SEO

Is SurferSEO worth it for creating SEO content that ranks?

SurferSEO has become one of the most talked-about content optimisation tools in the SEO world, promising to help you rank higher on Google through data-driven insights.

With pricing starting at around $79 per month, many content creators and marketers are questioning whether this tool delivers enough value to justify the cost.

Is SurferSEO worth it for most serious content creators and SEO professionals? Many Loyal SurferSEO members say it is worth the investment due to its ability to analyse over 500 ranking factors and provide actionable recommendations.

The tool has earned praise from industry experts, who report significant ranking improvements after implementing its suggestions. However, it does come with a learning curve and a premium price tag.

This comprehensive review will examine SurferSEO’s core features, compare it against competing tools, and help you determine whether it aligns with your SEO goals and budget. We’ll explore real user experiences, pricing considerations, and alternatives to provide you with a comprehensive picture before you make your decision.

What Is SurferSEO and Who Is It For?

SurferSEO is a cloud-based on-page SEO tool that helps optimise web content for better search rankings. The platform serves content creators, SEO agencies, bloggers, and freelance writers who need data-driven insights to improve their content performance.

SurferSEO’s Core Purpose and Audience

SurferSEO analyses top-ranking pages in search results to provide actionable recommendations for your content. The tool examines factors like keyword density, word count, and content structure to help you create optimised content.

Primary functions include:

• Content analysis and optimisation suggestions
• Keyword research and integration guidance
• Competitor content analysis
• SERP feature insights

The platform targets professionals who want to move beyond guesswork in their SEO strategy. SurferSEO is for users who require specific data on what works in their niche.

SurferSEO compares your content against current top performers. That gives you specific targets for improvement rather than general advice.

Key Types of Users: Bloggers, Agencies, and Content Creators

Is SurferSEO worth it for multiple content creators? Let’s find out.

SEO agencies use SurferSEO to deliver consistent results for multiple clients. The tool helps agencies scale their content optimisation processes and provide detailed reports.

Bloggers benefit from the platform’s ability to identify content gaps and optimisation opportunities. Personal bloggers can compete more effectively with larger sites by following data-driven recommendations.

Content creators and freelance writers utilise SurferSEO to enhance their content quality and achieve better client results. The tool helps them understand what search engines favour in specific niches.

Companies that hire multiple writers use SurferSEO. You might ask, “How is SurferSEO worth it if you’re paying writers on top of software cost?” Well, I used SurferSEO with a well-known crypto blog. That is to say, they hire writers from low-income countries, pay them peanuts and fill the content gap by teaching them how to use SurferSEO.

SurferSEO produced content ranks. There is no escaping that as a truism.

SurferSEO’s Main Features and Functionality

SurferSEO provides comprehensive content optimisation tools, including an AI-powered content editor, detailed SERP analysis, keyword research capabilities, and on-page SEO audit functionality.

Above all, the platform combines data-driven insights with practical implementation tools to help you improve your organic traffic and search rankings.

Content Editor and Surfer AI Overview

Is SurferSEO worth it for the content editor? This aspect serves as SurferSEO’s core feature for content optimisation. It analyses top-ranking pages for your target keyword and provides specific recommendations for word count, headings, and content structure.

You receive a real-time content score out of 100 that updates as you write or edit. The editor suggests LSI keywords and their optimal frequency based on competitor analysis.

SurferSEO generates complete articles with a single click. However, the AI content quality doesn’t match specialised tools like Jasper AI according to user reviews.

The content editor includes a “Pages to Include” feature. That allows you to select specific competitors to benchmark against, rather than using all top-ranking pages.

You can write directly in the editor or paste existing content for analysis. I typically do the latter. The tool highlights whether you’re over or under-optimising for specific terms through colour-coded indicators.

SERP Analyser and Audit Tool

The SERP analyser examines ranking factors across top search results for any keyword. It provides detailed breakdowns of word counts, keyword density, content structure, and technical elements, such as page speed.

You can analyse competitors’ content analysis, including their heading structure, image usage, and backlink profiles. The tool shows correlations between ranking positions and on-page factors.

The audit tool evaluates your existing pages against current top performers. You enter your URL and target keyword to receive an SEO audit with specific recommendations for improvement.

Both tools provide actionable insights rather than generic advice. The data helps you understand why anyone who has used the platform never asks, “Is SurferSEO worth it?” On certain pages, you can identify what changes might improve your positions.

Keyword Research, Density, and Content Planning

Now, we know that there are multiple keyword research tools available online, such as Ahrefs and Ubersuggest. Still, is SurferSEO worth it for keyword research?

SurferSEO’s keyword research module generates related terms with search volume data. However, it lacks keyword difficulty scores that help you choose which terms to target.

The unique SERP similarity metric indicates the degree of overlap between keywords. That helps you optimise for multiple related terms on a single page.

Content planning involves creating topic clusters centred around primary keywords. The tool suggests supporting content that builds topical map authority for competitive terms.

You can connect Google Search Console to get personalised keyword suggestions based on your existing content performance. The planner includes filters for search intent, volume, and content score.

Keyword density recommendations come from analysing top-ranking competitors. The tool suggests optimal frequency ranges for primary and secondary keywords.

On-Page Optimisation Tools and Integrations

The platform offers comprehensive on-page SEO optimisation through its various modules. The content audit feature connects with Google Search Console to analyse your existing content performance.

The Chrome extension provides quick keyword data while browsing search results. You can check search volume, competition levels, and related terms without having to switch tools.

Content structure recommendations include heading distribution, paragraph length, and image placement. The tool analyses these elements across top-ranking pages to suggest optimal formatting.

Integration capabilities include API access for larger teams and white-label reporting features. The Scale plan supports team collaboration with shared projects and user management.

The audit functionality examines technical factors, such as page load speed and the implementation of structured data. These insights help address both content and technical on-page optimisation requirements.

Comparative Value: SurferSEO vs Competing SEO Tools

Is SurferSEO worth it compared to other SEO tools?

Indeed, SurferSEO competes against several established players in the content optimisation space, each offering different pricing models and feature sets. The tool’s value becomes clearer when comparing its on-page focus against broader SEO platforms and specialised content optimisation competitors.

SurferSEO vs Clearscope, Frase, and MarketMuse

• Clearscope focuses purely on content optimisation with a simple interface. It provides keyword recommendations and content scoring, but lacks the depth of SurferSEO’s SERP analysis.
• Frase combines content optimisation with AI writing capabilities similar to Jasper AI. It offers question research and content briefs, but doesn’t match SurferSEO’s data-driven recommendations.
• MarketMuse provides the most comprehensive content strategy features. It offers content gap analysis and topic modelling that go beyond SurferSEO’s scope.

Pricing comparison:

• SurferSEO: $79-$175/month
• Clearscope: $189-$399/month
• Frase: $45-$115/month
• MarketMuse: $99-$499/month

SurferSEO sits in the middle in terms of pricing, while offering strong SERP analysis features. Frase provides better value for basic needs, whilst MarketMuse costs significantly more for enterprise features. I don’t like the lack of transparency on the MarketMuse pricing page. I don’t believe anyone should have to enter their details to access pricing.

Comparison With Semrush and Ahrefs

Semrush and Ahrefs function as comprehensive SEO platforms rather than focused content tools. Both excel in keyword research tools, backlinks analysis, and rank tracking.

Semrush offers a broader range of functionality, including PPC research and social media tools. Its content audit features are less detailed than SurferSEO’s page-specific recommendations.

