How to write articles that eclipse the competition and rank high in search engines

[Cartoon Logos]

Knowing why people use the Internet is critical in delivering content that meets their needs, both in the subject matter and the manner in which content is presented.

Internet users are mainly browsing the Internet looking for answers and as those answers are often already covered in thousands of competing website articles you need to find a niche that is highly searched but not widely written about.

You then need to present that niche topic in a concise, easy to navigate format to avoid those that scan content (most Internet users) from clicking away from your website.

Finding such content is not easy but is time well spent if you can find a market your article can corner.

How I find niche content to write about and how you can too!


Do a little market research with your target audience, find out what people want to know about your products or services or any area where you product or service is used.



Use this question tool (http://labs.wordtracker.com/keyword-questions) to see if any questions are being searched in high volume.



Use this keyword tool (https://adwords.google.com/select/KeywordToolExternal)to see what phrases are being used to find 'answers'



Do some Googling using some good results from the above research.

What shows on front page of Google? If there are directly related articles on top article sites like articlesbase and ezinearticles etc. often they'll often show on front page of Google or top 3 pages.


Have a look at some of the content in these articles if they are shown in the results.



If the 'answers' on those top three pages, have limited, irrelevant poorly written content, you know there is an opportunity for improvement and an article that ranks higher and delivers the goods!



Better still, if there is very little article content on that first page (and remaining two) you may well have found your niche article to write about.


Note: Just because there are no articles showing on that first page doesn't mean there are not thousands of articles on that topic. What it does mean however is that in terms of contentrelated to terms people are using in searches, they may be lacking and as such failing to attract search engines.

Thus if you can write an article that does cover those keyword phrases that people are using to find those answers, you have an increased chance of your article ranking highly and outshining all the other articles in cyber space.

Good luck

[fisicx]

Internet users are mainly browsing the Internet looking for answers...
Disagree with this statement. People use the internet to find information or to be entertained. The information could be about products and services, advice and guidance, solutions to problems and many others. Limiting the focus of an article to answering questions is possibly losing a wider audience.

I also disagree that article sites rank highly. I rarely see an article site for the searches I carry out and those that do appear only lead to some marketeers self promo puff piece. I'm sure there are exceptions but there are far better ways to eclipse the competition than that submitting articles.

However, for those that do write articles it's a good post.

[Cartoon Logos]

Disagree with this statement. People use the internet to find information or to be entertained. The information could be about products and services, advice and guidance, solutions to problems and many others. Limiting the focus of an article to answering questions is possibly losing a wider audience.

I also disagree that article sites rank highly. I rarely see an article site for the searches I carry out and those that do appear only lead to some marketeers self promo puff piece. I'm sure there are exceptions but there are far better ways to eclipse the competition than that submitting articles.

However, for those that do write articles it's a good post.

Research conducted into why people use the Internet show they are mainly looking for 'answers' and finding information is looking for answers ;)

ie:

who is dating whom?
what is that remedy for bad breath?
Why is my printer eating my paper?
why is my husband a tight fisted old git?

They are entertained along the way ;)

What they don't do is use the Internet to read 'novels'.

Re the article sites ranking highly, as I said that depends on what is written already and how. If your searches do not reveal these sites please forward the details re what you're looking for to moi, because those 'empty spaces' are like gold to me and are the point of this post.;)

ps. the eclipsing the competition (in title) relates to eclipsing the 'article competiton'. I can't make that clearer without a ridiculously long title that perhaps wouldn't be allowed.



.

[Business Spy]

Disagree with this statement. People use the internet to find information or to be entertained. The information could be about products and services, advice and guidance, solutions to problems and many others. Limiting the focus of an article to answering questions is possibly losing a wider audience.

I also disagree that article sites rank highly. I rarely see an article site for the searches I carry out and those that do appear only lead to some marketeers self promo puff piece. I'm sure there are exceptions but there are far better ways to eclipse the competition than that submitting articles.

However, for those that do write articles it's a good post.

I completely agree.

:)

[sirearl]

Only 3 reasons people use the internet:

information

entertainment

to make a purchase.

