Business
SEO Basics for Freelance Writers to Succeed in 2024
No one would argue if we described SEO as the oil that makes search engines run smoothly. It helps organize all the billions of pages online. At this point, it’s hard to find someone who doesn’t have an idea of what search engine optimization means or what it does. Everyone, especially writers and marketers, knows that SEO writing is one of the best ways to get the attention of your target audience and win them over to your side.
Today, there is more and more demand for SEO-savvy freelance writers, but the competition is also tough. This means you need to make yourself more attractive in the job market. How? By nailing SEO. Yet, even though there are tons of resources online already, figuring out where to start or what actually works can be a challenge. So, in this post, we are looking at the best starting point for the world of search engine optimization and share tips that will help you get tangible results for your clients.
What Is SEO Writing and Why Is It Crucial for Any Copywriter?
Writing takes many forms, but if you want to succeed at almost any of those – SEO writing should be your best friend. What makes it special? Search-engine-optimized content has a very specific and clear goal – getting ranked high in SERPs. For this, you have to create content that both provides value for your audience and satisfies Google’s requirements. And this requires a fine balance. This process involves a lot of steps, which may look extremely daunting, especially for a newbie. So why would anyone bother with it?
Well, just like businesses, freelancers also want to be noticed. This is how you get to attract clients at the end of the day. Turns out that SEO content writing is non-negotiable if you want to improve your online visibility as a brand or freelance writer. Whether you are writing for a client or for your own personal brand, you want your work to rank high in search engines, gain the right exposure, and attract more leads.
Think of it as a more sustainable way to get all the benefits of paid advertising but at a fraction of the cost or even for free. Of course, getting your content to rank is not an easy task. There are many equally good blogs, all jostling for the same spot. This is why so many freelance writers buy backlinks. Without link-building, your blog won’t rank fast (more on that later).
SEO Basics That Freelance Writers Must Know to Succeed in 2024
Every writer wants to get SEO conversions for their clients. While there are many aspects to consider, here is a breakdown of the most crucial SEO basics you need to succeed:
#1 Nail the Keyword Research to Know What You Should Aim For
Keyword research is the foundation of most SEO tactics. It is how you get to really understand your customers and learn what they struggle with and what they want to see online. You can use pretty much any SEO tool for this part, and it will help you uncover the specific phrases and search terms your target audience uses in their online searches.
It will also give you important insights about those keywords – like how popular and competitive they are, semantically related words that should be used next to your main keywords, and much more. Overall, there is simply no way to create quality content that resonates with your target audience and follows Google’s E-E-A-T without keyword research.
That’s why it is important to check what keywords you can target in your content. You can do it in any SEO tool (e.g., Semrush, Ahrefs, Moz, SurferSEO, etc.) you have access to. For example, below, we are using Semrush to find keywords for a blog on the best SEO software. First, pay attention to the search volume (i.e., is it worth targeting this keyword?) and keyword difficulty (i.e., can we target this keyword and rank well?).
Source: Semrush
Next, check keyword variations, questions users ask, and related keywords.
Source: Semrush
You can also use the Google search box, specifically the suggestions underneath the search bar, to see other relevant keyword ideas:
Source: Screenshot from Google search
This keyword research will help you write content that will rank better. As a result, more people can see it. Besides, you will understand the why behind those search queries, which is essential to creating truly useful content. This motive is what SEO specialists call search intent. The search intent can take any of these four main forms:
- Informational. This is when your target audience is just looking to get some details or learn more about something. For example, “What is digital marketing?”
- Navigational. This time they know exactly what they want. They just need directions to a physical location or a web page that explores a specific topic. For example, “Amazon returns.”
- Commercial. A person using keywords from this category is strongly leaning towards making a purchase but needs additional information on the best products or deals and reassurance that they’re on the right track. For example, “Best SEO software.”
- Transactional. The keywords in this category show that a user is ready to buy or sign up for a service. For example, “Buy iPhone 15 Pro.”
Pro tip: Keywords change with time, so if you want to keep up with the top freelance writers, do regular keyword research. This way, you will never miss any relevant trends or changes in the digital marketing space.
#2 Use Your Keywords Wisely (aka Keyword Optimization)
Now, you have all these keywords, but how do you use them? One word – strategically. You have to think of them as some tiny details in a detective movie – little sneaky clues, pictures, etc. Most people don’t even notice them, but when you do, you feel special. That’s how your keywords should feel like. They must seem so natural that an untrained eye won’t even pay attention to any optimization going on.
