Blog about Blogging – Part 4.
Search engine optimisation (SEO) definitely helps in getting your blog noticed. This post will discuss the basics of SEO and how you can implement them effectively on your blog so it gets seen!
We will review the following:
Example Blog post
Practical use of SEO basics in an actual blog post
When I started to learn about SEO writing, I searched for articles with both theory and a clear explanatory example, which wasn't easy to find. With that in mind, I've included an example SEO-optimised blog post, "How to Grow Tomatoes in a Pot," to illustrate each point.
It will put the theory into context, demystifying the jargon and giving you a foolproof clarification. You will soon know exactly how to construct a blog post in your particular niche that will favoured by the ever-mysterious search engine algorithms and bots you've probably heard about!
1. Understanding Keywords and How to Use Them
Keywords are the basic foundation of SEO. A keyword in SEO-speak isn't necessarily just one word. They are rather terms and phrases that people enter into search engines when seeking information. Understanding how to choose and use keywords is key (haha!) for getting your blog posts seen. Keywords are entered in a specific keyword field in the SEO settings on your blog's editing site.
Keyword Research: Consider using tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, or SEMrush to find keywords relevant to your blog's content. Keywords with high search volume and low competition are what you should aim to find.
Long-Tail Keywords: Focus on long-tail keywords (phrases with 3-4 words) as they are more specific and less competitive. For instance, instead of targeting "SEO," aim for "SEO basics for bloggers."
Keyword Placement: Use your primary keyword naturally in the title, first paragraph, headings, and throughout the content. Avoid keyword stuffing, which can hurt your rankings.
I've colour-coded the keywords throughout the text to make it easy to identify the three types of keywords used.
The primary keyword is "growing tomatoes in a pot." It's mentioned in the title heading (H1), the subheadings (H2 and H3), and scattered naturally throughout the post.
Secondary keywords are integrated into various sections to maintain relevance and help with specific searches. E.g., "apartment balcony," "dwarf tomato plants," "potting mix," "harvesting tomatoes", "homegrown tomatoes", "tomato plant problems"
Long-tail keywords are incorporated in sub-headings and the body of the text to target more specific search queries. E.g., "how to grow tomatoes in a pot on your apartment balcony," "best pot for growing tomatoes"
By strategically placing these keywords, the blog post becomes more likely to appear in search engine results when users search for related topics, driving traffic to your blog.
2. Optimising Your Blog Posts for Search Engines
Once you have your keywords, optimising your blog posts for search engines is the next step.
Quality Content: Write high-quality, original content that provides value to your readers. Search engines prioritise informative and well-written content. Animated text that's not overly repetitive keeps the reader engaged and interested to continue to the end of the post.
Headings and Subheadings: Structure your content using headings (H1, H2, H3…, etc.). This makes it easier for readers to navigate and also helps search engines understand the hierarchy of your content.
Overview: An overview at the beginning of the post functions similarly to headings and is a perfect place to mention the keywords. It has the added bonus of making it easier for readers to find the information they seek by linking the subject heading with the corresponding text (via an anchor). The reader can then choose to go directly to the relevant content they need. This is particularly useful in long-form blog posts.
Image Optimisation: Use descriptive file names and alt text for images. The file name is the title of the picture. As search engines can't see images, they read the image's alt text, a brief phrase or sentence describing the image. Alt text helps search engines understand what is pictured and may improve your ranking in image search results.
Tags: These can be input in a tag field in the blog's SEO settings. They help readers find the blog posts they're looking for.
For the example blog post – which I hope you find engaging – you will find:
the overview
the first Heading 1 (H1), Heading 2 (H2) and Heading 3 (H3)
an image with an SEO-optimised title Image Title: "Ripe pot-grown tomatoes" Alt text: tomatoes grown in a pot
Tags for the blog post: Growing Tomatoes in a Pot, Apartment Balcony Gardening, Tomato Plant Care, Container Gardening, Urban Farming, Homegrown Vegetables, Balcony Tomatoes, Tomato Varieties, Gardening Tips, Window Ledge Garden, Window Ledge Ideas, Window Ledge Tomatoes
3. The Importance of Title Tags and Meta Descriptions
Every SEO-optimised blog post must have a title tag and meta description. They help search engines understand your content and attract clicks from users. Usually, you will find a field for each of these when you go to the SEO settings.
Title Tags: Create unique, descriptive titles for each blog post. Include your primary keyword and keep it under 60 characters to ensure it displays correctly in search results.
Meta Descriptions: Write compelling meta descriptions that summarise your post and include your primary keyword. Keep them under 160 characters. Although meta descriptions don't directly impact rankings, they influence click-through rates (CTR).
Title tag: "How to successfully grow tomatoes in a pot"
Meta description: "Want to know how to grow tomatoes in a pot? Here's an easy guide on growing, maintaining and harvesting delicious tomatoes on a balcony or window ledge."
4. Using Internal and External Links Effectively
Links help search engines crawl your site and understand the context of your content. There are two types; internal and external links.
Internal Links: Link to other relevant posts within your blog. This keeps readers on your site longer and helps search engines index your pages. Once you start posting regularly, be sure to return to previous blog posts to update them with the latest relevant internal links.
External Links: Link to reputable sources that enhance your content. This builds credibility and shows search engines that your content is well-researched. It also gives that website the choice to link back to your site when they search for sites that have linked to theirs.
Let's look at the example blog post: In the example post, you will see in the call-to-action (CTA) that I encourage the reader to read other related blog posts on my blog site and give them the option to visit a favourite recipe (using fresh tomatoes, of course) on a different site.
