As someone new to On-page SEO, I have been following our previous guidelines for checking blog articles. These guidelines require us to use exact keywords, but our writers are expressing concerns because the exact keyword may not be grammatically correct. As an SEO professional, I am seeking advice on whether to prioritize the exact keyword or focus on grammatical correctness. What are your thoughts on this issue?
It’s best to prioritize grammatical correctness and natural-sounding language over exact keyword matches. While keyword density was a significant ranking factor in the past, search engines have evolved to prioritize content that is informative, engaging, and user-friendly. Focusing on providing valuable content that is naturally written and flows well will ultimately benefit your ranking in the long run.
While including your target keyword in your content is still important, it’s crucial to ensure it doesn’t disrupt the flow of your writing or sound unnatural. Consider using variations of your keyword, synonyms, and related terms to achieve a more natural and engaging writing style.
Here are some additional tips:
- Use keyword research tools: These tools can help you identify relevant keywords and their search volume, giving you a better understanding of what people are searching for.
- Write for humans, not search engines: Focus on creating high-quality content that is informative, engaging, and easy to read.
- Use natural language: Avoid keyword stuffing or using unnatural language to force your keywords into your content.
- Optimize your content for readability: Use headings, subheadings, bullet points, and other formatting elements to make your content easy to scan and read.
- Use internal and external links: Linking to relevant internal and external resources can help improve your SEO and provide value to your readers.
Remember, search engines are constantly evolving, and what works today may not work tomorrow. It’s essential to stay up-to-date on the latest SEO best practices and adapt your strategies accordingly.