Earl

[Kev Jaques]

1. who is dating whom?
2. what is that remedy for bad breath?
3. Why is my printer eating my paper?
4. why is my husband a tight fisted old git?


Hmm lets see, no offence intended, just replying to those points heheh ;)

1. I really don't care or should it be who gives a ****! ;) - This is so much of a topic its just silly, personally I don't give a s*** ;)
2. Who really cares? ;)
3. My Printer is not human ;) Although I hardly use it so don't have that problem ;)
4. I am the husband and I'm a tight old git cos I'd rather my money was in my pocket (rather than in banks or Asda) :)

[Business Spy]

The thing is, people tend to search in the following ways (i.e ways they know and trust... )

1. If they want to know who is dating who they will usually go to that very classy (!) red top tabloid site or something equally well known

2. If they think their printer or other equipment has died on them, they are likely to search for that brand name or pick up the phone and shout at whoever they purchased it from.

3. If they have marital or relationship issues, they are most likely to participate in the 100's of online forums in order to gain empathy and insight.

4. If they are seeking information they are most like to go to a well known site for reference. For example, my husband loves games - he will go to any well known game site. I like to read marketing articles so I will go to Marketing Magazine, or if I am in the mood for business articles I will go to the Times or Guardian business.

I think there are so many article writers out there people are beginning to by pass them a little and go for the sites and names they trust - much like shopping at a supermarket and picking the tried and trusted brands.

But then again, I could be wrong!

[Scott-CopyandDesign]

Only 3 reasons people use the internet:

information

entertainment

to make a purchase.

Earl

I'm assuming entertainment covers the more adult variety. If not then you're missing out a rather large part of the web. :eek:.

I think you're missing one factor out though:

-Information

-Entertainment

-To make a purchase

-To socialise and communicate

[Cartoon Logos]

The thing is, people tend to search in the following ways (i.e ways they know and trust... )

1. If they want to know who is dating who they will usually go to that very classy (!) red top tabloid site or something equally well known

2. If they think their printer or other equipment has died on them, they are likely to search for that brand name or pick up the phone and shout at whoever they purchased it from.

3. If they have marital or relationship issues, they are most likely to participate in the 100's of online forums in order to gain empathy and insight.

4. If they are seeking information they are most like to go to a well known site for reference. For example, my husband loves games - he will go to any well known game site. I like to read marketing articles so I will go to Marketing Magazine, or if I am in the mood for business articles I will go to the Times or Guardian business.

I think there are so many article writers out there people are beginning to by pass them a little and go for the sites and names they trust - much like shopping at a supermarket and picking the tried and trusted brands.

But then again, I could be wrong!

My examples were tongue in cheek ;)

Meanwhile looking for info = looking for answers

Also this article is about improving article writing page rank stats and reader satisfaction not the merits of the value of article writing :)

[fisicx]

Research conducted into why people use the Internet show they are mainly looking for 'answers' and finding information is looking for answers
Do you have a source for this research?
If your searches do not reveal these sites please forward the details re what you're looking for to moi, because those 'empty spaces' are like gold to me and are the point of this post.
Ok, a few of mine today were:
quantum computing
php form validation
websafe colors
solving quaternary equations
unseen academicals
vax repair basildon

I would not read an article (on an article site) to find out about bad breath, I would however trust a medical site. Might even be the same information but I'd much rather visit the halitosis society webpages than ezinearticles.

[Cartoon Logos]

Do you have a source for this research?

Ok, a few of mine today were:
quantum computing
php form validation
websafe colors
solving quaternary equations
unseen academicals
vax repair basildon

I would not read an article (on an article site) to find out about bad breath, I would however trust a medical site. Might even be the same information but I'd much rather visit the halitosis society webpages than ezinearticles.

My articles mainly sit on those 'websites' you'd look at ;)

Meanwhile, again, the OP isn't about the merits of article sites, but we can start a new thread (as a valid topic) to discuss that rather than going off topic here? I will quickly say though that viewing stats on those sites do indicate high viewings (mine do anyway) which means while you may not read them, others clearly do.

