Writing SEO optimized articles is like dating an algorithm with commitment issues. You want to impress Google, charm readers, and not sound like a robot in the process. It’s a delicate dance between pleasing the gods of search engines and not boring actual humans to death. So, let’s walk through this process with a mix of laughter, logic, and lots of (keyword) love.
Step 1: Keyword Research
Before you write a single word, you must consult the almighty Oracle—Google’s autocomplete. Type in “how to write…” and see what humanity is confused about today. This is where you find your focus keyword—aka, the magical phrase your entire article will kneel before.
Pro Tip: Tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, and Ubersuggest help. But don’t ignore your gut. If your keyword sounds like a sneeze or ancient spell (“best CRM tools for AI-integrated lead magnet optimization 2025”), maybe rethink your niche—or exorcise it.
Step 2: Titles That Slap (and Rank)
Your title must do the following:
- Contain your keyword.
- Be click-worthy but not clickbaity.
- Spark enough curiosity to make a cat nervous.
Here’s a bad example:
“SEO Writing.”
Here’s a better one:
“10 Outrageously Effective Tips for SEO Writing That Even Google Can’t Ignore.”
See the difference? One sounds like a dusty textbook. The other? Like a party you want an invite to.
Step 3: Write for Humans, Optimize for Robots
The paradox of our time. Google says, “write naturally,” but also wants your keyword every 1.3% of the time like it’s seasoning in a recipe.
Here’s how to do both:
- Introduce your keyword early, like a celebrity at a charity gala.
- Sprinkle it throughout—not dump it like a clumsy chef with a salt shaker.
- Use synonyms. If your keyword is “how to write SEO optimized articles,” throw in phrases like “SEO writing,” “ranking content,” or “keyword kung-fu.” Okay, maybe not that last one.
Step 4: Structure Like a Skyscraper (But Friendlier)
Use headings. Lots of them. Like breadcrumbs for a very distracted Hansel and Gretel.
Your structure should look like this:
- H1: One per article. It’s the boss.
- H2s: Big points.
- H3s: Sub-points.
- H4s: Sub-sub-points or emergency backup dancers.
Bonus: Bullet points and numbered lists are your BFFs. They make content digestible, even if your reader has the attention span of a goldfish on espresso.
Step 5: Write Like a Human Who Had Coffee and Is in a Good Mood
This is important: Your tone should not sound like you’re trying to sell toothpaste in 1927.
Instead:
- Be conversational.
- Use contractions. (Google’s cool with it now, promise.)
- Toss in humor, idioms, or the occasional dad joke.
- Ask rhetorical questions—like this one—to engage the reader.
- Break the fourth wall once in a while. It’s fun. See? I’m doing it right now.
Step 6: Internal Linking – Because Past You Deserves Love
Link to your other articles. It’s SEO magic and helps you look like the content hoarder you are.
Example: “Want to know how to write blog intros that don’t suck? Click here (but read this one first).”
External links are good too. Just make sure you’re linking to reliable sources, not some dude’s MySpace blog from 2006.
Step 7: Meta Descriptions – Your 150-Character Pickup Line
Think of your meta description as your Tinder bio for Google. You have one sentence to impress.
Bad:
“This article is about SEO.”
Good:
“Learn how to write SEO optimized articles with hilarious tips, useful tricks, and zero jargon-induced migraines.”
Step 8: Image Alt Text – For Robots Who Can’t See
Your images need descriptions that explain what’s going on. Yes, even if it’s a cat in a suit. Especially if it’s a cat in a suit.
Alt text example:
“Cat wearing a suit typing an SEO article on a laptop.”
Why? Because Google’s blindfolded in this department and needs the play-by-play.
Step 9: Call to Action – Beg, Bribe, or Charm
Your reader made it this far. Now tell them what to do next:
- Comment below.
- Share this masterpiece.
- Join your newsletter.
- Send you coffee.
- Name their firstborn after you (optional).
Step 10: Don’t Forget the FAQs – Because Google’s a Nosy Nelly
FAQs help you rank for long-tail keywords and make your content look smarter than it really is. Use questions people actually ask:
FAQs
Q1: Is keyword stuffing still a thing?
Yes, and it’s still a terrible thing. Don’t do it unless you want to get ghosted by Google.
Q2: How long should my SEO article be?
Long enough to cover the topic, short enough to not cause existential crises. Around 1,500–3,000 words is the sweet spot.
Q3: Can I use humor in SEO writing?
Absolutely. If your niche allows it, humor helps engagement. Just don’t turn it into a stand-up set.
Q4: How often should I use my focus keyword?
Aim for a keyword density of about 1–2%. But if it sounds unnatural, tone it down.
Q5: Do I need to update old SEO articles?
Yes! Google loves fresh content like it loves algorithm updates—frequently and without warning.
Q6: Should I include a conclusion?
Yes. And here it comes…
Conclusion: SEO Writing Doesn’t Have to Suck
Writing SEO optimized articles can feel like solving a Rubik’s cube blindfolded, underwater, while being judged by an AI shark. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Use this guide to mix structure with sass, keywords with clarity, and SEO with a splash of soul.
And remember: If all else fails, just picture Google as a picky librarian who also enjoys memes.