You also want to use your main keyword in the title, as well as the meta title and meta description. Plus, throw in a couple of keywords to your subheadings. As for the body text, spread your keywords evenly and organically. Make sure they blend in with the rest of your copy. Robin Waite recommends adding a keyword to your URL slug as well. This can help improve both user experience and search ranking.
This is how Semrush has integrated keywords into their blog on toxic backlinks. You can see keywords in their title, H2, H3, URL slug, and, of course, in the copy itself.
Source: Semrush
And this is how their meta title and meta description look:
Source: Screenshot from Google search
Pro tip: There is a fine line between keyword optimization and keyword stuffing. It’s important not to cross it. If your content is over-optimized, Google can remove your web page from search results completely (aka unindex it). The rule of thumb is to keep your keyword density at 1-3%, which means 1-3 keywords per 100 words of copy.
#3 Watch Out for Good Readability
Getting your content to show up on the first page of search results is great. But don’t get so invested in impressing the search engine that you forget about your human audience. This is where readability comes in. You want your readers to actually enjoy the time they spend going through your work. How can you pull this off?
Let’s see how it works in practice. Here is an excerpt from a blog post by Brian Dean on “Blogger Outreach”:
Source: Backlinko
And here is the readability score:
Source: Hemingway
A grade 5 readability score is a sweet spot and easy for anyone to understand. How can you get the same results?
- Write in a clear, simple, and conversational language. No one wants to break out a dictionary every few lines. And no one will, they will just close the tab and move on.
- Use subheadings (H2, H3, and H4), and keep your sentences short and sweet. Bullet points and numbered lists can make your text scannable. This makes it easy for both people and search engines to understand your message better.
- Structure your content in a logical way so it’s easy for your readers to follow along. There should be a logical progression of your information from the very beginning until the end. You can use an inverted pyramid strategy for that.
- Avoid passives at all costs. The more direct your copy is, the better.
- Try to make your content engaging and less of a cliche. You can add some jokes, stories, or questions to connect with your audience. Be creative and it will pay off.
Pro tip: You can use SEO tools like Hemingway and Grammarly to improve your grammar and readability. Make sure your readability score is no more than grade 8. Also, despite the controversy about using AI tools for writing, you can definitely improve your copy with that type of software if you know what you’re doing.
#4 Make Your Content Visually Appealing
The right image, SM post, video, diagram, and other visual assets in your content are like the perfect dessert after a full meal. It can add something quite enjoyable to the readers’ experience. It helps them grasp the message of your post and perceive the text better. But this only happens when you use images that are relevant to the topic explored in your article.
Here is a blog post by HubSpot with lots of quality visuals:
Source: HubSpot
And here is the traffic from the same page:
Source: Ahrefs
In the same way, you can leverage the power of images to grow your organic traffic. Just don’t forget to compress your media files so they don’t slow down your website’s loading speed. And, oh, adding alt texts with your keywords can also help make your content more visible in search results.
Pro tip: Always make sure that every visual you use is copyright-free and don’t forget to mention the source with a link.
#5 Do Your Link Building to Improve Visibility
SEO freelance writing can’t be complete without link building. Apparently, all the top-ranking pages in SERPs are those with at least 3.8x more backlinks than the others. So, how do you plan a link-building strategy that really works? The best advice is for you to focus only on links that:
- Come from relevant websites with good organic traffic and low spam scores.
- Have a natural backlink profile. This includes backlinks from diverse sources with different DR/DA ratings (but mostly high ones).
Links only go together with quality content. So make sure your copy is great and actually useful (not plagiarized or AI-generated). Besides, when you send your guest blog for publication, make sure you use diverse anchor texts – a mixture of brand anchors, keyword-based anchors, and general anchor texts.
For example, check out Ahrefs’ article on blog post ideas (something that freelance writers are constantly looking for).
Source: Ahrefs
And here are the backlinks leading to this page alone. Not bad, right? This is what quality content can do.
Source: Semrush
Pro tip: There’s more to link building than just publishing guest posts. You have to build a system with clear and transparent tracking. If you do link building by yourself, make sure you track every backlink you get. You don’t even need any fancy tool, even Excel can help you organize your external website optimization. Keeping an eye on the data that shows you how people interact with your content will let you know what works and what strategy to ditch.
Conclusion
SEO writing is a big part of any modern marketing strategy, and freelance writers nowadays must have a solid grasp of how it all works. This will not only boost your portfolio but also help you grow your credibility as a writer. Besides, if your writing can help businesses gain more awareness and conversions, you will never lack work.