Ahrefs provides the industry’s most comprehensive backlinks database and keyword research capabilities. However, its on-page optimisation features remain basic compared to SurferSEO’s content editor.

Key differences:

• SurferSEO: Specialised content optimisation, detailed SERP analysis
• Semrush/Ahrefs: Complete SEO ecosystems, superior keyword research tools

For pure content optimisation, SurferSEO delivers better value. For comprehensive SEO campaigns that require backlink analysis and keyword research, Semrush or Ahrefs provide more comprehensive solutions.

Strengths and Weaknesses Compared to Alternatives

SurferSEO’s main strengths include precise content scoring, real-time optimisation suggestions, and detailed competitor analysis. Its content editor provides specific word count and keyword density recommendations that alternatives often lack.

Weaknesses become apparent when comparing broader functionality. SurferSEO doesn’t offer keyword research tools that match Semrush’s depth or backlinks analysis, unlike Ahrefs.

Value assessment:

• Best for: Content teams focused on on-page SEO performance
• Less suitable: Agencies needing comprehensive SEO metrics across multiple clients
• Alternative consideration: Combine SurferSEO with a dedicated keyword research tool for complete coverage

Most SEO reviews highlight SurferSEO’s strength in content optimisation whilst noting limitations in broader SEO functionality. Your choice depends on whether you need specialised content tools or comprehensive SEO platform capabilities.

Is SurferSEO Worth the Cost?

SurferSEO pricing starts at $79 monthly for basic features, with higher-tier plans offering advanced AI capabilities and team collaboration. The investment depends on your content volume, team size, and whether you prioritise AI-powered writing alongside traditional SEO optimisation.

Pricing and Plans: Essential and Beyond (July 2025)

The Essential Plan costs $79 a month and includes 30 articles in the content editor, as well as 100 keyword searches per day. This entry-level option suits solo content creators or small businesses with modest publishing schedules.

The Scale Plan, at $175 per month, expands your capacity to 100 articles per month. It adds SEO auditing capabilities and supports up to 5 team members, making it suitable for growing agencies.

Enterprise customers receive custom pricing with unlimited usage across all features.

Trial, Refund, and Affordability Considerations

SurferSEO doesn’t offer a traditional free trial period. However, you can access limited features through their free keyword research tool to test basic functionality.

The monthly subscription model means you aren’t locked into annual commitments. You can cancel at any time, although this flexibility comes at a premium compared to the yearly billing discounts offered by competitors.

At $79 monthly, SurferSEO sits in the premium SEO software category. Smaller businesses might find this challenging, especially when starting with limited budgets.

Who Gets the Most Value From SurferSEO?

• Content agencies and marketing teams benefit most from SurferSEO’s collaborative features and bulk content processing. The ability to manage multiple client projects justifies the monthly investment.
• Established bloggers publishing 20+ articles monthly will maximise their subscription value. The content editor’s real-time feedback streamlines the writing process significantly.
• Businesses prioritising organic traffic over paid advertising find SurferSEO’s data-driven approach invaluable. The tool’s competitor analysis helps identify content gaps and opportunities for improvement.
• Freelance writers working with SEO-focused clients can charge premium rates when using professional tools like SurferSEO. The investment often pays for itself through higher project fees.

New website owners or occasional bloggers might struggle to justify the cost. This SEO software is best for content creators/companies with a budget and a demand for high volumes of content.

Publishing fewer than 10 articles monthly makes the per-article cost prohibitively expensive.

FAQs

Does SurferSEO Have a Money-Back Guarantee?

SurferSEO offers a free 7-day money-back guarantee in the event you don’t like the software.

What Benefits Does SurferSEO Offer For Content Optimisation?

SurferSEO provides real-time feedback on your marketing and SEO content through its Content Editor. You receive content suggestions and guidelines to optimise your articles for better search engine rankings.

The platform analyses keyword density, word count, and content structure. It helps you build outlines, generate headlines, and ensure content authenticity to avoid search engine penalties.

You can discover relevant topic clusters and keywords based on real data. The tool evaluates monthly search volume and helps you understand search intent for your target audience.

The SEO Audit feature analyses your content length, headings, page speed, and meta tags. It provides automatic internal link suggestions and helps you repurpose existing content for better organic traffic.

Are There Any Free Tools That Can Serve As Alternatives To SurferSEO?

Ahrefs offers several free SEO tools, though its full range of features requires a paid subscription. These include basic keyword research and site analysis capabilities.

SEMrush provides a free plan option with limited capabilities. The free version gives you access to basic SEO and keyword research functions.

However, free alternatives typically lack the comprehensive content optimisation features that SurferSEO provides. They won’t offer the same level of real-time content feedback or AI-powered article generation.

Ubersuggest is a great option for new bloggers on a tight budget. You can access a lot of tools for free with this software, including competitor analysis.

Most free tools focus on basic keyword research rather than guiding content creation. You’ll need paid solutions for advanced content optimisation and ranking strategies.

How Does SurferSEO Differentiate Itself From SEMrush?

SurferSEO focuses primarily on content creation and optimisation, whilst SEMrush offers broader digital marketing capabilities. SEMrush covers social media management, digital advertising, and competitive research, in addition to SEO.

SurferSEO provides real-time content editing feedback that helps you write optimised articles. SEMrush emphasises comprehensive market analysis and competitor tracking across multiple channels.

The content editor in SurferSEO gives specific writing guidance based on top-ranking pages. SEMrush offers more extensive backlink analysis and technical SEO auditing capabilities.

SurferSEO integrates directly with writing tools like Google Docs and WordPress. That makes it more suitable if your primary focus is content creation rather than overall marketing strategy.

What Features Does The SurferSEO AI Bring To Content Strategy?

Surfer AI creates high-quality, optimised content within 20 minutes of selecting your target keyword. The tool utilises GPT-4 with a 32k context size to minimise repetition and enhance accuracy.

You can choose from various templates that factor in Google’s guidelines and structure articles strategically. These templates offer flexibility for different content types and allow URL integration.

The Custom Knowledge feature learns your brand voice and creates content specific to your identity. It seamlessly weaves your brand specifics into generated content while maintaining your unique voice.

Users report a 7x increase in traffic within 9 months using Surfer AI. The tool generates keyword-optimised articles that improve your chances of ranking in search results.

How Integral Is The SurferSEO extension For Browser-Based SEO Tasks?

SurferSEO integrates with Google Docs, WordPress, and Jasper AI for streamlined workflow management. These integrations allow you to optimise content directly within your preferred writing environment.

The platform’s browser-based tools provide immediate access to keyword research and content analysis. You can conduct competitor analysis and gather ranking insights without switching between multiple applications.

Integration capabilities make SurferSEO particularly valuable for content teams using existing workflows. You maintain your current writing process whilst adding SEO optimisation guidance.

The tool works seamlessly with other content creation platforms. That reduces the learning curve and allows you to implement SEO improvements without disrupting established processes.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you sign up for a program or make a purchase using the link provided.

For over a year, I watched my blog’s traffic statistics climb upward. I felt pretty cocky because I knew how to implement the quick SEO wins for bloggers.

Then, it all went a bit t*ts up.

If you’re a blogger, you’ve probably felt that sinking feeling when your traffic suddenly drops, maybe after one of the dreaded Google algorithm updates that seem to hit everyone, even the big players. With Google AI becoming so prominent, it’s a growing concern for us all.

