The Curse of Formulaic SEO Writing

I’ll admit it – I used to be one of those SEO writers who churned out generic, cookie-cutter content. You know the type – those articles with predictable subheadings like “What are LSI keywords?” and “Benefits of using LSI keywords.” Ugh, just the thought of it makes me cringe.

But you know what they say – the cobbler’s children have no shoes. As an SEO professional, I fell into the trap of prioritizing search engine optimization over genuine, engaging writing. My content was like a lifeless robot – technically proficient, but utterly devoid of personality and soul.

As one LinkedIn user aptly put it, SEO writing has resulted in “formulaic H2s (‘what is X,’ ‘benefits of X’) and fluffy writing.” And let’s be honest, who really wants to read that kind of content?

Rediscovering the Art of Writing

But then, something happened. I had a revelation – a moment of clarity that shook me to the core. I realized that the very thing that was supposed to make my content more “effective” was actually sucking the life out of it.

As another industry expert pointed out, social algorithms have turned even the best publications into “constantly publishing declarative hot takes” that are “obnoxious and tiresome.”

Enough was enough. I knew I had to rediscover the art of writing – to infuse my content with personality, humor, and a genuine human touch. Because let’s face it, people don’t just want information these days; they want to be entertained, engaged, and emotionally connected.

The Power of LSI Keywords

And that’s where LSI keywords come in. LSI, or Latent Semantic Indexing, is a fancy term for the related and contextual keywords that search engines use to understand the meaning and relevance of a piece of content.

As one resource explains, “LSI keywords are the words and phrases that are semantically related to your main keyword.” In other words, they’re the words and phrases that help search engines (and human readers) understand the broader context and meaning of your content.

But here’s the thing – LSI keywords aren’t just about search engine optimization. They’re also a powerful tool for crafting more engaging, human-centric content.

Unleashing the Storytelling Power of LSI Keywords

When you use LSI keywords effectively, you can weave a rich tapestry of related ideas, concepts, and narratives into your content. Instead of just throwing a bunch of keywords at the wall and seeing what sticks, you can use LSI keywords to create a cohesive, engaging story that resonates with your audience.

As one LinkedIn user pointed out, the best publications know how to use “great hooks” and attention-grabbing titles to draw readers in. And when you pair those hooks with a well-crafted narrative that’s powered by LSI keywords, you can create content that’s not just SEO-friendly, but genuinely captivating.

Imagine, for example, that your main keyword is “how to use LSI keywords.” With the help of LSI keywords, you could weave in stories about the evolution of search engine algorithms, the challenges of creating engaging content in a world of “fake urgency” and “declarative hot takes,” and the personal journey of rediscovering the joy of writing.

Putting it All Together

So, how can you put all of this into practice and use LSI keywords to improve your content strategy? Here are a few key steps:

1. Identify your main keyword(s): Start by identifying the primary keyword(s) you want to target with your content.

2. Research LSI keywords: Use tools like LSI Graph or LSI Keyword Generator to find relevant and contextual LSI keywords that you can incorporate into your content.

3. Craft a compelling narrative: Use those LSI keywords to weave a rich, engaging narrative that captures your audience’s attention and imagination. Incorporate personal anecdotes, humor, and creative turns of phrase to make your content stand out.

4. Optimize for SEO: Of course, don’t forget to optimize your content for search engines. Strategically place your main keyword and LSI keywords throughout your piece, and make sure your overall content structure is clean and user-friendly.

Remember, the goal isn’t just to rank higher in search results – it’s to create content that truly resonates with your audience. And by harnessing the power of LSI keywords, you can do just that.

So, are you ready to say goodbye to formulaic SEO writing and hello to the art of captivating storytelling? Let’s get to work!

MCR SEO is a leading SEO agency in Manchester, UK, that specializes in helping businesses of all sizes improve their online visibility and drive real results. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you take your content strategy to the next level.