Business
Reasons Why You Need a Skid Steer for Your Next Construction Project
Construction projects involve diverse and demanding tasks that require adaptable and reliable equipment. A skid steer is a highly versatile machine that can streamline operations, reduce costs, and significantly enhance project outcomes. Known for its compact size and robust performance, the skid steer has become an indispensable tool in the construction industry. This article explores the many reasons why adding a skid steer to your project can be a game-changing decision.
Unmatched Versatility in Construction
The skid steer stands out for its unmatched versatility in handling a wide range of construction tasks. With its ability to utilize skid steer attachments like buckets and augers, this machine is capable of digging, grading, lifting, and clearing debris. A single skid steer equipped with the right attachment can transition seamlessly from excavating a foundation to clearing a site, saving you the trouble and expense of sourcing multiple machines. This versatility reduces the number of tools required on-site and optimizes workflow, making it a preferred choice for projects of all sizes.
Compact Design for Maneuverability
Navigating tight and confined spaces on a construction site can be a significant challenge for traditional heavy machinery. The compact design of a skid steer makes it ideal for such scenarios, offering the ability to maneuver with precision in areas where larger equipment cannot operate effectively. Whether it’s squeezing into narrow alleys or working close to existing structures, a skid steer provides the control and flexibility needed to tackle such challenges. Its zero-turn capability and responsive controls allow operators to work efficiently, even in the most constrained environments. This makes the skid steer particularly valuable in urban construction projects and residential landscaping tasks, where space is often at a premium.
Impressive Power and Performance
Despite its relatively small size, the skid steer is a powerhouse capable of handling demanding tasks with ease. These machines are designed to deliver impressive power, enabling them to lift heavy loads, break through tough materials, and operate in harsh conditions without losing efficiency. A skid steer can move large volumes of dirt, load trucks with gravel, or clear snow quickly and effectively, even in adverse weather conditions. Its durability and strong engine performance ensure that it can handle rigorous workloads, making it a dependable choice for contractors looking for a machine that can perform consistently under pressure.
Cost-Effective Solution
A skid steer is not just an effective tool—it’s a cost-efficient investment for construction projects. The ability to use the same machine for multiple tasks eliminates the need to purchase or rent additional equipment, which can significantly reduce project expenses. For contractors, this means better allocation of resources and a higher return on investment. Skid steers are known for their fuel efficiency, especially when compared to larger machinery performing similar tasks. This fuel economy, coupled with reduced maintenance costs, further enhances their appeal as a practical and economical choice for both small and large-scale projects.
Simplified Maintenance and Longevity
Regular maintenance is important for the performance and longevity of construction equipment, and skid steers are designed to simplify this process. With accessible engine compartments, intuitive diagnostics, and a straightforward design, these machines make routine maintenance and repairs easy for operators and technicians. This accessibility minimizes downtime, ensuring that the machine remains operational when you need it most. When properly maintained, a skid steer can last for many years, providing consistent performance across multiple projects. Its durability and dependability make it a wise long-term investment, particularly for contractors who require reliable equipment for frequent use.
Enhanced Safety Features
Safety is a top priority on construction sites, and modern skid steers are equipped with advanced features to ensure operator and worker safety. From ergonomic cabin designs that improve visibility to stability systems that reduce the risk of tipping, these machines are built to minimize accidents. Many skid steers also come with backup cameras, emergency shut-off systems, and protective cabs that shield operators from falling debris. These safety features make the skid steer a secure option for both experienced operators and those new to heavy machinery. By using a skid steer, construction teams can maintain a safer working environment, reducing the likelihood of injuries and delays caused by accidents.
Increased Productivity and Efficiency
Time is a valuable resource in construction, and the skid steer’s ability to perform multiple tasks efficiently can greatly enhance productivity. Whether it’s moving materials across a site, preparing land for construction, or assisting in demolition work, a skid steer gets the job done faster than manual labor or less efficient machinery. This speed and efficiency help meet tight project deadlines and allow teams to redirect their focus to other critical aspects of the project. By integrating a skid steer into your operations, you can streamline workflows, reduce labor costs, and deliver projects on schedule—all of which contribute to better client satisfaction and a stronger reputation in the industry.
