Have you been struggling to drive more traffic to your website? (You are that's why you're here)

As an online business owner, increasing traffic should be one of your top priorities. The good news is you don’t need an expensive marketing agency or guru(like me) to boost your traffic. You can do it yourself using some tried-and-true SEO copywriting tips.

In this article, I’m going to share 11 SEO copywriting tips you can implement right away to increase your traffic and rankings. These are the same tips I’ve used for years to drive thousands of targeted visitors to my sites each month.

Best of all, they won’t cost you a dime.

Whether you’re a blogging newbie or a seasoned pro, you’ll discover simple but effective ways to optimize your content, choose magnetic headlines, and turn readers into raving fans.

By the end of this article, you’ll have an actionable roadmap to create SEO-optimized content that ranks well and drives traffic. So let's start with robots.

Don't know what is copywriting? Read our complete guide to copywriting.

1. Write for Humans, Not Robots

When writing for the web, it's easy to get caught up in keywords and optimization techniques. But never forget you're writing for real people. Keep your content readable and relatable.

Use a conversational tone. Write like you're talking to a friend. Use "you" and "we" to make a personal connection. Say "Let's look at..." or "Have you ever..." to bring the reader into the conversation.

Share stories and examples. Explain concepts by showing how they work in real life. Readers will understand ideas better and remember them longer. For instance, to explain keyword research, you might say: "For example, if you run a dog walking business, you'd research phrases like 'dog walking services,' 'pet sitters,' and 'professional dog walkers.'"

Avoid robotic language. Steer clear of stiff, overly formal language. Don't say "leverage digital marketing methodologies"—just say "use online marketing strategies." Write like a human, not a bot.

Use an active voice. Say "I recommend" or "You should" instead of "It is recommended that." Active language is more engaging and compelling. Passive language, on the other hand, tends to bore readers and diminish your authority.

Break up long sentences and paragraphs. Keep your sentences under 20 words and your paragraphs under 4 sentences whenever possible. Short, scannable content is much easier to read, especially on mobile devices. Add images to give readers visual breaks too.

With practice, writing for humans can become second nature. Keep these principles in mind, and your content will connect with readers and rank higher in search results.

Focus on being genuine and helpful, and you'll build an audience of lifelong fans.

2. Focus on the Reader's Needs and Interests

When writing content, your top priority should be the reader. Focus on what they need and want to know. Really put yourself in their shoes.

Ask yourself questions like:

• What questions or concerns might they have about this topic?
• What information would be most useful or valuable to them?
• What keywords are they likely searching for?

Then, provide helpful answers and useful tips to address their needs.

For example, if you’re writing about SEO copywriting, readers probably want to know how to boost their traffic and rankings. So give them actionable tips like:

• Optimize page titles and meta descriptions. These are the first things readers see in search results, so make them compelling and keyword-rich.
• Include important keywords in your opening paragraph. Put yourself in the reader’s mindset and think about what they would search for. Then, work those terms naturally into your introduction.
• Use transition words like “for example,” “in addition,” or “ moreover.” This help guide the reader through your content in a clear, coherent way. They make the information easy to follow and digest.
• Weave keywords into section headings too. If you have a section on backlinks, make the heading “How to Build High-Quality Backlinks.” Headers are prime real estate for keywords.

The bottom line? Write to serve the reader.

Provide the information and solutions they crave. If you make the content all about them and craft it in an empathetic, helpful tone, readers will love your work. Focus on their needs, and you'll have a winning content strategy.

3. Use Natural Language and Conversational Tone

When writing for search engines, it’s easy to get caught up in keyword stuffing and unnatural phrasing. But Google’s algorithms have gotten smarter—they want to see content that sounds like it was written by a human, not a robot. Using a natural, conversational tone in your copy is one of the best ways to improve your SEO.

Talk to your readers like you would a friend. Use contractions, relatable examples, and an easygoing style. For example, instead of “Users will find increased satisfaction through implementation of these procedures,” say something like “Following these tips will make your life way easier.”

Share stories and experiences. Explain how you discovered these tips yourself or how they’ve helped other real people. For example, “When I first started my blog, I was spending hours trying to rank for competitive keywords. It wasn’t until I focused on providing value to readers that my traffic started climbing like crazy.” You know about Google E-E-A-T, right?

Use pronouns like “you” and “we.” Say “Let’s look at a few ways you can improve your SEO,” not “Here are some methods one could potentially utilize to optimize search engine ranking.” Speak directly to your audience to make a personal connection.

