SEO copywriting

SEO copywriting is a form of online content writing that involves optimizing web content for select keywords in order to drive traffic from search engines. This content contains key phrases users are actively searching for in order to find information online.

Therefore, the art of SEO copywriting involves writing content that best fits what the user is trying to find when they search for a specific keyword. Writing user-friendly, keyword-focused content can help websites rank higher in the search results and drive organic traffic.

Now, SEO copywriting differs from traditional copywriting in that the initial goal with SEO copywriting is to attract organic traffic. Traditional copywriting is primarily focused on converting traffic into leads and sales, and doesn’t necessarily involve search engine optimization.

An SEO copywriter conducts keyword research and crafts content that will attract more users to a website. 

What Helps Content Rank in the Search Results?

The key to writing content that ranks in the search results is focusing on the user before the search engine algorithms. By creating content that best fits what the user is searching for, you increase your chances of improving your rankings and attracting traffic.

When you do a search for “what is SEO copywriting” you’re likely to see articles that define it as the process of “writing for Google” or search engines in general. On the flip side, you’ll see other articles highlighting the need to “write for people”.

Writing for Google: 

To write content and optimize it to satisfy Google’s ranking factors. In other words, your goal here is to use keywords and format your content in just the right way so that it can get picked up by search engine algorithms.

Writing for People: 

To write content that suits what your target audience is searching for. Here, the aim is to provide value, answer common questions, and/or help readers accomplish a goal. If you’re solely focused on writing for people, your content may or may not be optimized for search engines.

Why Not Both?

In reality, SEO copywriting is kind of a dance between writing for Google and writing for people. 

Obviously, you want to write content that your target audience wants to read, but your content also needs to be optimized so it gets displayed in search engines to begin with. If your content doesn’t rank, it won’t get found; if it’s not user-friendly, readers won’t engage with it (by subscribing, buying your products, etc.).