That’s why mastering SEO quick wins for bloggers isn’t just a bonus; it’s a lifeline to keep your blog visible and growing, no matter what Google throws your way.

I’ve been there myself, watching keywords disappear and wondering if my site was doomed to the SEO abyss. Still, over time, I discovered that it’s not about chasing every complex strategy out there. It’s about ticking the right boxes with simple, effective tweaks that add up.

In this post, I’ll share 20 of my SEO quick wins for bloggers, the kind of fixes you can implement without needing a PhD in tech. Additionally, I’ll share a few tools that helped me turn things around when my site speed suddenly declined and rankings dropped.

So, before you panic or throw your laptop out the window, keep reading. These tips might just save your blog from the Google scrap heap.

Fix Your Titles for Maximum Impact

Your blog post titles need to be clear, catchy, and keyword-friendly. Google pays close attention to titles, so ensure each one naturally includes your target keyword, especially near the beginning.

Titles should be 60 characters or less. Try the free Headline Analyzer to check your title score.

Don’t overcomplicate it, but don’t be vague, either. Instead of “My Tips for Blogging,” try “10 Easy SEO Quick Wins for Bloggers to Boost Traffic.” Simple, clear, and straight to the point.

Write Meta Descriptions That Actually Work

Meta descriptions might not directly impact rankings, but they do influence whether someone clicks through to your blog from search results.

Write enticing summaries that include your keywords and make them sound natural and inviting. If you’re using Yoast or Rank Math, they’ll help you preview how your meta looks. Meta descriptions should be up to 160 characters and add a full stop.

Add Internal Links to Keep Readers Exploring

Don’t let visitors bounce after one post. Linking to other relevant posts within your content helps keep readers engaged and also helps Google understand your site’s structure.

For example, if you’re writing about “SEO quick wins for bloggers,” link to your other posts on blogging tips or site speed improvements. It’s a win-win as it provides a better user experience and stronger SEO.

Use Alt Text on All Your Images

Every image on your blog should have descriptive alt text that explains what’s in the picture. Use your primary keyword on feature images.

Alt text helps search engines index your images properly and improves accessibility for readers using screen readers. Instead of “IMG_1234,” write something like “Chart showing blog traffic growth after SEO improvements.” Include keywords naturally, but don’t stuff.

Clean Up Your URLs

Short, simple URLs that include your target keyword are much easier for both readers and search engines to understand. Avoid long, messy URLs with random numbers or irrelevant words.

For example, use yourblog.com/seo-quick-wins instead of yourblog.com/post?id=12345. If you’re on WordPress, you can easily change this in your permalink settings.

For example,this blog post is https://wolfheart.co.uk/quick-seo-wins-for-bloggers.

Do this from the beginning, as changing permalinks when you have a lot of blog posts can break all your links and mess with your SEO.

Use Headings Properly to Organise Your Content

Headings help Google understand the structure of your post. Use H2s for main sections and H3s for subpoints, naturally incorporating your keywords.

A good heading structure makes your posts easier to read and improves SEO. Plus, well-organised content keeps readers sticking around longer. For example, for every H2 heading, have 2-3 H3 headings.

Create and Submit a Sitemap

Don’t let Google guess what’s on your site. Plugins like Yoast or Rank Math can easily generate a sitemap for you.

Then, submit the sitemap to Google Search Console so Google can crawl and index your pages more efficiently. It’s a simple step, but it makes a big difference in how quickly new content appears in search.

Pro Tip: Submit new blog posts in Google Search Console, too. That can speed up indexing.

Compress Images and Use Lazy Loading

Large images can slow down your site, and Google penalises slow-loading sites. Use JPGs instead of PNGs or WebP, which are next-generation images.

I use the WP Smush Pro plugin, which compress images, convert them to next-generation formats like WebP, and implement lazy loading so images load only when they’re about to appear on the screen.

Smush also performs preloading, so your content above the fold is instantly visible.

These plugins speed up your blog, especially on mobile devices, which can give you a rankings boost.

Prioritise Mobile Loading Speed

More than half of web traffic comes from mobiles, and Google prioritises mobile-first indexing.

Ensure your site loads quickly and is optimised for mobiles. Test your site speed using tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or look at Core Web Vitals in Google Console. Focus on improvements that help your mobile visitors the most.

I discovered that my blog was on shared hosting, which was significantly slowing down my site. Shockingly, I had no idea, as the hosting company didn’t mention that in the WordPress package I bought.

I am moving my blog to a Virtual Private Server (VPS), which means that nobody will be sharing my bandwidth. As my blog is dangerously close to the optimum acceptable speed, I’m taking action now to prevent future traffic losses.

Site speed is one of the top components for blogging success. A slow site will not get you the results, regardless of how many blog posts you publish. Prioritise it from the beginning. 

Update or Remove Old Posts

Old blog posts can negatively impact your SEO if they’re outdated or irrelevant. Take time to refresh these posts with current information. A helpful tip is to add FAQs at the end. Use ChatGPT to cover common questions or remove posts that no longer serve your audience.

Keeping your content fresh signals to Google that your site is active and trustworthy.

Use Keywords Naturally, Not Excessively

Stuffing keywords is spammy, and Google can easily spot it. Instead, weave your primary and secondary keywords naturally throughout your post, especially in the first 200 words, headings, and conclusion.

Aim to mention your primary keyword around 8 to 10 times, depending on word count, but only if it fits smoothly. Quality beats quantity every time.

Add Clear Calls to Action

Encourage readers to take the next step, whether that’s reading another post, signing up for your newsletter, or sharing your content. Calls to action keep readers engaged and can boost the time spent on your site, both of which are good signals for SEO.

Use Social Sharing Buttons

Make it easy for readers to share your posts on social media by adding sharing buttons. More shares mean more visibility, which can lead to backlinks and increased traffic, both of which help your SEO efforts.

Write Longer, In-Depth Posts

Longer posts tend to rank better because they cover a topic more comprehensively. Aim for detailed content that answers your readers’ questions. Avoid waffling through.

Remember to add an FAQ section using ChatGPT to generate common questions and answers. This schema can help you rank for voice search and featured snippets.

Use Structured Data Markup (Schema) in Simple Terms

Structured data, or schema, is a type of code you add to your site that helps search engines understand your content better.

Don’t worry. You don’t need to be a tech genius. Plugins like Yoast or Schema Pro make this easy to implement without coding.

Use a Free Ahrefs Account for Quick Audits

Ahrefs offers a free Webmaster Tools account that allows you to monitor your site’s SEO health, check backlinks and broken links, and track keywords. It’s a fantastic way to catch issues early and spot new opportunities for free.

Secure Your Site with SSL

An SSL certificate (the little padlock in your browser) is vital for your blog. Google uses HTTPS as a ranking signal, so make sure your hosting includes SSL. Many providers offer this service for free when you purchase your domain. It helps to build trust with your visitors.

Improve Your Site’s Navigation

Don’t make it difficult for readers to find their way around your blog. Clear menus and easy-to-find categories help visitors explore your blog, reducing bounce rates (a 40% or lower bounce rate is a good target to aim for). A well-organised site structure helps Google crawl your pages more effectively.

Note: I wish I had started with a better WordPress theme. My theme is no longer supported. I now have to face the prospect of migrating a back up of my blog to a new domain, testing a new theme and then migrating it back to my original site. I’m dreading it!

Start with a popular theme like Ocean WP. a Bulky theme with excess CSS can significantly slow down your site.