Leah

ps. yes I do have source re research I shall dig it out (it may be linked on tips section of my site)

pps. I shall look into those websafe colours, the rest is too horrid and technobabbly for me ;)

[sirearl]

I'm assuming entertainment covers the more adult variety. If not then you're missing out a rather large part of the web. :eek:.

I think you're missing one factor out though:

-Information

-Entertainment

-To make a purchase

-To socialise and communicate


comes under entertainment.;)

Earl

[Business Spy]

My examples were tongue in cheek ;)

Meanwhile looking for info = looking for answers

Also this article is about improving article writing page rank stats and reader satisfaction not the merits of the value of article writing :)

Point taken.

However, doesn't the discussion about the value of article writing relate to reader satisfaction?
(i.e. satisfied readers mean there is more value in article writing).

[dots and spots Jeff]

I can only speak for myself, but I do find myself more and more typing a direct question into google.

For example, yesterday my central heating themostat batteries ran out, so I typed in:
How do I change the batteries on a Sunvic TLX RFP Thermostat

Don't think it'd make a riveting article, though! (I think I found the answer on a forum)

[crossdaz]

I also disagree that article sites rank highly. I rarely see an article site for the searches I carry out and those that do appear only lead to some marketeers self promo puff piece. I'm sure there are exceptions but there are far better ways to eclipse the competition than that submitting articles.


"How To Display RSS Feeds on Your Website"

It's not the longest article in the world and the term might not be the most searched for - however:

#1 Google
Page Rank 3

Are you telling me you wouldn't want that link at the end of the short article?

In terms of getting some reputation to your site and some useful linkage this method takes some beating.

[Cartoon Logos]

Point taken.

However, doesn't the discussion about the value of article writing relate to reader satisfaction?
(i.e. satisfied readers mean there is more value in article writing).

I can't speak for other writers but my content is pretty well rec'd, both on my own sites, other people's sites and article sites. They pick up search engines and readers who enjoy them - evident by their comments and in their testimonials (http://www.painfreemarketing.co.uk/Testimonials.html) (page down for reader testimonials).

This post is aimed at 'article writers' or those wanting to write their own articles for their own sites or other.

Tips on how to up their game and get better results etc.

It is not to discuss the merits of article writing.

I am in the game, no plans to leave the game and enjoying very much the game. ('Game' being my business of article writing, incase anyone is confused ;) )

I am not saying the replies here have no value, they do, very much so, but they are a tad off topic and we can start a new thread to discuss those issues.

Meanwhile not ot all article content sits on article directories, I mentioned those as I generally do see them in my search results. They are a guide thus as to what content is out there already and what as such doesn't need to be replicated or what can be replicated 'better'.

If that makes sense?

[Cartoon Logos]

I can only speak for myself, but I do find myself more and more typing a direct question into google.

For example, yesterday my central heating themostat batteries ran out, so I typed in:
How do I change the batteries on a Sunvic TLX RFP Thermostat

Don't think it'd make a riveting article, though! (I think I found the answer on a forum)

Hi dots

It's not so much a case of people typing questions into their search browser (which they also do) as just seeking 'answers' or (as I wish I'd phrased it diffently now) 'information'.

ie. if I want to know the great depression beating effects of porridge, I'd just enter 'porridge depression (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=porridge+depression&btnG=Search&aq=f&oq=&aqi=)' into my searchbar. But I am looking for info and of course 'answers'.

[papverpoppies]

I can only speak for myself, but I do find myself more and more typing a direct question into google.

For example, yesterday my central heating themostat batteries ran out, so I typed in:
How do I change the batteries on a Sunvic TLX RFP Thermostat

Don't think it'd make a riveting article, though! (I think I found the answer on a forum)

So do I, I use Google for all sorts.

It has become my:-

DIY reference manual.
Spell checker/thesaraus (faster than other programmes)
Atlas
Recipe Book
Shopping
Etc Etc

Sure, it is not actually Google that supplies the answers - but it sure makes finding them easy.

How on Earth did we ever manage before?

Poppy

[sirearl]

Sure, it is not actually Google that supplies the answers - but it sure makes finding them easy.

How on Earth did we ever manage before?





One hell of a lot better than people do today thats for sure.:D

Earl

[Pete Crane]

Do you have a source for this research?