Keep sentences and paragraphs short. Aim for an 8th-grade reading level. Break up long, complex thoughts into easy-to-read chunks. Your readers will appreciate your straightforward style.

Use bulleted or numbered lists. They make information easy to digest and scan. For example:

1. Focus on your target keywords. Use them in your page title, URL, headers, and content.
2. Create compelling content. Valuable information, resources, or entertainment that people want to read, watch or share.
3. Build quality backlinks. Earn links from authoritative sites to boost your ranking.

Writing in a natural, engaging way is the key to connecting with your readers and ranking well in search results. So loosen up your tone, use simple words, and speak to your audience like friends.

4. Include Relevant Keywords in Your Headings

When it comes to ranking high in search engines, optimizing your headings is one of the most effective things you can do. Your headings are like signposts for both search engines and readers, helping them navigate through your content.

Choose headings that clearly and concisely communicate what the following section is about.

For example, instead of “Tips for Success,” use “11 Essential Tips for SEO Copywriting.” The more specific the heading, the better. Think about the keywords and phrases your target audience would use to search for the information in that section.

Incorporate your main keyword for the page into an H2 heading. For this article, “SEO copywriting” would be a perfect keyword to include. You might use:

Include “SEO Copywriting” in Your H2 Headings

Then include secondary keywords and related terms in H3 headings. For example:

Keyword-Rich URLS

Compelling Content

Internal Linking

Use heading styles H2 through H4, since these have the most significant impact on SEO. Make sure each heading has a unique keyword or phrase. Don't repeat the same heading word-for-word, or it could confuse search engines and readers.

Keep your headings concise, ideally under 65 characters including spaces. Shorter headings tend to rank better in search results. They are also more reader-friendly on mobile devices.

Following these tips for optimizing your headings will make your content more findable in search engines and engaging for your readers. SEO copywriting success is all about mastering the little details that add up to big results.

5. Include Your Main Keyword in the First 100 Words

Once you’ve selected your main keyword, make sure to include it in the first 100 words of your content. This signals to search engines like Google that your page is relevant for that term.

For example, if your keyword is “SEO copywriting”, you could start your article like this:

SEO copywriting is the art of optimizing your content for search engines and readers. By using some simple SEO copywriting techniques, you can boost traffic to your website and improve your search rankings.

See how I worked “SEO copywriting” into the first sentence? That’s what you want to aim for. Mention your main keyword 3-5 times in the first 100 words. After that, continue using it throughout the rest of your content where it feels natural.

Some other tips for including your main keyword:

• Use your keyword in headings. Headings have more weight for SEO.
• Bold or italicize your keyword the first time you use it. This draws attention to it for readers and search engines.
• Use variations of your keyword, like plural and singular forms (e.g. “copywriting” and “copywriters”) or related terms (e.g. “content writing” and “blogging”).
• Include your keyword in the image alt text. When you add images to your content, give them alt text that includes your main keyword. This helps search engines understand what your images are about.
• Repeat but don’t overdo it. While you want to mention your keyword several times, don’t go overboard. Aim for a 1-2% keyword density for the best results. If your content feels spammy, readers and search engines will notice.
• Use transition words to link sentences with your keyword. Words like “furthermore”, “moreover”, and “in addition” create flow and provide another opportunity to use your keyword.

Following these tips will ensure your main keyword is well-represented in those critical first 100 words and throughout your content. Optimizing for your target keyword is key to success with SEO copywriting.

6. Use Transitional Phrases to Keep It Flowing

Once you have your outline in place, it’s time to start writing your copy.

I talked about Transition multiple times above, now literally a para on that 😂.

As you write each section and transition between ideas, use transitional phrases to keep your copy flowing smoothly. Transitional phrases are words or short phrases that help connect sentences and paragraphs. They create coherence and guide the reader through the flow of your ideas.

Using transitional phrases in your copywriting makes your content easy to read and understand. It leads the reader through your key points and keeps them engaged. Some examples of common transitional phrases include:

• Moreover
• Furthermore
• In addition
• Likewise
• Similarly
• Consequently
• As a result
• Therefore

For example, you might write:

"Optimizing your page titles and meta descriptions is key for ranking well in search engines. Moreover, optimizing your URL structure and internal linking helps search engines crawl your site.