Regularly Check Core Web Vitals

Google’s Core Web Vitals measure aspects like loading speed, interactivity, and visual stability.

Utilise tools like Google Search Console or PageSpeed Insights to monitor these metrics and fix issues promptly to improve both user experience and SEO. These two don’t always correlate, so I trust Core Web Vitals first.

Focus on User Experience

Ultimately, Google rewards sites that visitors enjoy using. Make sure your font sizes are readable, your colours aren’t too harsh on the eyes, and your layout works well on all devices. Happy readers mean better SEO.

Conclusion

SEO quick wins for bloggers aren’t about reinventing the wheel or spending hours tangled in tech. They’re about simple tweaks that can make a real difference to your blog’s visibility and growth.

If you start applying these 20 SEO quick wins for bloggers, you’ll be well on your way to beating those Google updates and getting your blog the traffic it deserves.

Remember, consistency is key, and even minor improvements made regularly can yield significant results over time. Stuff that might not matter in the first six months can become crucial as your blog content grows. I wish someone had told me that!

FAQs

What Are SEO Quick Wins For Bloggers?

SEO quick wins for bloggers are simple, practical actions you can take to improve your blog’s search engine rankings without spending hours on complex strategies. They include tasks such as optimising titles, enhancing site speed, and utilising the appropriate plugins.

How Often Should I Update My Blog Content For SEO?

It’s a good idea to update blog posts every few months, especially if they aren’t evergreen topics. Fresh content signals to Google that your site is active and relevant. I try to update at least two older posts each week.

Do I Need To Be An SEO Expert To Use These Tips?

Not at all! These SEO quick wins for bloggers are easy to implement, even if you’re new to SEO. Many plugins and tools can help you along the way.

Can Improving Site Speed Really Affect My Rankings?

Absolutely. Google prioritises fast-loading sites, especially on mobile devices. A faster blog means a better user experience and a higher chance of ranking well.

Remember, I lost 200 organic keywords when Google Console flagged up 89 slow pages on my blog. I’m not sure why this issue suddenly arose, but it took weeks to resolve by installing and testing plugins to improve site speed.

Even though my site passed Core Web Vitals after that, it was still too close for comfort, which is why I switched to a VPS.

I paid the hosting company to migrate the files, and even though it was £100 + VAT, it’s worth it to help my site pass speed tests.

What Is A Sitemap, And Why Should I Submit It To Google?

A sitemap is a file that lists all the critical pages on your website, helping search engines crawl and index your content more efficiently. Submitting it to the Google search console speeds up this process.

Don’t worry. There are numerous free plugins available, such as Yoast, which can generate a site map.

Long-tail keyword reaearch is the secret weapon of successful SEO strategies, offering a powerful way to attract highly targeted traffic to your website. Did you know that 70% of all search queries are long-tail keywords? This staggering statistic highlights their importance in today’s digital landscape.

Understanding Long-Tail Keywords

Long-tail keywords are specific, often longer phrases that users type into the search box when looking for precise information or products. These phrases typically consist of three or more words and are more specific than short keywords.

For example, instead of “shoes,” a user might search for “women’s comfortable running shoes for flat feet.” Long-tail keywords are specific and may have lower search volume and often lower competition than broader, more generic terms.

That makes them perfect for niche long-tail keyword research, targeting specific customer segments with low-competition keywords.

Long tail keywords are easy to rank in SERPs. Some of my posts rank page one or #1 within hours, thanks to keyword mapping strategies and using long-tail keyword research tools.

What’s The Difference Between Long-Tail And Short-Tail Keywords?

When comparing long-tail keywords to short-tail keywords, the differences become apparent.

Short-tail keywords are usually one or two words long and have high search volumes. They’re often more competitive and, therefore, more challenging to rank for. For instance, “digital camera” is a short-tail keyword. In contrast, long-tail keywords like “best digital camera for wildlife photography under $500” are much more specific and targeted because of user intent matching.

Although long-tail keywords may typically have lower search volumes individually, they collectively make up most search queries, so content marketing strategies focusing on them are key for success.

The Benefits of Long-Tail Keywords

The benefits of long-tail keyword research for SEO and conversion rates are significant. First, they often have less competition, making ranking your content easier with keyword difficulty scores and search engine results page (SERP) features.

This increased visibility can lead to more organic traffic to your website. Additionally, long-tail keywords typically have higher conversion rates because they capture users with specific intent who are often further along in the buying process. When someone searches for a precise term, they’re more likely to find what they’re looking for, increasing the chances of conversion.

Moreover, long-tail keywords align closely with voice search queries. These are becoming increasingly common with the rise of digital assistants and should be something to target when writing blog posts.

Voice search queries provide valuable insights into user intent, a vital element of SEO success. These insights help you to write targeted and relevant content. Adding long-tail keyword research to your SEO strategy can attract organic and qualified traffic and improve your search rankings. In addition, they can drive better results for your business.

Keyword Research Tools

Keyword research tools are invaluable for finding effective long-tail keywords. While primarily designed for PPC campaigns, Google Keyword Planner offers insights into search volumes for long-tail search phrases and competition levels for various keywords. It’s a great starting point for discovering potential long-tail variations of your main keywords.

More advanced tools like Ahrefs and SEMrush are great for long-tail keyword research and provide even deeper insights, including latent semantic indexing (LSI) and keyword clustering techniques to refine your long-tail keyword strategy.

These platforms offer features such as keyword difficulty scores, SERP analysis, and content gap analysis. They can help you find long-tail keywords for which your competitors are ranking. In addition, you can identify untapped opportunities in your niche.

Note: I don’t use expensive SEO software. Ubersuggest is free, and although it is limited compared to software like Ahrefs, you get a lot with a free account, including website analytics, competitor analysis and SEO opportunities.

Another great free source for user intent-based long-tail searches is Answer the Public, which helps you discover long-tail keywords based on user search behaviour.

When using these tools, focus on phrases with lower search volumes and competition, as these often represent the most valuable long-tail keywords. Remember to export and organise your findings, creating a comprehensive list of potential long-tail keywords to target in your content strategy.

Read: 15 Common SEO Mistakes Beginners Make & How to Avoid Them

Analysing Search Intent and User Behaviour

Analysing search intent and user behaviour is crucial in identifying effective long-tail keywords. Search intent is the purpose behind what someone searches for. They might be looking to learn something, make a purchase, or find a specific website. By understanding the intent behind searches related to your industry, you can tailor your long-tail keyword strategy to match user needs.

Study your target audience’s online behaviour, including their language in forums, social media, and product reviews. This exercise can reveal natural long-tail phrases they will likely use in searches, allowing for better audience targeting with keywords. Additionally, examine your website’s analytics and note which posts and pages bring the most traffic to your site.

You can often expand these into valuable long-tail variations. Pay attention to metrics like bounce rate and time on the page to gauge how well your content meets user intent, and adjust your long-tail keyword strategy accordingly.

Leveraging Google Suggest and “People Also Ask” Sections

Leveraging Google Suggest and “People Also Ask” sections for long-tail keyword ideas. As you type a query into Google’s search bar, the autocomplete suggestions often contain excellent long-tail keyword opportunities. These suggestions are real searches people make, giving insight into how your audience phrases their queries.

Try entering your main keywords followed by each letter of the alphabet to uncover a wide range of long-tail variations. Similarly, the “People Also Ask” boxes in search results offer a wealth of question-based long-tail keywords. These questions represent topics users actively seek information about, making them prime candidates for content creation.

