Oh, so what is it exactly that you do?
As an SEO Copywriter, I encounter this question more times than I’d like to admit. That, or a dumbfounded stare. The truth is that I write content for an array of clients for the internet.
SEO copywriting is a specialized form of writing in which the author uses strategic techniques to write for the internet. Through these techniques, the author is able to produce content that ranks high in search engines and attract new customers to a client’s website.
Follow me along as I take you through a day in the life of a copywriter and explain the nuances of copywriting in the age of the internet.
A Day in the Life of a Copywriter
Create Content Strategy
First and foremost, a day in the life of a copywriter does not start with a snazzy idea that comes to us in a dream. Depending on the subject matter and the desired end result, a keyword is chosen to target a specific audience.
Keyword research is conducted in order to identify topics and phrases that audiences are researching. We start with a specific phrase related to the subject to lead research. Then, further research is conducted to find valuable keywords that the client can likely rank in a search engine for. Often, tools like Ahrefs or Moz are used in order to source relevant and applicable topics. Even more, when searching keywords, factors such as keyword volume, clicks and density are taken into consideration.
In other words, regarding that cringe search query you made from incognito mode—an SEO copywriter like me has already thought of it!
Brainstorm Content Ideas
So, great, now we have a random keyword! Now what? If you guessed copywriting, you’re halfway there. A keyword is nothing without a solid thesis. Nevertheless, the thesis must be relevant to its audience. Let’s dive deep for this one! For this example, we’ll use the keyword “castle bounce houses.”
Tom is looking for a bounce house for his son’s tenth birthday. In Google, he searches “castle bounce houses.” His search query populates articles like “How to Inflate Castle Bounce Houses,” and “Can Adults Use Castle Bounce Houses.” Sadly, Tom can’t find a rentable bounce house for his son’s birthday party, and panic ensues.
The job of the SEO copywriter is to anticipate these search queries and write an actionable article. In this case, the objective of the SEO copywriter is to increase sales for bounce house rental company. To do this, they must attract customers into the pipeline with useful information. Thus, the title “5 Castle Bounce Houses for Children’s Parties” would be most appropriate. This title targets customers who are most likely to make a transaction with the client.
After the appropriate topic is chosen, then copywriters do what they do best: write. Formal writing skills are needed to efficiently write an actionable and informative article that adds value.
Although lengthy, this is my favorite part of the process because it allows me to creative and insightful. I can step into the shoes of the target demographic and determine what information is important to them. In addition, I can provide solutions to their inquiries.
Complete Editorial Processes
Two heads are better than one. During the editorial process, this statement is especially true. As you may guess, the editorial process is in place to correct any grammar and spelling.
Even more, during this step of content creation, I optimize internet readability. Writing for the internet and for a print publication is very different. I take into account several factors when writing for the internet. Factors include keyword density, sentence length, and more.
In addition, I optimize the content for search engines. In this case, I take into consideration different factors that Google has outlined to create content that is search engine friendly.
Publish and Share
The most gratifying step of the content creation process is publishing! In addition, the article is published on the client’s respective social media accounts using various trending hashtags and other social media strategies. Sharing content on social media increases brand awareness and attracts an audience that may not have seen it otherwise.
Overall, a day in the life of a copywriter is a hodgepodge of research, writing, and editing. Typically, I will repeat this process multiple times a day—creating several pieces of content per day for numerous clients.
So, back to the original question: What is it exactly that I do?
Through a series of process, I create meaningful and valuable content for the client and the audience that ranks high on social media!