As a result, you'll see improved rankings and more organic traffic. Therefore, spending time on on-page SEO is well worth the effort."

See how the transitional phrases help connect those ideas and make the copy flow smoothly. Using them in your SEO copywriting, especially in list posts, helps create a cohesive piece of content that keeps readers engaged.

In summary, transitional phrases are a simple but powerful way to take your copywriting to the next level. Using them effectively helps you write copy that flows logically from one idea to the next.

Your readers will appreciate how easy your content is to read and follow. Likewise, search engines will reward you with higher rankings for creating an enhanced user experience.

So keep your readers in mind and start sprinkling in more transitional phrases in your copy.

7. Short Sentences and Paragraphs Are Easier to Read

Short sentences and paragraphs are like a breath of fresh air for readers scrolling through your content. Keeping things concise helps make your copy easy to read and digest. As an SEO writer, this is key to keeping people engaged on your page.

Aim for 3 to 4 sentences in each paragraph. This gives you enough space to explore an idea without dragging it on. For example:

The most effective SEO content has a clear structure. First, outline your topic and main points. Then, break each point into separate paragraphs. Finally, end with a conclusion that ties it all together.

See how that's easy to read quickly? Your readers will appreciate your considerate, minimalist style.

Use simple words and syntax. Avoid complicated sentences with multiple clauses. For example, instead of saying:

"By employing simplified syntax and vocabulary, in addition to brevity in both sentences and paragraphs, content becomes far more palatable and comprehensible to readers."

Say:

"Simple words and short sentences make content easy to read." 

`Need a better example? Watch this.`

Much better, right? Your readers will understand your message without needing a dictionary.

An added benefit of concise copy is that it ranks higher in search engines. Search engines have an easier time indexing shorter sentences and paragraphs. So, your minimalist style will actually maximize your SEO power.

Keep your paragraphs around 2 to 3 sentences. Break up long lists into bulleted points. Use headings to structure your content. All of these techniques give readers' eyes a break and make your copy enticing.

Your readers will appreciate your clean style. And search engines will reward you for it too. Short and sweet is the way to SEO success.

8. Ask Questions to Engage Your Reader

So you’ve done your keyword research and optimized your page titles and headings—now it’s time to engage your readers with compelling content. One of the best ways to draw people in and keep them reading is by asking questions. Not just any questions, but questions that make them think and spark their curiosity.

Have you ever found yourself reading an article just to find the answer to a question in the headline? Questions are attention grabbers. They make us want to know more. As you write your content, try sprinkling in some thought-provoking questions to hook your reader.

For example:

• Are you making these common SEO mistakes?
• Is your website traffic lower than you’d like?
• Do you wish you could rank higher in search results?

See how that makes you want to read on to find the answers? Your readers will feel the same way. Questions also help break up blocks of text and make the content more engaging. They turn your article into an interactive conversation with your audience.

You can ask questions in your headings, at the beginning or end of paragraphs, or as stand-alone questions. Try starting sections or paragraphs with questions like:

• What’s the secret to skyrocketing your search traffic?
• Why is keyword optimization so important for SEO?
• How can you create content that ranks well in search engines?

Then, of course, follow up with helpful advice and solutions. Give examples and visuals whenever possible to really illustrate your points. You want your readers to come away with actionable tips they can implement right away.

Using thought-provoking questions in your content is an easy way to turn readers into engaged visitors and keep them on your site longer. And the longer they stay, the more opportunities they have to convert into customers!

9. Use Examples and Stories to Help Explain Concepts

Using examples and stories is one of the best ways to help explain concepts and really drive important points home for your readers. As you write your SEO content, look for opportunities to show rather than just tell.

For example, instead of just saying “keyword optimization is important for ranking higher in search engines,” give a specific example, like:

"Optimizing your page for the keyword “content marketing strategy” by including it in your page title, URL, headers, and content helped HubSpot increase traffic by over 50% to their blog post on developing a content marketing strategy."

See how much more impactful that is? Your readers can relate to a tangible example and understand exactly why keyword optimization matters.

You can also use stories and anecdotes from your own experience to help bring your points to life. For instance:

"When I first started my website, I didn’t focus much on keyword research. I just wrote about the topics I wanted to cover and hoped for the best. Traffic was slow and search rankings were poor. Once I dug into understanding my target keywords and optimizing my content around them, my traffic and rankings skyrocketed. Now keyword research is a pillar of my content planning process."