5. Tools and Plugins to Help with SEO
SEO is an ongoing process! It's worthwhile to have a couple of tools and plugins to monitor your online presence and performance that will assist in optimising your blog for SEO. Many website creation sites have built-in SEO assistants to guide you with best-practice basic SEO. The trick, though, is knowing what to do with the data you get from these resources!
Audit and Analyse: Use Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Moz Pro for comprehensive site audits and competitor analysis.
Optimise On-Page SEO: Implement Yoast SEO, Rank Math, or All in One SEO Pack to optimise your content and meta tags.
Track Performance: Set up Google Analytics and Google Search Console to monitor traffic and search performance.
Enhance Site Speed: Use WP Rocket and Smush to improve site speed and performance.
Manage Content: Utilise Answer The Public and BuzzSumo for keyword and content ideas.
By combining these tools and plugins, you can cover all aspects of SEO, from technical audits and keyword research to on-page optimisation and performance tracking, ensuring a comprehensive and effective SEO strategy.
Conclusion
Mastering SEO basics can significantly increase your blog's visibility and attract more visitors. Key strategies include:
Understanding and implementing keywords
Optimising your blog posts
Using meta descriptions and titles
Effectively linking content
Leveraging helpful tools and plugins
Start incorporating these SEO basics today to get your blog seen by a wider audience.
Final comment!
SEO-optimised blog posts are not a "must-do" if you have a blog. If you enjoy writing blog posts in your style, that's perfectly acceptable. It all comes down to what you want to achieve with your blog. SEO doesn't have to be part of your process if it's just to have a creative outlet for writing, and you're not bothered if it is being seen by the masses. However, if your primary aim is to attract people to your blog, then SEO is definitely something to try.
Example Blog Post
How to Grow Tomatoes in a Pot (H1)
Have you ever wanted to grow tomatoes but don't have the space to do this? Growing tomatoes in a pot on your balcony or window ledge can be a rewarding experience. This guide will walk you through the steps to successfully cultivate juicy tomatoes even in a small space.
Overview (H3)
1. Why Grow Tomatoes in a Pot? (H2)
Growing tomatoes in a pot is perfect for people living in apartments or with limited space. It allows you to enjoy fresh, homegrown tomatoes without needing a garden. Plus, it's a great way to utilise your balcony space efficiently.
2. Choosing the Right Tomato Varieties
When growing tomatoes in a pot, choosing suitable varieties is important. Look for dwarf tomato plants that thrive in containers. Some popular options include Cherry Tomatoes, Patio Princess, and Tiny Tim.
3. Selecting the Perfect Pot
What is the best pot for cultivating tomatoes? The size and type of pot you choose can significantly impact your tomato plant's health. Use a pot that is at least 35 centimetres (14 inches) in diameter and has good drainage. Plastic pots are lightweight and retain moisture, while clay pots offer better breathability.
4. Soil and Fertiliser
Using the right soil and fertiliser is crucial for growing tomatoes in a pot. Opt for a high-quality potting mix that contains organic matter. Adding a slow-release fertiliser will provide the necessary nutrients for your tomato plants.
5. Planting Your Tomatoes
Fill the Pot: Fill your pot with potting mix, leaving about 5 centimetres (2 inches) from the top.
Plant the Seedlings: Dig a hole in the centre and place one tomato seedling. Ensure the root ball is covered and water thoroughly.
Support the Plant: Insert a stake or tomato cage to support the plant as it grows.
6. Watering and Maintenance
Tomatoes in pots need regular watering. Ensure the soil remains moist but not soggy. Watering early in the morning is ideal. Also, regularly check for pests and remove yellowing leaves to keep your plants healthy.
7. Harvesting Your Tomatoes
Harvest your tomatoes when they are firm and fully coloured. Gently twist or cut the fruit from the stem. Enjoy your fresh, homegrown tomatoes in salads, sandwiches, or straight off the vine!
8. Troubleshooting Common Problems
Blossom End Rot: This is often caused by calcium deficiency or irregular watering. Ensure consistent watering and use a balanced fertiliser.
Pests: Keep an eye out for aphids and spider mites. Use organic insecticidal soap if necessary.
Leaf Curl: This can be a sign of overwatering or extreme temperatures. Adjust your watering schedule and provide shade during peak sun hours.
Conclusion
Growing tomatoes in a pot on your balcony or window ledge is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh produce even in limited space. You can have a bountiful tomato harvest by selecting the right variety, using proper soil, and maintaining your plants. Start your balcony garden today and indulge in the taste of homegrown tomatoes.
(CTA)
Like me, do you also enjoy reading about food? Read my other food-related blog posts:
OR
Here is my absolute favourite recipe using vine-ripened tomatoes. It's from fellow Aussie, Nagi Maehashi from Recipetineats. You will thank me for this. It's divine!
And don't forget to drop your favourite tomato recipes in the comments below!
References
relevant keywords with high search volume and low competition Archives - atriomwriting.com. https://atriomwriting.com/tag/relevant-keywords-with-high-search-volume-and-low-competition/
Top 5 Ranking Strategies for SEO and SEM | Castle Interactive. https://www.castleinteract.com/post/top-5-ranking-strategies-for-seo-sem
What is an Internal Link? | Digital Marketing Glossary. https://webserv.io/resources/glossary/internal-link/
A Beginner's Roadmap to SEO Success - Walter Voronovic. https://waltervoronovic.com/digital-marketing/a-beginners-roadmap-to-seo-success/
Mastering AI Content Creation: A Comprehensive Guide to Writing SEO-Friendly Blog Posts | DigitalScribeAI. https://digitalscribeai.com/blog/mastering-ai-content-creation
How to write a blog post in 2024: Essential Guide. https://www.junia.ai/blog/how-to-write-a-blog-post
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