Ideal for Diverse Environments
Whether you’re working on rough terrain, muddy construction sites, or paved urban areas, this machine is engineered to perform consistently across different settings. Skid steers with tracks instead of wheels can navigate soft, uneven ground without losing traction, making them invaluable for projects in challenging landscapes. This adaptability ensures that a skid steer remains a reliable choice, no matter the conditions, allowing construction teams to maintain momentum and avoid delays caused by unsuitable equipment.
A skid steer is much more than just a piece of equipment; it’s a versatile and powerful solution that addresses a wide range of construction needs. From handling multiple tasks with ease to navigating tight spaces, the skid steer is a reliable workhorse that offers exceptional performance in various environments. Its compact design, combined with the ability to utilize specialized attachments, allows contractors to tackle diverse challenges efficiently without the need for additional machinery.
Whether you’re a contractor managing a large-scale commercial development or a homeowner working on a smaller landscaping project, incorporating a skid steer into your operations can elevate the quality of your work and streamline processes. By leveraging the versatility, power, and cost-effectiveness of a skid steer, you position your project for success and ensure that your team has the tools they need to deliver exceptional results. Investing in a skid steer is more than a practical decision—it’s a strategic move that enhances your ability to execute projects efficiently and professionally, making it a must-have for your next construction endeavor.
Business
Why Pest Control Isn’t Just for Homes: How Businesses Can Benefit from Professional Services
Pest control services mostly relate to homes, but their applicability is not limited to homes alone. To companies, pest control is not just a cleanliness issue but a necessity for companies’ image legal requirements and shielding their operations. Regardless of the business type, whether a restaurant, an office, or a warehouse, professional pest control assistance is of great importance to avoid infestations that may cause losses through property destruction, compromise health standards, or infringe regulatory laws.
They can compromise your company’s reputation, upset your team members, and render your workplace unhealthful.
This is why it pays to have access to reliable, seasoned, competent commercial pest control services. Although keeping a pest free home can lower expenses and minimize downtime, do-it-yourself projects are hardly effective.
Today, we will discuss a few reasons why it is wise to let the professionals handle things and what to expect from a commercial pest control business.
- Creating a Positive First Impression
Any company’s first image can either strengthen or sour client bonds. The sight of bugs could scare off potential customers and damage your business’s standing. Expert pest treatment guarantees that your property is free of pests, so presenting a friendly and professional image to your customers is much enhanced. Whether it’s a retail store, a restaurant, or an office, sanitation, and cleanliness speak volumes about the company’s management.
- Less Risk of Downtime
What if the equipment in your server room fails suddenly? What about the workroom printer or the computers in your staff members’ offices?
In a very short amount of time, rodents can cause great damage in your place of business. They can also break through cables and cords, shred boxes, demolish desks, and maybe gnaw through walls. It might be too late by the time you acknowledge their mess.
- Customized Solutions for Every Business
Every company is different, so there are requirements for pest management. Whether handling more complicated problems like bird control and termite protection or ordinary pests like ants and spiders, they offer complete services meant to handle the particular problems of every company. This customized technique guarantees efficient pest management that fits the company’s operations and financial constraints.
- Saving Time and Resources
If not done by professionals, in-house pest control management can be time-consuming and typically less successful. By contracting professionals to handle pest control, businesses can save time and money that would otherwise be spent on pest problems. This enables the personnel and management to concentrate on their main duties, guaranteeing that the company functions without the interruptions that pest problems might bring about.
- Healthy Work Environment
Last but not least, and most importantly for companies, pest treatment improves working conditions. Working in an office free of pests will make your staff safe and comfortable. Therefore, they will be more effective at work, which will greatly help your company. Apart from that, there is little likelihood of staff members being sick at their place of employment from pest infestation.
Takeaway
Knowing pest management benefits for organizations in 2024 makes us suppose you must be eager to know about the top pest control firms. Ignoring commercial pest treatment will sooner or later cause a setback from a serious pest invasion. Therefore, why let it happen and not schedule frequent pest control visits to keep these unwelcome visitors off your company?
Business
How to Improve Customer Experience in Restaurants
Every restaurant or cafe strives to create a memorable dining atmosphere. Demanding guests expect more than just delicious food; they want moments that leave a lasting impression. Meeting these expectations requires careful attention to every detail of their visit. From first greetings to final farewells, the little things matter. Let’s find out the best way to improve the quality of restaurant customer service and achieve impressive results.
Personalized Restaurant Experience: Excellence Beyond Food
Customizing every aspect of a diner’s visit can elevate the overall restaurant experience. Incorporating details and personalized touches in menu presentations, such as custom menu covers, will significantly elevate the ambiance. These small additions create a cohesive brand image while also offering a memorable visit to your guests.
