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Last week, I published a blog post titled "Does AI-Generated Content Hurt SEO?" This week, I wanted to follow up on that post and tell you exactly how you should create content that will rank high on Google.
A lot of this article will paraphrase directly from Google, while also adding my own advice. I'm proud to say (as I pat myself on the back) that my advice aligns perfectly with what Google recommends and what I have been advocating for years.
I'm going to start this blog with the conclusion and work backward. I think the bottom line can best be summed up by Australian-born motivational speaker and diet guru Susan Powter...
Please, for the love of god, stop the insanity of trying to keep up with the latest algorithm trick, hack, or trend! Just stop!
Instead, do what Google (and I) have been advising for years...
CREATE HELPFUL, RELIABLE, PEOPLE-FIRST CONTENT
That's it in a nutshell. It really is that simple. Put your clients first and write your taglines, hooks, website copy, IG descriptions, blog posts... EVERYTHING for them. NOT for the algorithm!
Stop spending your time and energy worrying about what the "right" thing to do is. If you focus on providing your clients with valuable, useful, helpful, reliable, educational, or inspiring content, you are doing it right, and you will come out ahead in the end.
Business is a marathon, not a sprint. It's not about being trendy or ahead of the algorithm game; it's about putting in the work and being patient. If you do this, I promise you... your time WILL come!
All you need to do is:
Be Crystal Clear on Who Your Ideal Client Is and What's Important to Them
Focus on Being of Service
Stay In Your Lane
Do The Work
STOP focusing on the trends, tricks, and hacks!
Isn't it a relief not to have to worry about every single hack, trend, and tip you hear? It's exhausting! Focus on creating people-first content, and you'll build a strong foundation that will stand the test of time.
STRAIGHT FROM GOOGLE
I have gone through Google's recommendations and have created a bullet-point list of questions for you to ask yourself. These questions pull out what I thought was most relevant and important when creating "people-focused" content, according to not only me but, more importantly, Google.
Who is your ideal client, and what are their needs and interests?
I've said it before, but it bears repeating... it's not about you! It's about truly knowing who your ideal client is and focusing on what is important to them. It's also about being okay with not being everyone's cup of tea. It's not about ANY client who is willing to pay you—it's about your IDEAL client who is willing to pay you WHAT YOU ARE WORTH because they recognize and value what you bring to the table.
Is your content providing genuine value and solutions to your clients?
Like all aspects of your business, it should be about quality, not quantity! It is better to take your time, do your research, and provide truly valuable content than to play the numbers game, hoping something hits. Focus on delivering meaningful solutions and insights that genuinely help your clients.
Does the content contain original information?
There are a million blogs out there on every subject imaginable, so the key is putting your own personal take on things. This is where Chat GPT can come in handy. Thinking about writing a blog post on planning a beach wedding? Ask Chat GPT to give you suggestions for a new and interesting take on the subject, and then don't forget to add your own personal thoughts, feelings, and suggestions. This ensures your content is original and uniquely yours.
Does the content contain interesting information that goes beyond the obvious?
This ties back to something I've been advising for years. The hardest part is getting someone's attention—actually getting them to click on your website or blog post. The last thing you want to do is let them down by offering boring, obvious information. Make sure your content is engaging, insightful, and provides unique perspectives that keep your audience interested and coming back for more. And...please, whatever you do, do not use your blog posts as an opportunity to simply sell your products and services! It's not about you!
Does the main heading or page title provide a descriptive summary of the content WITHOUT being exaggerated or shocking in nature?
I found this incredibly interesting coming from Google. What I take away from this recommendation is that Google looks down upon trying to come up with a tricky hook for your content. This is something I have heard for years—it's all about the hook! This just goes to show that I am also susceptible to what "everyone" says. Who is everyone, by the way? I have no idea! Personally, this has always been time-consuming and stressful, trying to come up with a "hook" that will get people to notice you. I think this is the final confirmation I needed to stop trying to "trick" my way to results and just keep it simple and authentic.
Does your content reflect your expertise and authority in your field?
This ties back to the point about avoiding boring content and getting people to click on your content. Once you have their attention, don't take it for granted. Use it as a valuable opportunity to demonstrate that you know your stuff and you are the "go-to" expert in your specific industry. I have been saying this for years, and it's gratifying to get confirmation from Google that they agree with me.
Is your content made with the primary objective of getting website visits?
Churning out blog posts in the hopes that some will yield more website visits should not be your objective. Do you want to be smart about what you post and stay current on topics that your ideal client cares about? Absolutely! Do you want to use keywords strategically? Yes! Do you hope that your blog post or website copy will attract more visitors? Duh...of course! The point here is that it should not be your MAIN objective. Focus instead on providing genuine value and useful information. When you do this, increased website visits will naturally follow.
CONCLUSION
I am, here and now, inviting you to stop the insanity! Keep your head down with your eye on the prize, and that prize is a successful AND sustainable business.
I understand it can be frustrating at times and you want to see instant results. That's what makes us all susceptible to listening to the so-called "gurus" and feeling like we have to succumb to every hack and trick we hear or follow every algorithm rumor.
Slow and steady wins the race, my friend! I have known this for years and have seen it firsthand. I have built several highly successful businesses, and none of them were built by using tricks, hacks, or algorithms. They were built by staying focused and putting in the work.
But hey... if you don't believe me (or Google) and you're convinced that hacking the algorithm is the key to your success... no worries. I'm sure you won't have any trouble finding one of the 145,963 people online who are ready to sell you a program or course to show you how to do it!
CLICK HERE to read all of the suggestions from Google paraphrased in this blog post.
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