Last updated on June 19th, 2009
SEO copywriting is the term given to describe copywriting that supports search engine optimization. But I’d like to put forth that all online copywriting should naturally consider its effect on SEO. I’d like to think that as copywriters and online editors we’ve moved past any distinction between regular copywriting and SEO copywriting. After all, shouldn’t we be striving to write engaging copy that appeals to the target audience AND employs appropriate keywords naturally?
The problem is that “SEO Copywriting” emerged as a term that often referred to lower-grade copy that simply tried to work keywords in with the sole purpose of gaining rankings from the search engines. Of course now everyone knows that rankings alone are not enough – the content that ranks must also engage the reader in order to accomplish business goals. Companies want to have their content rank high so they can make sales, influence people, inform audiences, etc. So, SEO copywriting as it was once known is now obsolete.
As an ad agency copywriter turned web site copywriter and who now works with a search engine optimization company, I’ve had the opportunity to write for all varieties of media, not just the online medium. Thankfully, this has given me a chance to develop my skills as a communicator first and foremost. A good copywriter considers first the message and secondly the keywords. Both are important, of course, but we’re adamant as an online marketing company that our cients are represented by high-quality copy writing that speaks first to their business needs.
We do still use the term SEO copywriting to refer to the content we recommend to support our SEO plans. But that copywriting is always completed by someone who is first and foremost a copywriter – a communicator – but who also knows how to use keywords effectively. Our goal is always to create the desired impression or action once that Google top ranking is clicked.