Introduction to Search Engine Optimization (SEO): An SEO Tutorial

So just what is SEO? Why does it matter and why do I have to learn it? These are the questions I asked myself when I began my web-writing career. Breaking into the freelance writing business, and finding success, is hard enough, now I have to learn things? Yes, yes you do. But, it won't take you long to learn SEO if you write often and practice these web-writing elements. As you read through this SEO tutorial please keep any and all questions in mind because I am making myself available to all of you for questions and concerns. Please send all of these to americanbanana@aol.com and put “SEO/LSI help” in the subject line so I know to get to the email asap.


This is just the introductory article on SEO and web-writing. This article discusses the things to help you get started. However, the info in this article is exactly what you need to get started. It is difficult to absorb a 100-page article all at once, so I am breaking this topic down into a multi-article series so that it is easier for you and me. I can add more of the little details and you can take the time to learn as you go. Please subscribe to this blog so that you are notified each time a new installment, and other exciting web-writing info and writing gigs, are posted.


Okay, let's get started. First and foremost, keyphrases are necessary and single keywords mean nothing. Let's look at a few examples:


If you were writing an article on the treatment of lupus, using just “lupus” is going to bring up just about everything with “lupus” as a keyword. Sure, your article will be on Google, but probably on page 20 or higher. Now, if you want searchers who are searching specifically for “lupus treatments” to actually find your article you want to be specific. Here are some great examples for this topic:


“treating lupus”

“how is lupus treated”

“lupus treatments”

“treatments for lupus”


If you are writing an article on a specific drug treatment for lupus, your article keyphrase should reflect this. Good examples include:


“drug treatments for lupus”

“treating lupus with drugs”

“medications that treat lupus”

“treating lupus with medications”

“corticosteroids to treat lupus”

“treating lupus with corticosteroids”


Now, let's take it a step further and use more than one similar keyphrases for our lupus article. For example, all of the following keywords can be worked into one article, (however I recommend just choosing two because more than two will make it very difficult to work them in naturally):


“treating lupus”

“how is lupus treated”

“lupus treatments”

“treatments for lupus”


“How is Lupus Treated” is your title and you can work one other keyphrase into the article. I also recommend using the title keyphrase in the first paragraph. Questions can be hard to work in, but I have a trick for this. Write your 3-5 sentence intro paragraph and the last sentence will be something like: “So the big question is, how is lupus treated?” See, it fits great!


The following can also be used in one article (choosing only two that are most similar, of course):


“drug treatments for lupus”

“treating lupus with drugs”

“medications that treat lupus”

“treating lupus with medications”

“corticosteroids to treat lupus”

“treating lupus with corticosteroids”


For example, the first two can be used in one article, the last two can be used in an article, and the middle two, though they can also be used on their own, can be added to any of the other keyphrase sets on this topic.


Okay, we covered keyphrase basics so now let's talk about where to use them in your articles. First, never “stuff” and article with keyphrases. The article will be very difficult to read and if you “stuff” too much you may find yourself in hot water with the sites and clients you write for, and Google may punish you as well. Subheads work well, but that's a completely different article that I will publish very soon here on the blog. So let's just talk about getting those keyphrases in naturally and evenly. I am going to break this down so that each section of the article is covered. Doing this will prevent you from having to analyze every article for keyword density too! So that will save you some time.


Title: Keyphrase must absolutely be in the title. And, as close to the beginning as possible.

Example: “Drug Treatments for Lupus: What Drugs are Used to Treat Lupus?”

Note: See the main keyword is right at the beginning. I was also able to sneak in another one without it being/sounding forced or “stuffed”. You will not be able to get two keyphrases is all titles and it is not necessary, but if you can do it, naturally, go for it. Right now, just concentrate on getting your main keyphrase as close to the beginning as the title as possible without the title sounding awkward.


Article Description (Abstract): This must contain your main keyphrase since your keyphrase will tell your readers exactly what your article is about. This should ideally consist of 2-3 sentences and your keyphrase should be in the first sentence. Keep in mind that not all sites require this in articles, but most do.

Example: There are so many possible drug treatments for lupus. There is a lot of information to learn and remember, but this article will break it down and make it easy for you.

Notes: Keyphrase is in first sentence. Description tells you exactly what the article is about.


First Paragraph: You must get the main keyphrase in here and preferably in the first or second sentence. I actually recommend getting the keyphrase in twice and if the paragraph is at least four sentences (which is ideal) it should be no problem getting it in twice while keeping the flow natural. Now, you can use two different keyphrases in the first paragraph as well, just try and always get the main keyphrase in first.

Example: There are several drug treatments for lupus. Arming yourself with the information on these drugs can make choosing the right one, and coping with any side effects, much easier for you and your doctor. You and your doctor will have to decide on the right corticosteroid, immunosuppressant, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and possibly some other drugs to help keep your condition as under control as possible. Read on to learn more about the drugs used to treat lupus.

Notes: See how I worked in two different keyphrases for this article? I worked them in in such a way that the paragraph still reads naturally.


Body of Article: Work in your main keyphrase twice in the body of the article. You are probably thinking “only twice”? Yes, that's it. You can choose to use subheads to do this or you can naturally work it into the paragraphs. Also, work in your secondary keyphrase at least once. If you can get it in twice that's great, but once is sufficient


Concluding Paragraph: Just work in your main keyphrase once in the concluding paragraph.


So to break it down:


Title: Main keyphrase x1 and as close to the beginning as possible.

Article Description: Main keyphrase x1.

Body of Article: Main keyphrase x2. Secondary keyphrase x1, x2 if possible.

Concluding Paragraph: Main keyphrase x1.


Those are the basics of SEO. Learn them, use them in your writing. You will notice an increase in page views when proper SEO is used.


Would you like me to look over an article for you and give you an SEO critique? If so, send the article (not as an attachment and not just a link, just copy/paste into the email) to the email address listed above and put "SEO critique" in the subject line. It may take up to 48 hours for an article critique. I typically charge for SEO consulting, but I do it for free for my blog readers :)


Now, this is just the first installment. I am currently working on an introductory LSI article as well. This web-writing series is going to be big and I will be posting new ones, along with short tips/tricks/advice blurbs, very often. Be sure to check back often, or just subscribe so you will get an email every time I post something new!