Personalized attention improves the guest experience in multiple ways. From addressing diners by their names to remembering their preferences, these efforts make visitors feel valued. These subtle details set the tone for a positive restaurant customer experience, one they’re eager to repeat.
Focusing on the restaurant customer journey requires a structured and well-thought-out approach. With due diligence, your staff can better anticipate clients’ needs and even exceed their expectations. Training employees to look for subtle cues, like a guest’s preferred seating or special dietary requirements, helps craft a unique experience tailored to every diner.
Welcoming Guests with Warmth
Even though often overlooked, first impressions shape the entire dining experience. A warm greeting at the door sets the tone for the visit to remember. With minimal effort, you make guests feel valued right from the start. A simple smile and a genuine “Welcome to our restaurant” can make all the difference.
Prompt seating is equally important to show respect for a guest’s time. If there’s a wait, offer a comfortable space and regular updates on the table’s status. Small gestures like these build clients’ trust and patience, showcasing your appreciation for their visit.
Personal touches can elevate your hospitality to the next level. If possible, address regular diners by name or acknowledge special occasions like birthdays. These thoughtful efforts will leave guests feeling appreciated and encourage them to return.
Improving Ambiance to Enhance Guest Comfort
Ambiance is the key to creating the perfect backdrop for a meal. Lighting, music, and décor – all these details play their role in shaping the overall impression. A cohesive design and theme create a more consistent brand image, establishing your restaurant as a reliable choice for fine dining.
Comfortable seating and layout signal attention to detail. Fresh tablecloths, polished silverware, and clean surroundings elevate the atmosphere. These subtle touches make even first-time diners feel like VIPs.
Don’t underestimate the power of sensory details. Soft background music encourages conversation, while visually appealing elements like plants or artwork create a memorable space. A thoughtful ambiance keeps guests coming back, resulting in repeat business and revenue growth.
Personalizing Hospitality for Memorable Visits
Personalized hospitality begins with understanding your guests’ preferences. Train your staff to take notes of minor details like favorite drinks or preferred seating. These small actions show you care about creating a meaningful guest experience.
Celebrating special moments creates a more personal connection with regular patrons. Surprise a guest celebrating an anniversary with a complimentary dessert or a heartfelt note. These moments make your restaurant customer experience stand out, giving you a competitive edge.
Additionally, empower your staff to make real-time decisions that may impress your guests or make them happier. When staff can act quickly to address a need or improve a situation, diners feel seen and cared for. Personal touches turn simple meals into lasting memories.
Handle Challenges with Grace and Respect
Mistakes are inevitable, but you can turn them into an advantage. Address issues quickly and professionally to improve the restaurant customer journey. Listen carefully to guests’ concerns without interrupting, showing respect and understanding. A sincere apology can fix almost any trouble, even when it’s not your direct fault.
Quick resolutions are crucial to avoiding negative experiences and reviews. Address the situation promptly and consider offering a complimentary dessert or drink as an apology. Addressing the issue on the spot builds trust and demonstrates your professionalism.
Follow-up actions can turn a challenging situation into a positive one. A thoughtful gesture, such as a thank-you note after resolving a complaint, can leave a more favorable impression. Respect for visitors’ interests and suggestions will strengthen their loyalty.
Use Feedback to Improve Service
Feedback is a source of valuable insights for constant improvement. Provide multiple channels for guests to share their thoughts and suggestions, from comment cards to online reviews. Use this input to make meaningful changes and refine restaurant customer service.
Responding to reviews, both positive and negative, shows your respect for guests’ opinions. Address concerns constructively and thank diners for their feedback. This proactive approach builds trust and loyalty, turning negatives into potential positives.
Implementing changes based on client feedback will strengthen the connection with your target audience. When customers see their voices matter, they are more likely to return and recommend your restaurant to others. Additionally, this sign of professionalism attracts more new visitors and, thus, expands your clientele.
From Ordinary Meals to Extraordinary Journeys
Every minor detail contributes to creating a standout dining experience. From a warm welcome to personalized service, this journey defines how guests perceive your restaurant. Addressing challenges with grace and consistently improving service quality shows your dedication to excellence. Thoughtful touches help you create a welcoming ambiance and moments that guests will cherish long after their visit. Strive to deliver exceptional customer service, and your efforts will pay off, paving the way to long-term success.
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