Content can really make a difference
The popularity and necessity of search engine optimization, or SEO, has been gaining traction in the past few years. SEO is indeed a very helpful tool that, if used correctly, can add more visibility to your page. SEO falls under a wider umbrella called search engine marketing, or SEM. SEM can be divided into two categories – organic and paid. SEO takes care of the organic aspect of your SEM.
Another useful tool that will afford your page more views is Google AdWords, which allows a bidder to bid on certain keywords. While this is utilized by countless companies, it may not be good for start-ups or small companies, because it can get quite pricey. Advertisers must pay per click, so every time someone clicks on the link that redirects them to the website, the company pays anywhere from under ten dollars to upwards of sixty.
These tricks are awesome when it comes to generating traffic to your website, but they should be backed up by solid, well researched and well written content. Content is king – it’s what drives users (ultimately customers) to go back to your page over and over. If you can offer a new perspective, a well thought out, thoroughly researched and well written idea, your audience is always going to want more.
Content creates loyalty, and it’s what makes people talk about you. How often have you heard someone say, “I was on a great website the other day. I know it’s great, because it was at the top of the Google search result.” Probably not that often, but you may recall a friend saying something like: “Hey, I read this amazing article that reminded me of you and the conversation we had the other day. It really made me think.”
What you write leaves an impression on people, especially if you can really get to know your target audience and make sure your subject matter is something that will speak to them. Write about something they care about, offer value and get people to reflect.
Here are 3 tips for offering excellent content:
- Do your research. Being an authority on a subject takes time and a commitment to hard work. Choose credible sources that are well known in the industry. For example, if you’re writing an article about the top three mid-sized sedans to consider, use a source like Consumer Reports. Websites that end in .edu or .org are usually safe bets. Additionally, consulting peer-reviewed journals is a great option.
2. Conduct your own study. What says “authority” more than offering people results from an original study that you conducted?
3. Pick something you’re passionate about. If you’re a vegetarian writing about the best-ever meat dishes, chances are it’s going to come through in your writing. Choose something you believe in, and go from there. Enthusiasm or fascination with a subject is evident in the writing.