Write yoast style on your blog and you’ll learn the key components of popular SEO writing results that work anywhere you might write.
Yoast is a plugin for WordPress. If you don’t have it, you might want to ask your webmaster to add it to your WordPress blog. If you do have it, follow the directions below to learn how to best use it.
1 – Keyword Phrase
Use your keyword phrase as the first 3 – 5 words in your title, in a sub header (header 2), and as the alt text for a graphic you use in your article. If possible, use the same words as anchor text for a link you place in the content, as well.
2 – Edit Meta Description Snippet
Edit the snippet in the yoast file box, by adding about 20 words using your keyword phrase in the snippet. This is an important part of helping others find your article online.
3 – Write 300 Words or More
If you don’t have more than three hundred words to say about a given topic, it probably isn’t worth the effort, because that’s the minimum number of words you need. And they should be value driven words. Don’t be lazy. Add real content and make sure they add value to your site.
4 – Use Short Sentences
Yeah, I know. I can’t do this, even if I’m forced… But I try. So, because the program requires it. I’m learning to shorten my sentences. Sometimes, using odd methods to CUT the length of a sentence.
5 – Keep it Simple Stupid
Okay, that word may not be nice, according to my granddaughter, but it’s a word. Furthermore, it’s a principle. Use it. The principle, not the word.
6 – Use Transition Words
Yeah, this one drives me nuts too. But it’s a requirement. Yoast wants at least 30% of your sentences to have a transition word, because they say so. Words like: and, first of all, finally, in addition, because, since, therefore, same, less, yet, opposite, consequently, most noteworthy, most of all, especially, and relevant. If you don’t use these words, you’ll quickly become superfluous, in the eyes of yoast. Just do it.
7 – Write in Active Voice
This is important. It makes the article easier to read, and gives it more impact. Shorter sentences also help with readability and voice, because you don’t overwrite your thoughts.
Keep your sentences under 20 words each – this is a requirement as well. And do this!
If you find you just can’t — hire a content writer. It’s worth the money!
