Web Writing Tips for Mommy Bloggers

A Practical Guide to Keywords, Titles, and Subheads

Aug 20, 2009

Writing successfully for the Internet requires an understanding of keywords, titles, an article's first paragraph, and subheads.

Developing content for the web requires that mommy bloggers add new skills to their arsenals. It’s not about learning to write in a new way, but instead requires thinking about the subject matter from another perspective – the perspective of the person searching for the information.

Keywords are Important for SEO

Keywords are the main descriptors in an article, and are the words that the search engines use to categorize and rank an article.

Determining the best keywords requires a writer to think about the article from the perspective of a person searching for information on that topic. Go beyond summarizing the content of a written piece in one or two word bursts. Instead, look at the written piece from the perspective of the audience. To whom is the article aimed? How will they search the Internet to find the information presented? What words will they type in to find that information?

Google has a tool called AdWords that can assist writers with determining the best keywords to use to draw the correct audience to an online article. Developed to assist Google’s advertisers, AdWords can show writers which keywords or phrases are searched most often in a particular topic. This tool helps target the important keyword-heavy areas – the title, first paragraph, and subheads.

As an example, for an article about disciplining toddlers, Google AdWords provides statistics that show the most searches for “toddler discipline” and also suggests that “toddler teaching” and “toddler advice” receive a large number of search hits as well. These are keyword phrases that should be featured within the article to maximize its SEO ranking.

Writing a Keyword-Friendly Title

It’s tempting to be cute and clever with an article title, but the search engines don’t have a sense of humor. Stick with a short, keyword-laden title that conveys the information contained within the article. For instance, instead of “Get Your Child to Wash the Dishes”, try “Age Appropriate Chores for Preschoolers”. Instead of “Taking the Shirt Off My Back”, try “Giving Preteens an Allowance”.

First Paragraph SEO Tips

Writers who are familiar with writing for blogs or magazines often tell a story with their first paragraph. However, search engines don’t read stories… search engines look for content. Write the first paragraph of an article for the web in strong journalistic fashion – who, what, when, where, and why? Choose keywords as descriptors.

Instead of “When my daughter was young, I thought she would never be potty trained! She always had accidents but then we started bribing her with M&Ms…”, try:

“Training toddlers to use the bathroom toilet can be frustrating. However, potty training can be simplified through the use of rewards. (possible keywords: toddler, toilet training, potty training, reward)

Keywords Make Subheads Strong

Treat subheads as another opportunity to use keywords and attract the attention of search engines. Notice the examples used throughout this article – each subhead is a complete phrase and uses words that are likely to be used in a topic search.

In an article about the challenges in raising a toddler, instead of using “Feeding” as a subhead, try “Nutritious Food for Toddlers”. Instead of “Discipline”, try “Disciplining a Toddler” or “Setting Limits with a Toddler”.

Writing for the Internet is a skill that can be learned like any other. Mommy bloggers who pay careful attention to keywords, titles, first paragraphs, and subheads can increase page views and the potential for revenue.

The copyright of the article Web Writing Tips for Mommy Bloggers in Blogs is owned by Dianna Brodine. Permission to republish Web Writing Tips for Mommy Bloggers in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.