By adding these questions and their answers to your content, you can target precise long-tail searches and potentially earn featured snippets in search results. I often add these as FAQs to my blog posts.

Implementing Long-Tail Keywords in Your Content

On-Page Optimisation Strategies

On-page optimisation is crucial for effectively implementing long-tail keywords in your content. Start by adding your chosen long-tail keyword to your page title, ensuring it appears naturally and is close to the beginning. That helps the search engines understand your content’s focus quickly.

My blog posts have ranked without the long-tail keyword at the beginning, but I always try to use it as the first aspect these days.

Add the long-tail keyword in your meta description, too. Make it compelling to encourage clicks from the search results page. That said, you may notice that Google often doesn’t use meta descriptions but pulls a paragraph from the post. Don’t let that make you lazy. These meta-descriptions count.

Within your content, use the long-tail keyword in the first paragraph, preferably in the opening sentence, to immediately signal relevance to both readers and search engines.

Use header tags (H1, H2, H3) to structure your content. Add long-tailed keyword synonyms where appropriate (ChatGPT is brilliant for generating titles with keyword synonyms). That improves readability. In addition, it helps search engine bots understand your content hierarchy.

Don’t forget to optimise your URL structure (slug), including the long-tail keyword if possible, while keeping it concise and user-friendly. In addition, add alt text for images to describe them accurately. Use long-tail keyword synonyms when relevant to the image content.

Creating Targeted Content Around Long-Tail Phrases

Creating targeted content around long-tail phrases involves developing comprehensive, in-depth articles or pages that thoroughly address the specific query represented by the long-tail keyword.

Start by researching the topic extensively to ensure you can provide valuable, authoritative information. Consider the search intent behind the long-tail keyword and structure your content to meet that intent, whether it’s informational, transactional, or navigational. Develop a detailed outline that covers all aspects of the topic, using related long-tail keywords as subheadings to create a logical flow.

When writing, focus on providing helpful, actionable information that directly answers the user’s query. Include relevant examples, case studies, or data that supports your points if you want to add credibility to your content. Consider creating supplementary content such as infographics, videos, or downloadable resources that complement your main text and provide additional value to users searching for that specific long-tail phrase.

Balancing Keyword Usage And Natural Language

Balancing keyword usage and natural language is essential for writing content that appeals to search engines and human readers.

Read: 7 Types of Blog Content That Google Loves

While it’s essential to include long-tail keywords, avoid going wild with numbers to the point of keyword stuffing. Too many make it “sticky” to read and may affect SEO. Instead, intersperse long-tail keywords naturally within your content’s sentence structure.

Use semantic SEO techniques by integrating terms and phrases conceptually related to your main long-tail keyword. That helps create a comprehensive piece of content that covers the topic thoroughly. When writing, prioritise clarity and user experience over keyword density. If you use the Yoast plugin, that counts as the readability assessment.

Use transitions and connective phrases to ensure your content reads smoothly, even when incorporating long-tail keywords. Remember that modern search engines use advanced natural language processing, so focus on creating high-quality, informative content that genuinely addresses the user’s query rather than simply repeating keywords. By striking this balance, you’ll create content that ranks well in SERPs and provides value to your readers.

Measuring Long-Tail Keyword Performance

If you don’t analyse your keyword performance, how do you know what content to write that performs? It took me a bloody long time to work this out. I used to write blogs for the sake of it. Doh! Now, every post I write has a purpose. If it doesn’t, I don’t write it.

Key Metrics To Track (Rankings, Traffic, Conversions)

Tracking key metrics is essential. How else can you monitor the effectiveness of your long-tail keyword strategy. Start by monitoring your rankings for targeted long-tail keywords. While ranking first is ideal, appearing on the first page of search results can still drive significant traffic. Use rank-tracking tools like Google Console to observe how your positions change over time for each long-tail keyword.

I can’t make head nor tail of Google Analytics since they switched to G4. It was so simple to understand, but now it’s gobbledegook. I use Google Console and Ubersuggest.

Next, analyse organic traffic from these keywords. Look at metrics such as the number of visitors, page views, and time on the page to gauge user engagement. Pay special attention to the bounce rate; a low bounce rate indicates that your content meets the searcher’s intent.

By focusing on these key metrics – rankings, traffic, and conversions – you’ll understand how your long-tail keyword strategy performs and where you can optimise opportunities.

Tools For Monitoring Long-Tail Keyword Success

There are multiple tools to help you monitor the success of your long-tail keyword strategy. Google Search Console is an easy-to-use online tool that provides insights into your website’s overall search performance.

It shows which queries drive traffic to your site, including long-tail phrases you might not have explicitly targeted. Use its performance report to see your long-tail keywords’ impressions, clicks, and average position.

Google Analytics complements this by offering detailed data on user behaviour once they reach your site from these searches. Consider paid tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, or Moz Pro for more advanced tracking for long-tail keyword research and more.

These platforms offer comprehensive keyword-tracking features, allowing you to monitor rankings across multiple search engines and locations. They also provide competitive analysis tools to see how your long-tail keyword performance compares to your competitors.

If you can’t be arsed to do all the work finding long-tail keywords, consider using SurferSEO. I’ve used this software for SEO for client work. It creates an intensive list of keywords and synonyms, suggests article length, how many images and a lot more. Yes, it’s a monthly expense but, if you want o save time and get your content ranked, SurferSEO is a fantastic SEO tool.

Adjusting Your Strategy Based On Data Insights

The true power of measuring long-tail keyword performance lies in using the data to refine and improve your strategy. Monitor performance metrics to identify trends and patterns. If specific long-tail keywords perform exceptionally well, consider creating more content around related topics or expanding on the existing content to capture even more search traffic.

For example, one of my recent posts gets four times more clicks than the other top long-tailed keywords, so I’m digging down into that area of focus.

Conversely, for underperforming keywords, analyse potential reasons for poor performance. That might involve improving on-page SEO elements, enhancing content quality, or reassessing the search intent behind those keywords.

Use conversion data to prioritise your efforts, focusing on long-tail keywords that not only drive traffic but also lead to meaningful actions on your site.

If you notice that some long-tail keywords drive traffic but not conversions, review the content to check it aligns with user intent and includes clear calls to action. Play around with different content formats or page layouts to improve performance.

Remember that search trends and algorithms are constantly evolving, so regular analysis and adjustment of your long-tail keyword research strategy is crucial. Don’t be afraid to pivot your approach based on new data insights. By continually refining your long-tail keyword research strategy, you can maximise its effectiveness and drive sustainable growth in your organic search performance.

Conclusion

Correctly researched long-tail keywords can significantly enhance your SEO efforts and drive more qualified site traffic. If you adopt the long-tail keyword research strategies outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to find and use long-tail keywords effectively. Start incorporating these valuable phrases into your content strategy today and watch your organic search performance soar!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you sign up for a program or make a purchase using my link.

Google Updates – are they killing your blog?

Since the “Helpful” Content update in September 2022, Google began increasing the update frequency.

We all thought it was a blip and, in time, would sort itself out, but it caused many websites to decline to the point that people gave up.

The August (2024) update caused significant volatility 😒

Initially, there were huge spikes, and everyone got excited their website had taken off.

“Order the yacht, Sammy.”

“Yes, sir, shall I book the Bentley, too?”

Then, traffic plunged like a big fat fish off Niagra Falls.

Dismally, we all watched our hard-earned traffic descending faster than the speed of a politician submitting their monthly expenses.