Ok, a few of mine today were:
quantum computing
php form validation
websafe colors
solving quaternary equations
unseen academicals
vax repair basildon

Crikey, how the long winter would rush past in a blur in your presence ;)

[crossdaz]

Spell checker/thesaraus (faster than other programmes)




You know your spelling is bad when you have to consult google!
Word is fine if you get one or two letters wrong - after that it can't help you.

I used to be quite good at spelling but after 5 years of continuous computer use I find I'm using google as a spell-checker far too often.

[Cartoon Logos]

You know your spelling is bad when you have to consult google!
Word is fine if you get one or two letters wrong - after that it can't help you.

I used to be quite good at spelling but after 5 years of continuous computer use I find I'm using google as a spell-checker far too often.

Firefox used to tell me when I'd made a typo by unerlining it in red, it doesn't now, no idea why :(

[Scott-CopyandDesign]

Firefox used to tell me when I'd made a typo by unerlining it in red, it doesn't now, no idea why :(

Need to install the spell-checker add-on and English dictionary file.

[Cartoon Logos]

Need to install the spell-checker add-on and English dictionary file.

aha

thanks!!

[papverpoppies]

You know your spelling is bad when you have to consult google!
Word is fine if you get one or two letters wrong - after that it can't help you.

I used to be quite good at spelling but after 5 years of continuous computer use I find I'm using google as a spell-checker far too often.

The trouble is, you start doubting your spelling and over using spell checkers or Google as a force of habit.

You also have to be careful that it is not the American spelling of the word you use!

Poppy

[Cartoon Logos]

The trouble is, you start doubting your spelling and over using spell checkers or Google as a force of habit.

You also have to be careful that it is not the American spelling of the word you use!

Poppy

I've been writing for American sites for a while and as a result I often have an American 'tone' and definitely their spelling is second nature now.

[papverpoppies]

I've been writing for American sites for a while and as a result I often have an American 'tone' and definitely their spelling is second nature now.


I love the Internet - I really do.

My friends (who have computers) email me, or ring me, asking me to search Google for something they want.

I do not know why, but they seem unable to use search engines correctly.

More to the point - they do not understand how a search engine works!

I cannot imagine life without it.

I did some of my degree online.

I am working on writing short stories - the information and help available online is amazing.

I would have to spend days and days at the library to get what 1 hour on the Internet gives me.

Going back to spelling, I wish we did have the American simplified way.

Poppy

[crossdaz]

I love the Internet - I really do.

My friends (who have computers) email me, or ring me, asking me to search Google for something they want.

I do not know why, but they seem unable to use search engines correctly.

More to the point - they do not understand how a search engine works!

I cannot imagine life without it.

I did some of my degree online.

I am working on writing short stories - the information and help available online is amazing.

I would have to spend days and days at the library to get what 1 hour on the Internet gives me.

Going back to spelling, I wish we did have the American simplified way.

Poppy

I thought that was going to be one of those poems that don't rhyme?
Maybe it was :|

Re: American spelling

Tap - Fawcet
Lift - Elevator
Vegetarian - A What?

[papverpoppies]

I thought that was going to be one of those poems that don't rhyme?
Maybe it was :|

Re: American spelling

Tap - Fawcet
Lift - Elevator
Vegetarian - A What?


To late in the day to try and make it rhyme - always wishing I could of course!

I thought Fawcet was one of those 'Charlies Angels'! :D

Poppy

[crossdaz]

I thought Fawcet was one of those 'Charlies Angels'! :D



Funny :D

Wasn't she married to the six million dollar man?
(when 6 million dollars was a lot of money)

[papverpoppies]

Funny :D

Wasn't she married to the six million dollar man?
(when 6 million dollars was a lot of money)

Yep, she sure was.

She died a few months ago..

Lee Majors - 'we can rebuild him, we have the technology'!

Poppy

[Pro Marketing B/S]

I'm assuming entertainment covers the more adult variety. If not then you're missing out a rather large part of the web. :eek:.

I think you're missing one factor out though:

-Information

-Entertainment

-To make a purchase

-To socialise and communicate



-To socialise and communicate ... my thoughts exactly!