You can consider this entry as my first post on this blog (as the first is only a welcome note for you). And I can say that it just deserves its position on this page. Want to learn why? Read on.
I am proud to say that I am now a certified freelance writer– I worked hard for it and it paid off. My pursuit to build a value provider reputation in this industry has not been easy and so it is no wonder that I am willing to do anything to keep such a reputation and continually satisfy clients. Having these said, let me introduce you to one of the most valuable category on this page; WHAT I’VE LEARNED TODAY.
WHAT I’VE LEARNED TODAY
I believe that it is my responsibility to myself and to my clients to continually grow as a writer. It is not enough that I provide them unique articles of excellent quality. I need to improve on my craft and cope with the dynamic needs of my clients. And one of the areas that I would need to do further reading is SEO.
I am fairly familiar with the SEO concept. I always encounter it as a blog and article writer. The scenario: Clients would give me keywords and specific instructions on how to work on them; and that’s it! I knew exactly the purpose of the given task but I still feel a little uncomfortable of just following ‘keyword placement’ instructions without knowing the reason behind their specified locations. As a writer, part of my job is to ensure the ‘effectivity’ of my writings to its target audience– and of course for them to work for my client’s best interests thus making SEO a part of my business.
So started my efforts to learn more about it.
As my first entry for What I’ve Learned Today category, I am now to share my gradual introduction to the deepest of the SEO world. Writing about it is beneficial to me as it acts as a review for the SEO lessons recently learned. It is also beneficial to you as you can follow me on my ‘slow but sure’ journey towards an ‘SEO-touched’ writing career which in turn would familiarize you with the topic as well. We would take these learn and live each lessons one day at a time in order to avoid confusion. And for our first stop; SEO for Beginners.
SEO for Beginners
Let us define SEO.
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is a collection of strategies that website owners, SEO specialists, link builders and now even web content writers apply in order to drive better site traffic from search engines. There are two areas that you need to be aware of if you plan to do a through study on this topic– ON-PAGE SEO and OFF-PAGE SEO. How do they differ?
ON-PAGE SEO are simply the efforts (techniques) you apply within your website in order to rank better on search engine searches. OFF PAGE SEO on the other hand are your efforts which have gone beyond the boundaries of your website. We would cite examples for these on my succeeding posts. For now, let us avoid information overload by staying within the ‘basics’ of SEO.
Another thing that you should know are the kinds of keywords. If you are a writer like me, you might have already noticed that your clients are very particular with these. Most have specific instructions that keywords be used as is and keywords be strictly placed on given locations. You might be wondering why. The kinds of keywords would explain why.
Broad Keywords are like industry terms– they are very short and not specific. It is hard to rank using these keywords (as you would surely have plenty of competitors using the same keyword) but attempts with successful endings pay off well.
Specific Keywords contain many adjectives thus generating a targeted search. It is easy to rank for but can only attract fewer website visitors.
Unique and Branded Keywords. Keywords that you own and that are only specific to your company. They are like freebies so make sure you maximize their use.
Now that you know the basics of SEO, your next goal is to ‘know where and how to start’. I’d keep you clued up on my latest learnings but I guess this is enough for now.
Seo Content Writing
June 4, 2009
Great going friend. It’s not easy to be a freelance writer considering the stress and hardwork involved. However if your good in understanding your business then no one can stop you from success.
Gem
July 20, 2009
A good start indeed. Even though I was not into freelance writing myself (it’s not something that I offer in freelance sites) I have to learn a bit of SEO in writing (off-page SEO) because it’s something that’s VERY useful in blogging. Besides I had to learn the technical side of SEO, not just understanding how to design SEO-friendly blogs and websites.
Great to you around.