Now, it’s like Google can’t make its mind up.

Even the “experts” are expressing dismay.

Read:  ChatGPT Prompts for SEO: An Effective Way to Rank Content

What the Heck Does Google Want?

The truth is that what Google tells us it wants is often the furthest from what it actually wants.

SEO experts like me can handle that, just about. But if you have limited SEO experience and keep doing the same things, getting your blog content to rank is becoming more challenging.

It’s a hard enough job for bloggers to keep coming up with fresh ideas, researching evergreen topics, keyword research, semantics, images, publishing and updating aged content.

Then Google updates undo your hard work. Google repeatedly twiddles with the algorithms, so everybody gets confused about how to get their bloody content to rank.

I’m an SEO writer. I know the types of content that google loves, regardless of the updates.

My content ranks on featured snippets & page one. Still, from the last few updates, I began thinking Google might not be a reliable source of traffic long-term.

In addition, the new AI feature that gives you an instant answer is not half bad.

I’m ashamed to admit that I use this AI feature for snippets of information I need or to help formulate a paragraph when my brain refuses to cooperate.

And I bet I’m not alone.

I began exploring additional search engines and focused on Pinterest.

I took two courses on Pinterest marketing, SEO & pin design.

Start A Pinterest Marketing Strategy

Pinterest is a search engine – it’s a slow burn but 100% worth the effort.

6-12 months of consistent pinning & you’ll have a solid traffic source.

Many people I talk to on IG Threads make a full-time income from a Pinterest strategy.

It will 100% send traffic to your website if you curate blog posts or YouTube content that address your audience’s problems.

I curate every blog post I write by pinning it on Pinterest.

My enthusiasm for Pinterest, led me to make a couple of simple mistakes in June and lost my first Pinterest account ☹. I was heartbroken when Pinterest deactivated my account. I’d spent months building it up, and I was at 9k monthly views and getting outbound links and saves.

It’s impossible to speak with a human on Pinterest. When you submit appeals, the responses come from a bot. The challenge is you can’t get into your Pinterest account to correct the mistakes.

I made four appeals. Nothing worked. So, I opened a new account.

Before opening a Pinterest account, please read the article about my Pinterest suspension, what I did wrong and what we should do. The post has the link to Pinterest Community Guidelines, which I suggest you read before pinning.

When you’re ready to get started, I have a low-cost offer for 60 Pinterest pin templates. These are based on the training I did on the Pinterest pin design course.

I also recommend a couple of free Pinterest courses.

Make YouTube Your Third Traffic Source

YouTube is another powerful search engine, and it’s entirely possible to succeed with a faceless account.

Curate your blog content to YouTube because Google is big into video.

That’s my intention when I can get over my procrastination hump.

Take your top-performing blog content – page one ranking and snippets – and create video content. Check the top videos on Google and create better content.

Read: Profitable YouTube Niches: 17 Best Income-Earners

If you don’t have articles ranking on page one, check what position they rank and select the ones highest. Open a free Ubersuggest account to check these statistics.

Use SEO keywords in the YouTube descriptions and add your website link so people can read the article if they wish. That acts as a powerful backlink for your website.

Read: Profitable Faceless YouTube Ideas: 7 Amazing Opportunities

Social Media Marketing vs Search Engine Marketing

I’m implementing a social media marketing strategy, working through Catalyst Collective, an Instagram business growth program with an ex-Meta executive.

The training is fantastic for any business that wants to grow from social media marketing. Still, my long-term goal is to focus 85% on search engine marketing.

Search engine marketing is less stressful & time-consuming. Plus, if you use the 3-pronged approach I suggest, you can create a consistent, long-term source of income.

I started social media marketing during April 24. Honestly, it’s been a vertical learning curve. I understand platforms like LinkedIn, but TikTok – a virtual lunatic asylum – and Instagram baffled me, especially Instagram Stories.

The algorithms change so frequently on these platforms that nobody can keep up.

Instagram randomly bans hashtags but doesn’t tell you about it. You suddenly get an account restriction or ban. Check MetaHashTags to find banned tags. For instance, “make money online” is a banned hashtag.

A gazillion people on Instagram are pushing the “make money online” business, so that’s tricky.

Read: Tips for YouTube Growth: How Top YouTubers Succeed

Conclusion

Every business relies on a regular traffic source. If nobody is viewing your website, making a consistent income is tricky.

Google updates will continue to disrupt traffic. That’s a given.

Get your own back on Google by building a Pinterest and YouTube strategy. Both platforms will drive traffic to your website and help push your content higher.

In addition, you can eventually monetise your YouTube channel and promote digital products, courses, memberships, affiliate products and more on top of money from ad revenue.

Start now, build and scale and within 12 months, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner.

I wish I’d started years ago.

ChatGPT prompts for SEO blog writing save me hours of work each week. Where I used to spend considerable time researching keywords and semantics, I now use generative AI like ChatGPT and Claude AI.

The best ChatGPT prompts for SEO I’m sharing today is only two sentences, but the results you will get from it are spectacular.

Most new bloggers want to know how to use ChatGPT for SEO keyword research. After all, the generative AI doesn’t connect to a live feed. ChatGPY prompts for content writing are becoming more popular, but add in a ChatGPT SEO tool and you’re firing on all cyclinders.

Here’s a quick & easy way to SEO optimise your articles for keyword semantics using generative AI like ChatGPT

ChatGPT SEO Prompt Results

Are ChatGPT prompts for content writing any good?

After inputting the ChatGPT SEO prompt, you will get a helpful selection of keywords to use with your article. The following list is an example of what to expect from this two-sentence ChatGPT SEO prompt.

Primary Keywords

When planning an article, having multiple primary keyword choices gives you options to write more content.

A primary keyword is the specific keyword for your content, but most people don’t realise that you can rank for dozens of other keywords in your articles.

Secondary Keywords

You want at least 4-5 secondary keywords to help build out your content so that the Google bots quickly grasp what your article is about.

I used to only do one primary keyword and a handful of secondary keywords before discovering the benefits of the following on-page SEO options.

Long-Tail Keywords

Primary and secondary keywords may be one or two words. Long-tail keywords are more like search phrases, short sentences that someone would type into the Google search box.

These keywords are often typically less competitive and may have lower search volume than primary and secondary keywords. They may have a higher conversion rate, so you stand a better chance of ranking.

I always use long-tail keywords and attribute them to getting most of my content on page one SERPs and top featured snippets.

Long-tail keywords are helpful for building an FAQ section at the end of your articles.

Questions To Target For Search Intent

If you use Answer the Public, it gives you an overall view of search intent. These days, search intent is king for ranking content. Knowing your target audience’s questions enables you to centre your content around that search intent.

Geographical Variations For Local SEO

If you want local customers, you must focus on local SEO. ChatGPT prompts for SEO like this one, provides these terms, for example, “Where can I buy X in (location)?”

Related Terms (Industry-Specific Phrases)

Your niche, whatever it is, will have multiple industry-specific phrases that you can use within your content. Again, much like all of these examples, it helps Google bots quickly understand the context of your article.

Semantic Variants (Synonyms & Phrases)

SEO software like SurferSEO springboard their SEO success by identifying an impressive list of synonyms and phrases relative to the primary keyword and title.

Within this prompt, you can specify the number of semantics you require. If you want high numbers of semantics, I suggest asking ChatGPT to list them alphabetically because some won’t be relevant.

LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) Keywords

Latent semantic indexing keywords differ from synonyms, even though they’re still words and phrases relative to your primary keyword. LSI keywords help the bots understand the intent of your article.

If your article was about the benefits of a Keto diet, LSI keyword examples could be “blood sugar,” “ketogenesis,” and “high protein.”

Don’t worry too much about LSI keywords because ChatGPT will give you the answer with this prompt.

Keyword Variations With Adjectives

We use descriptive keyword modifiers, particularly in titles and headings. Sprinkle them into your content, too.

For example, for an article about Pinterest courses, a descriptive modifier would be “best Pinterest courses,” affordable Pinterest courses and “free Pinterest courses.”

Keyword modifiers work because browsers often use them in searches.

Competitive Keywords

One of the tasks I do when working on a new article is finding the top competitor in SERPs. I then paste the content into ChatGPT or Claude and ask the generative AI to pull out the keywords in that content.

ChatGPT prompts for SEO, like this two-sentence one, don’t give you a comprehensive list of competitive keywords, but it’s a good starting point when combined with all the elements from this SEO prompt.

Save Hours On Keyword Research

This sweet prompt saves me hours and hours of work researching keyword semantics, and it costs me nothing 😎

I can genuinely say this SEO AI prompt has helped cut my content creation process down by at least two hours per article. In addition, I don’t invest in expensive SEO software. Even though they all work well, you can anticipate spending $99+ to use SEO software.

THE PROMPT

“You are an SEO expert and writing an article about <insert article subject or your primary keyword>. Please provide keyword semantics for this article.”

Thank me later, because this prompt is the bees flipping knees.

If you don’t understand the power of keyword semantics, layering them into your article helps the bots understand the context, which builds topical authority and increases the chance of ranking.

I added around 35 keyword semantics to a client’s article this morning. It will be their first published blog post, and I am confident it will rank well.

Why?

Because I have written SEO content for four years and have got clients’ content consistently on page one without fail.

Without using expensive SEO tools, my site has 574 organic ranking keywords (within six months), which, according to Ubersuggest (a free SEO tool by industry-recognised SEO expert, Neil Patel), is “Great” 😀

I have 77 published articles (Oct 24). Many rank page-one SERPs within 48 hours, and I have multiple top-featured snippets.

Articles I wrote for ex-clients in 22/23 still rank on page one.

I am the hidden, introverted gem who hasn’t shouted enough from the rooftops about my skills, enjoyment and passion for playing the SEO game and winning the Google first prize.

I’m doing a bit of rooftop shouting now as I’m ready to take on a couple more lovely clients.

Is ChatGPT Content Good for SEO?

Never post ChatGPT content directly from copy and paste. It’s essential to use the ChatGPT content ONLY as a framework to build out your articles.

Most importantly, always use a plagiarism checker. Most times, ChatGPT plagiarises content. I edit my articles with Grammarly Premium and ChatGPT ALWAYS has at least 2-3% plagiarism.

Use ChatGPT to help with brainstorming. Starting an article from scratch is hard work. If you have a bit of copy from ChatGPT, your brain can better anchor onto the articles theme. After that, it becomes easier to start writing.

I know some people publish directly from ChatGPT content, but I advise against that practice. Don’t be lazy. This prompt saves hours, so why skimp on publishing quality content?

Conclusion

Test out this two-sentence SEO prompt. I am confident you will love the results.

Combine all the keywords and semantics into each article, and you should see them ranking in SERPs much faster than usual.

Pillar posts and content clusters? What are they, and do you need to understand how to use them?

Yes. If you’re new to blogging, you may not be familiar with pillar posts and content clusters, but understanding could make a significant difference to your content ranking.

It’s a proven way of structuring content that helps Google bots understand your content and assess authority.

By the end of this article, you will have a full grasp and understanding of using pillar posts and content clusters to drive on-page SEO.

What Type of Content Does Google Want?

Google wants content that satisfies its users. That content should be informative and authoritative. Not in a strict teachery way but more so by demonstrating your expertise in a subject.

Considering the millions of websites online, how can you demonstrate expertise and rocket your SEO efforts?

Suppose you have a niche website focusing on weird fruits (yes, that does exist). You want Google bots to understand your website is about strange fruits, and you want it to rank for everything about weird fruits, including content like the following:

• Recipes
• Different types of fruit
• Benefits of the fruit
• Potential risks for individual fruits
• Countries of origin
• Anything and everything related to weird fruits

You could go deeper into narrowing your niche and create a content-driven website for weird fruit recipes.

Within the clusters, you can use the types of blog content that Google loves, such as listicles, comparisons, reviews and in-depth content.

What Are Pillar Posts and Content Clusters?

In this section, I will clarify the meaning and purpose of pillar posts and content clusters.

What Is a Pillar Post?

A pillar post is a central hub for related website content to establish topical authority in SEO. It’s a comprehensive article that covers a broad topic in great depth.

It links internally to more specific, related content and is typically longer than regular blog posts. For example, your pillar post could be 4,000 words or more, and your content clusters could be between 1000+ words.

The largest pillar post I wrote for a client was 8,000 words.

I needed to lie in a dark room for a week afterwards. It was exhausting. However, once done, you have a spectacular pillar post.

Another option is to create a course or eBook from your pillar post. Sell it or use it as a lead magnet.

Pillar posts are key in content marketing strategies, helping organise information and improve user navigation.

Should You Create New Pillar Content?

• Does the topic have good search volume? Great, that’s a positive.
• Do you have existing content that covers the pillar topic? If so, consider updating the content into a more comprehensive article instead of starting from scratch
• Do you have existing content that could become content clusters? If so, great. You already have a bank of content to work with.
• Is the topic something you want to cover in detail? If yes, get started. If not, don’t put yourself through the pain of trying to write about something that makes your soul weep.

What Are Content Clusters?

Content clusters are groups of related content posts that centre around a pillar post and are great for organising website content.

Each post links internally, connecting all the pieces and the pillar posts.

Content Clusters Typically Include:

• A pillar page (main, broad topic)
• Multiple subtopic articles
• Internal links connecting all pieces

Content clusters help search engines understand your site’s structure and expertise in specific subject areas.

Here’s an example:

Head Term: Forex Trading

Pillar Post: The Psychology of Forex Trading

Cluster Examples:

• Best Time to Trade for Mental Clarity
• X Steps To Know When To Close A Trade
• X Things I Stopped Doing That Made Me a Better Forex Trader

You could create an almost limitless number of content clusters for some subjects, and that’s the point. Linking all of these articles together makes a powerful site map.

Why Are Pillars And Content Clusters Good For SEO?

In a nutshell, pillars and content clusters are an SEO strategy you must use if you want your content to rank.

This structure improves site navigation and user experience.

It demonstrates to search engines the depth and breadth of a site’s expertise on a particular subject.

This approach shifts the focus from creating isolated, ranking-oriented content to developing a cohesive, topic-based content ecosystem that establishes authority and improves search visibility.

Most people write random individual articles and add a few internal links. However, that’s a weak content strategy, if it can be described as a strategy at all.

Look at the the bigger picture as it will improve your SEO overall.

Quick Summary of The Benefits of a Pillar and Cluster Content Strategy:

• Improved Content Relevance: Align your blog content with user intent.
• Better Internal Linking: Pillars and clusters seamlessly make creating a web of internal links between hundreds of posts effortless.
• Builds Topical Authority: It will help your website gain authority (which increases backlinking potential)
• It Improves The User Experience: Once someone lands on your site, pillars and clusters can help keep them clicking.
• Can Help Your Site Navigate Updates: Over the last few years, some sites’ traffic decimation has become an issue in Google updates. The more robust your content is, the less chance of a significant drop in traffic. Be aware that it still happens. Since the August 2024 update, traffic volatility has been a pain in the neck.

