting in front of the author hearing it live.
Great authors have a way of intertwining real events and experiences into their work, to capture and maintain the reader’s attention. This is a good way for you to build quality material, by inserting reality into each piece. You might think that your experiences aren’t newsworthy, or pertinent to the topic, but you probably know of one that would work.
For example, I have never been to Alaska, so writing about working in a cold climate might be tricky, if I don’t live in the deep freeze myself. However, I have experienced the furnace going out for a few days, and can relate some techniques we used to stay warm.
By inserting real experience, it lends a hand in credibility, which is vital in growing our business in the written world.
Writing doesn’t Always come Naturally
Let’s face it…not everyone is born a natural writer. In fact, I was in carpentry when I first decided to dive into affiliate marketing. The main thing I wrote in that career was sketches and invoices, not exactly material that would sell.
Now, I can tell a story verbally, and I’m very comfortable in doing so. Give me a camera and let me go, and a podcast is born. That comes natural to me, but writing…not really. After a while, and knowing that quality material is important, I decided to outsource my written word.
I learned a lot from a professional I once hired. She explained to me one day that it takes her 3 times longer to research than it does putting it to print. I was surprised to hear that, but gave it a try. It was amazing that even with knowing the topic very well, I could still pick up more material by researching.
What you will learn is what other people are saying, and what readers are looking for. This helps in two ways. First, you don’t want to be redundant. And second, you can learn something new.
The ABC’s of All Brilliant Content
The nice thing here, is that these basics apply to any topic:
- Research. No matter how well you know a topic, diligent research will take your material to the next level. Take notes, and insert quotes and links that are relative to the story you are telling.
- Importance of an Outline. Put all your research into an outline, in the order that you would like your story to flow. It’s amazing how much easier it is to write, when you have one.
- It’s all Relative. Insert real experience and events so your readers know that you are connected to what you are trying to convey. It will help them relate to you and your material.
- Get to the Point. Keep it short and sweet, with short and engaging paragraphs, as well as strong subheadings and bullet points. It breaks up the monotony of long paragraphs running together, for easier reading.
- In Conclusion. This is the time for going through your work as if you are the visitor. Make sure it has a nice flow, and offers what they are seeking. It also is a great time to check for errors and typos.
You still might find writing to be a challenge. But, you now have a guide laid out for you. So, if you hire someone to write for you, then you know what to expect. Using these steps, you can guide them to what you are looking for, as well as when you are checking through their work.
Well, these are my thoughts on it. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them in the comment box below.
About the Guest Blogger: Jason Monroe is a freelance writer and Internet Marketer. He has extensive knowledge on how to build a website that is functional and profitable. Jason strives to stay on top of the industry by attending relevant conferences, reading, and researching. He is now trying his hand at search engine and social media.