BizUSA.com - Knowledge Tank

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) way of writing

By: John Park, 6/1/2008

Writing content for a web site is unlike writing for any other marketing vehicle. Even if it's difficult for you to accept because your high school English teacher might cringe in horror, you must adhere to certain search engine optimization standards if you want your web site to rank organically (free) in search engines. Here are some helpful writing tips for optimal search engine results.

1.	Utilizing Top Level Search Engine Keywords: Identity a list of keywords you would most likely type in to find your type of business at a search engine. Create this list and prioritize them in order. This list should be no longer than 10 keywords or phrases. As you write copy, utilize these keywords as much as you can without sounding grammatically incorrect or ridiculous because of overkill.

2.	Use of Acronyms: Avoid using acronyms unless specific acronyms are commonly known and used not only by your industry but by your potential prospects as well. Best method might be to use the actual phrase as well as the acronyms in parenthesis.

3.	Geo-Targeting: If you are looking to be identified as a local business as well as a nationwide company, you can geo-target by including names of countries, coasts, regions, areas, counties, cities, towns or neighborhoods. How can a Los Angeles business owner looking for a local provider find you if you don't have the words "Los Angeles" anywhere on your web site?

4.	Glossary of Terms: If you are in an industry that has to educate the prospect with terms or processes that are commonly used in the industry, a glossary of terms and definitions will help. It is always a plus to provide helpful or educational content on your web site.

5.	Links to Outside Resources: Search Engines like links to outside sources that relate to the topic of your web site. Do this only if the web links do not introduce prospects to potential competitors or resources you are “selling.”

To learn more about Search Engine Optimization and how BizUSA.com might be able to assist, please contact us today.

About The Author: John Park is a 16 year veteran of corporate sales, marketing & advertising and has held management and executive positions at Fortune 1000 companies as well as at start-ups. Prior to founding BizUSA.com, John served as the VP of Sales at VirtualRelocation.com which was acquired by Monster.com for over 70 million during his tenure. John is currently the Managing Creative Director of BizUSA.com. The Knowledge Tank articles are select excerpts from his new upcoming book.