How to Create An SEO Content Strategy

The first step is to understand your niche and your audience. Knowing user intent is vital for creating a robust content strategy.

Spend time thoroughly researching before writing a word.

• What is the niche?
• Who is your target audience (create your customer avatar)?
• What problems do your audience have that keep them awake? Try using –
  • Answer the Public
  • Google your keyword, then note the “people also ask” in SERPs
  • When searching for a keyword term, note the drop-down options under the search box
• How do your products or services help your audience?
• What are the potential obstacles/objections?
• Research anything else specific to your target audience.
• What the general obstacles are to the audienc

Conclusion

You’ll find multiple 4k+ word articles on Google regarding pillar posts and content clusters, but there’s no need to overcomplicate the subject.

Build out each pillar post with as many content clusters as possible and internally link them all.

That’s it in a nutshell.

Have fun, and let me know your results.

Common SEO mistakes beginners make are easily avoided by checking through this list.

SEO (search engine optimisation) needn’t be complicated. Indeed, the simpler you keep it, the better.

Failure to address some of these SEO mistakes beginners make can hurt your search rankings.

Understanding these common SEO mistakes and learning how to fix them is crucial to driving traffic, improving visibility, and ranking higher on SERPs (search engine results pages).

In this guide, we’ll walk you through 15 common SEO mistakes beginners make and provide actionable tips to avoid them.

#1: Ignoring Keyword Research

Beginners often assume they know what their audience is searching for and skip proper keyword research. I get it. SEO tools like Ahrefs, Google Keyword Planner, and SEMrush help identify high-traffic, relevant keywords that align with search intent but are expensive.

You can use free keyword research tools such as Ubersuggest and Google Keyword Planner. You can also get ideas from Answer the Public.

Without research, you may target irrelevant terms or miss opportunities to rank for valuable keywords.

#2: Keyword Stuffing 

In an attempt to rank for a particular keyword, beginners often overuse it in content unnaturally. Unfortunately, keyword stuffing could incur search engine penalties.

Content should be readable for humans and not written in a way that doesn’t make sense. Google prioritises helpful content that flows naturally and provides value to its users.

Pick a primary keyword and use it around 2-3 times per 1,000 words. Research primary keywords and semantics because adding these to your content helps the bots make sense of your content.

#3: Neglecting Article Title Tags and Meta Descriptions 

Add meta tags – descriptions and title tags – to your content. It makes your content more easily understood by users and search engines.

If these elements aren’t optimised or are missing, search engines might pull random snippets of text to display in search results, reducing the chances of users clicking through to your site.

Ideally, add your primary keyword at the beginning of the title and the meta description.

Example

Primary keyword: smooth-coated dog breeds

Title: 14 Smooth-Coated Dog Breeds That Are Perfect Family Pets

Meta Description: 14 smooth-coated dog breeds that are the perfect pet for all the family. Discover everything about these family-friendly breeds from a dog behaviourist.

Titles should be up to 60 characters, and descriptions should be up to 160 characters.

#4: Not Optimising for Mobile 

With more users browsing on mobile devices, search engines like Google have adopted a mobile-first indexing approach.

Websites that are not mobile-friendly, with tiny text, poor site structure, slow-loading images and complicated navigation, or content that doesn’t resize properly will see drops in search engine rankings, and visitors will likely leave.

#5:  Using Non-Descriptive URLs 

A common beginner’s mistake is creating URLs (slugs) that don’t describe a page’s content (e.g., “www.website.com/page1”).

Descriptive URLs help users and search engines understand the page’s purpose. A well-structured URL should include relevant keywords and be easily readable.

For instance, for the doggy keyword, a suitable URL would be www.website.com/smooth-coated-dog-breeds

#6: Ignoring Local SEO 

For businesses serving a local area, optimising for local search terms is essential.

Beginners often forget about creating or optimising their Google My Business profile, using location-based keywords, or building local citations.

Neglecting local SEO means you could miss out on business from nearby potential customers searching for your services.

#7: Overlooking Site Speed 

Page speed is a crucial ranking factor.

Slow-loading websites frustrate users, increasing bounce rates and reducing dwell time, negatively impacting SEO.

Compressing images, using browser caching, deleting inactive plug-ins and reducing JavaScript and CSS bloat are essential for improving site speed.

#8: Failing to Build Internal Links

Your content needs internal links. It helps search engines to crawl your site effectively and distribute link authority (or PageRank) across your pages.

Beginners often forget to add internal links to posts and pages. That leads to orphaned pages (pages with no links to them), poor site structure, and missed SEO opportunities.

When developing your content strategy, focus on starting with a pillar post with multiple content clusters so you can interlink all of the content.

#9:  Not Optimising Images 

Large image files can hinder your website’s speed.

Beginners often overlook image optimisation by failing to compress image sizes. Avoid using big PNG files. JPEG images are smaller.

Alt text (adding relevant alternative text to an image file) is essential for accessibility and gives search engines more context about the image, which can help with image search rankings.

#10: Lack of Quality Backlinks 

Backlinks from established, high domain authority (DA) websites are a strong ranking signal, but beginners often focus on getting as many backlinks as possible without regard for quality.

Spammy or irrelevant backlinks can lead to Google penalties. Building organic, high-quality links from reputable sources in your niche is essential.

You can check your backlinks and scores with Ubersuggest.

#11: Ignoring User Experience (UX) 

SEO isn’t just about keeping the search engines happy; it’s also about creating a positive user experience.

Websites with confusing navigation, poor design, slow page load times, or excessive ads deter visitors. High bounce rates and low dwell times send negative signals to search engines, impacting rankings.

If you have an in-depth, heavy word-count article, intersperse images throughout the content.

To improve the user experience, have plenty of white space on the page, with no more than 3-4 sentences per paragraph.

#12: Not Updating Aged Content 

Many beginners create content and then leave it untouched.

However, outdated content that no longer reflects current trends, facts, or search intent may drop in rankings over time.

Regularly updating content ensures it remains relevant and aligned with evolving search queries. Additionally, periodically updating content helps with organic ranking.

#13: Not Using Analytics Tools 

SEO is a data-driven process. Without using SEO tools like Google Analytics and Search Console, beginners miss critical insights on how their website performs.

These tools provide data on keyword rankings, traffic sources, user behaviour, and potential issues, helping to refine SEO strategy.

For example, you can see which articles get the most clicks and target your content strategy to provide more of that content and link internally with the high-performing content.

#14: Ignoring Voice Search Optimisation 

As voice assistants like Siri and Alexa are becoming more popular, optimising for voice search becomes crucial.

Voice search queries are longer and more conversational, and beginners often forget to target these long-tail keywords.

Optimising content to answer common questions and using natural language increases the chances of ranking in voice search results.

#15: Overlooking HTTPS Security 

Security is a ranking factor, and websites that don’t use HTTPS encryption are marked as “Not Secure” by browsers like Google Chrome.

An insecure site deters users from trusting your site and can hurt your search engine rankings. Beginners often skip this critical step, leaving their sites vulnerable and less competitive in search results.

Conclusion

By avoiding these basic 15 SEO mistakes, beginners can set themselves up for long-term SEO success.