You're a Content Marketer, and after months of SEO efforts, your content is still struggling to rank in the top five spots on Google. This can be extremely frustrating — and worrying. You've used all the right keywords and even sprinkled in some backlinks. So why aren't you ranking?
As familiar as you think you are with SEO, there may be some finicky rules that are slipping under your radar and leading to poorly optimized content.
This is fixable, though — you just need to review all the rules and use a more efficient SEO tool to keep you on course.
If you're not hitting traffic goals, that means less conversions. Cue awkward questions from your VP of Marketing. Best to avoid.
Why SEO Optimize Content?
Let's pretend we've been living under a rock for a second and get down to basics. Why SEO optimize content?
- It helps your site rank on Google for targeted searches that are relevant to what you sell — an easy way to get in front of high-intent buyers
- Your content is useless unless seen by your target buyers. There's only so much distribution you can do on social media and email, plus they're temporary. You have to post again and again. With SEO, it's evergreen, and you get leads forever.
- You already spent the money and time creating the content. You already hired writers, interviewed customers, and edited your pages. If you spend just a bit more time, you can really maximize your return on your spend and get the page seen by 5,000 people instead of 50 every month.
Think of your content as a valuable service, Google as the marketplace, and SEO optimization as your billboard.
Structural Optimization: Are You Following The Best Practices?
Why Does Structural Optimization Matter?
This is also sometimes called "Technical SEO." Clean site structure allows you to tailor what you want Google — and users — to see.
It helps Google understand and index your pages. This increases the likelihood of ranking well on the SERP.
It also makes navigating your pages a more user-friendly experience because it's easier for people to find the information they're looking for.
Structural Optimization Rules
Here are some examples of structural optimization rules:
- The title shouldn't be cut off in the SERP.
- Images need alt text.
- Images need captions.
- You shouldn't have more than one H1.
- You need at least two or three internal links.
- At least one high domain authority external link.
- Are there broken links?
- Did you use H2-H6 headings appropriately?
- Skimmable structure, such as bolding and lists.
- Answer search intent immediately.
- Keyword use in introduction to make it clear what this article answers.
- Keyword use in conclusion to make it clear what this article answers.
- No keyword stuffing.
... and many more.
At Letterdrop, we have over 60 different rules we look for.
How Does Letterdrop Structurally Optimize Pages?
Letterdrop's SEO Optimizer tool runs your content through all these rules and more and alerts you if you break any.
It can automatically identify and even fix some of these for you. This includes:
- Adding alt text and captions.
- Suggesting and automating internal links.
- Finding broken links.
- Automating FAQ and Feature Snippets.
- Analyzing whether your draft is EEAT compliant.
Topical And Competitive Optimization: Are You Competitive With Top Pages?
Why Do Topical and Competitive Optimization Matter?
Google SERP is a zero-sum game. The top three positions get more than half of clicks — 54.4%, to be precise.
You need to identify what pages you're competing against, what they're talking about, and their page quality. This will help you outperform them.
How Does Letterdrop Help Compete with Top Pages?
Internal Linking
Why Do Internal Links Matter?
Internal links help search engines and users understand how your pages relate to one another. We have an article on the importance of internal linking — and how you can use it to push your pages to the top spots on Google.
Letterdrop Can Automate Internal Linking in Bulk
Content Refreshes
Why Does Refreshing Content Matter for SEO?
Sprucing up existing content for SEO can drive more traffic, and it costs a lot less than pushing new content campaigns. We wrote an article on how content refreshes can save you a lot of cash.
Letterdrop Identifies Pages Needing an SEO Refresh
Let Letterdrop Take Care of SEO
You don't want to leave your SERP rankings to chance. Leaky SEO strategies are a one-way trip to your CEO's office.
Letterdrop can level up your SEO game in a matter of clicks and takes a bunch of tasks off your hands with automation. With it, your content has a much higher chance of ranking in the coveted top three spots on Google — so it's time to upgrade your SEO toolkit.
When you're ready to optimize your content from top to bottom, reach out to us. We're happy to talk you through it.
