This is the introduction paragraph that should contain your focus keyword. The opening paragraph will also set the tone for the article, preparing the reader to a serious matter, or lighthearted view. We highly recommend to allow your writing style and personality to show through on your articles.
Often someone will keep returning to your website (which is good for SEO) just to see what you have written. The opening paragraph can also present an argument, address the commonly ask question that your article is going to answer or list the points the article will address. At the end of this opening paragraph, add something like:
In this article we will look at the different components to a well structured article for a small business website.
Here is the title for the next section, point or thought. (H2)
Your sections should be informative, to your style and be segmented to make it easier for the reader to glance through. Most articles people write are just 300 words of simple text, but that isn’t enough to keep a reader convinced that you have the answers and to keep them coming back for more. Use videos, customer testimonials, things popular for your industry; but above all, answer questions.
Much of the length that people respond to is no more than 300 words per section (better 150-175). If you have more than 300 words for your point you would want to segment it with another heading or explanation point. This is set on the reading level and attention threshold of the average reader. The reading level of the average reader has been drastically effected by Social media over the years. People now read and think in short statements with the attentions span measured in 2015 with an average of 8.5 seconds. By using heading tags, shorter paragraphs and pictures you can help keep your reader engaged. Using sentences at 20 words or less with help with the reader and your readability score. (If using a Flesch Kincaid reading score)
Using a blog or article to answer a question is where google can use your information to direct customer to your site. For example: A search for “Car wash” google will send them to the closest brick and mortar car washes that have the best total quality SEO score. However, if they search for “How to wash my car” google will direct them to websites that directly answer the question the best through a useful blog or article.
Use a box like this halfway through to give a call to action – Call Today 555-555-5555
Here is the title for the next section, point or thought. (H3)
Depending on the length of the article you will use 1, Heading 1 (H1); this is automatically set with the title. You should use Heading 2 (H2) no more than 2 to 3 times. Heading 3 (h3) can be use up to 3 times PER Heading 2 (H2). Remember these article topics are laser focused for SEO, so if you get into 1500 words or more; think about writing a second article to better hone in on the message.
Heading tags identify structure, as well as change the text aesthetically through your theme. These visual points allow the reader to scan to find the section, or topic they might be looking for; or reset the attention span to keep reading. (Studies show that changes in the text, colors and images help to keep a reader engaged.)
Additionally think of the purpose or your use of Heading Tags.. if you don’t need Heading Tags because it’s a short article… don’t use them. Seeing an article with a Heading Tag, 2 sentences and another Heading Tag etc., will confuse those google bots on what you are actually trying to convey.
Here is the title for the next section, point or thought. (H3)
Pictures are an important part of a good article. Placement should be staggered and used where; when one image is leaving the screen, another is coming into view (on longer articles). Otherwise 1 or 2 related images should be enough to give the article some color and help with the look and readability of the article. Make sure you place your image information and focus keyword in the “alt” areas of the image (look for the pencil when you click on the image)
This is the Conclusion.. or Commercial of your Article (H2)
Note that in this article I did not use more than 2, Heading 2 tag. For this short article a 3rd or 4th wasn’t needed because the H3’s were there to reinforce or explain my H2. Google likes it when you don’t overuse the heading tags. Now here is an important thing to remember AND a big mistake I see in small business articles: Articles are not meant to be a 900 word commercial! Google is looking for informative answers to a question or topic, so answer it without saying the name of your company every other sentence.
In the conclusion or last paragraph is where you can give them some info about how long you’ve been in business, customer care principles and; in this section is where you can relate your business to the topic. Unsolicited, free advise is what makes and has made, google so popular. People ask google, alexa and cortana how to do this or that. Information really IS king. By giving the customer some friendly how-to or information you help establish a connection with the reader. This trust can create a customer.
Useful links (H4)
Always end your article to a couple of useful links to important pages on your site:
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