Putting out high-quality content can work wonders for your traffic and list building goals. For one, it builds you as an authority figure. People start to trust you more, which will have them linking to you and talking about you more. It’s also exactly what Google is looking for, which means you’ll quickly see big boosts in search traffic.
So how do you create high quality content that people and search engines love?
Start With an Interesting Title & Concept
Your title plays two crucial roles. First, gets people on your website to stop and read. But what many webmasters don’t realize is the role it plays in Google. Your title is what people see in search results – it’s the main piece of information they use to decide if they click on the link and come to your site. It’s your headline in the search engines.
If you’re writing about toddlers needing sleep, a title such as “my sleepy toddler” will not cut it. Instead, use something like “Why toddlers need naps” to grab the attention of both search engines and readers.
Make it Emotionally Engaging
People want to have an engaging experience when they’re reading content. Even if their primary goal is educational, it still helps to make your content engaging. Add in personal stories, interesting anecdotes or a dash of personality to help keep people engaged.
Explain Concepts in Easy to Understand Language
Avoid using jargons. Use simple language that an 8th grader could understand, even if you’re describing a complex topic. Make sure your readers walk away with several “aha” nuggets of knowledge.
Build Out Evergreen Content
Evergreen content refers to content that isn’t seasonal. Instead, it addresses questions and needs that people will have for months and years to come. Use tools like online forums, blog comments and the Google Keyword Tool to find questions that people ask regularly. Address those questions.
Quality Over Quantity
The first and most important factor of your website’s success will be the quality of your website’s content. Quantity – how many articles you publish – is secondary to the depth of the information you share.
Publish at least one in-depth, information packed article every month. Naturally, the more often you can publish these types of articles, the better. But don’t sacrifice quality for quantity.
Add Pictures!
Web statistics show that users tend to stay on pages with images far longer than plain text pages. Add screenshots and illustrations to demonstrate the concepts you’re talking about. Add photographs of real life events. Or use stock photos to add some pizazz to your content.
If you publish this kind of content regularly, in a few weeks or months you’ll find your website’s traffic growing by leaps and bounds and help you build your email list.
What I suggest is you write a new piece of in-depth content. Spend some time making sure you have both an interesting idea to share, as well as an attention catching title. Ensure it is emotionally engaging and any concepts you describe are easy to understand. Include a picture, screenshot or stock photo when adding it to your website.
Plan a minimum of 3 more pieces to be written throughout the next 30 days.