Overview: What makes an article SEO-friendly
An SEO-friendly article solves a searcher’s problem. It uses simple structure, a clear focus keyword, and helpful formatting. It also loads fast, uses good images, and links to useful pages on your site.
- Search intent: match what readers want.
- One primary keyword, a few related terms.
- Helpful headings, short paragraphs, and lists.
- Original advice, examples, or data.
- Clean on-page SEO: title tag, meta description, slug.
- Internal links to related posts and key pages.
- Fast images with descriptive alt text.
Step 1: Research and pick your keyword
Start with your audience. What do they need? Turn needs into search terms. Then check volume and difficulty. Pick one primary keyword and two to four supporting keywords.
How to pick a target
- Use a tool like RightBlogger Keyword Research, Google Search, or Search Console.
- Choose a keyword with a clear intent you can satisfy.
- Check the top results. Note their headings, depth, and gaps.
- Plan something more useful, clearer, or more current.
Example: Primary keyword: how to write an SEO friendly article. Supporting: SEO article structure, on-page SEO checklist, SEO images.
Step 2: Create a clear outline
Outline your sections before you write. Use H2s for main sections and H3s for steps or examples. Keep a logical flow from problem to solution.
- Intro: state the problem and promise the solution.
- Steps or sections: teach the process in order.
- Examples or templates: help readers take action.
- FAQs: answer common questions.
- Conclusion: next steps and CTA.
Step 3: Write for people, optimize for search
Use short sentences, simple words, and active voice. Break up text with lists and images. Add examples and quick wins that a reader can use today.
Content tips
- Define terms the first time you use them.
- Use one idea per paragraph.
- Add internal links where they help the reader.
- Avoid fluff. Remove any sentence that does not help.
- Add a one-paragraph summary near the top or end.
Write the draft first. Then edit for clarity and SEO. Reading aloud helps you catch awkward lines.
Step 4: On-page SEO checklist
Title tag
- Length: 50 to 60 characters.
- Use the primary keyword near the front.
- Promise a clear benefit.
Meta description
- Length: 120 to 155 characters.
- Summarize the value. Include the main keyword.
- Add a soft call to action.
URL slug
- Short and readable; include the keyword. Example: /write-seo-friendly-article
Headings
- One H1 only. Use H2s for main sections and H3s for steps.
- Use keywords naturally, not in every heading.
Links
- Internal: link to two to five relevant posts or pages.
- External: cite a trusted source if you use data.
Schema
- Use Article or HowTo schema if you have steps.
- Add FAQ schema when you include FAQs.
Step 5: Images, alt text, and size
Images help readers and improve SEO. Use original graphics or royalty-free photos. Keep file sizes small for speed.
- Use descriptive file names. Example: seo-article-outline.png
- Add alt text that describes the image and ties to the topic.
- Compress images. Aim for under 200 KB when possible.
- Use a featured image that fits your theme and brand.
Step 6: Publish, internal links, and updates
Preview your post in your CMS. Check headings, spacing, images, and links. Add internal links from older posts to this new post. Submit your URL in Google Search Console. Share on social channels and email. Revisit the post in 4 to 8 weeks to improve it with new insights.
Simple posting flow
- Set title tag, meta description, and slug.
- Add featured image and alt text for all images.
- Link to related posts and cornerstone pages.
- Preview on mobile. Fix any layout issues.
- Publish, then fetch in Google Search Console.
FAQ
How long should an SEO article be?
Write as long as needed to fully answer the query. For guides, 1,000 to 1,800 words is common. Clarity beats length.
How many keywords should I use?
One primary keyword. Two to four related terms used naturally in headings and text.
Do images help SEO?
Yes. They improve engagement. Use alt text and small file sizes to keep pages fast.
How soon will I rank?
It depends on competition and site authority. New pages often take several weeks to a few months to settle.
Copy-paste SEO checklist
- Primary keyword chosen and search intent clear
- Outline with H2/H3s ready
- Helpful intro and scannable sections
- Original tips, examples, or data
- Title tag and meta description set
- Short URL slug with keyword
- 2 to 5 internal links added
- 1 to 2 trusted external sources cited
- Featured image set; all images compressed and have alt text
- FAQ section and optional FAQ schema
- Preview on mobile and desktop
- Submit URL in Search Console
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