Examples and stories captivate your readers, stick in their memory, and make your content much more shareable. People connect with other people, not just facts and stats.

Tap into the human element of SEO copywriting by sprinkling in relevant examples and short stories. Keep them concise, in the range of 2 to 3 sentences. Your readers will appreciate the value and engaging nature of your content.

Over time, build up a library of examples and stories you can draw from so you have options ready for new pieces of content.

Keep a file with different examples and stories categorized by the topics and subjects you commonly write about. This makes it easy to quickly find a relevant example or story to include, even on short deadlines.

Examples and stories are a key way to boost your traffic and rankings by creating SEO copywriting that resonates with your readers and search engines. Use them generously!

10. Review and Edit Your Work

When you finish writing your copy, it's time for the final step: reviewing and editing your work. This may not be the most exciting part, but it's critical to producing high-quality content. Let's look at some tips for polishing your SEO copywriting:

• Double-check that you included all the talking points and keywords you intended to cover. Did you explain each point thoroughly? Are there any gaps that need more details or examples? Now is the time to fill in any holes and ensure your copy is comprehensive.
• Read through your copy out loud. This helps identify any awkward phrasing or run-on sentences that could trip up your readers. Make changes as needed to improve the flow and clarity.
• Check that your writing style and tone are consistent throughout. Your copy should have a natural, conversational flow from one section to the next. Rephrase or rewrite any parts that seem stiff or out of place.
• Look for opportunities to add related keywords, synonyms or phrases. Sprinkle them in naturally to increase your search visibility without keyword stuffing. You want your copy to be optimized but not sound unnatural.
• Double-check for any grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors. These types of mistakes make your content seem less professional and authoritative, damaging your credibility. Run your copy through a plagiarism checker also to ensure all content is original.
• Once you've reviewed and tweaked your copy, have a friend or colleague read through it with fresh eyes. Ask them if anything seems confusing or if they have any suggestions for improvement. Incorporate any useful feedback into your final copy.

With some polish and patience, you can turn your draft into a piece of SEO copywriting that ranks well in search and converts readers into customers.

FAQs: Your Most Common SEO Copywriting Questions Answered

So you want to boost your traffic through SEO copywriting? You probably have a few questions about how to do it right. We get it—there’s a lot to learn. That’s why we put together some of the most frequently asked questions about SEO copywriting to help you on your way.

1. How often should I update my content?

Aim for updating and improving your content once a month or every few months. Search engines favor fresh, regularly updated content. Even small changes like rewording headings, tightening up paragraphs, or adding an image can help.

2. How do I choose keywords to target?

Focus on keywords your target audience actually uses. Do some research into what people are searching for on your topic. Look for keyword phrases with high search volume that you can naturally work into your content. A good rule of thumb is to aim for including your main keyword 2-5 times in an article, including in the title, headings, and first paragraph.

3. Should I include images and multimedia in my content?

Yes, absolutely. Images, video, diagrams and other multimedia help to break up text and engage readers. They also provide more opportunities for search engines to index your content. When adding images, be sure to optimize them with alt text, captions, and keyword-rich file names.

4. How long should my content be?

There’s no perfect length, but in general, aim for at least 300 words for a blog post and 500-1000 words for more in-depth content. Longer, more comprehensive content tends to rank better in search engines. But don’t drag it on just for word count—keep your writing concise while thoroughly covering the topic.

5. How can I promote my content for more traffic?

Some of the best ways to promote your content include: sharing on social media, email marketing, guest blogging, influencer collaborations, and internal linking to related content on your site. Build relationships with others in your industry and look for ways to cross-promote each other’s content. Over time, all of these techniques together will drive more organic search traffic to your site.

Conclusion

So there you have it, 10 simple but effective SEO copywriting tips to boost your traffic and rankings. Implement just a few of these tips and you'll start seeing improvements right away.

Keep working at it and before you know it, you'll have a steady stream of organic traffic and higher rankings.

Remember, content is king, so focus on creating valuable and engaging content. Optimize it, promote it, keep testing and improving. Stay up to date with the latest SEO and content trends. Keep practicing and developing your writing skills.

If you follow these tips, you'll be well on your way to mastering SEO copywriting and achieving your online goals.

Extra read:

1. Financial Copywriting - A practical Guide
2. The Headline Formula: 5 Tips for Writing Headlines That Work
3. 12 Types of Copywriting every marketer needs to master
4. Best Website to Making Money for Copywriters