How to Create a Topical Content Map
The purpose of this document is to serve as an internal best practices guide to use when developing a topical content map for a website. This is best implemented right after you have worked with a website designer to create a new site and also best used in tandem with SEO services and
Specifically, this guide is meant to be a resource for how to develop, structure, and find topics for a topical content map. This can include both blogging content, as well as static (i.e. ‘evergreen’) pages on a domain. It outlines SEO and content creation best practices so that our clients can maximize the traffic and ROI from their blog content creation efforts.
The guide is split into three main sections:
- Topical Content Map Overview: What is a topical content map, how are they structured, why are they important, and how will we use them?
- Audience Targeting: Best practices for how to conduct proper audience targeting, background research, keyword mapping, and competitor research.
- Keyword Targeting:Creating topics, SEO minion, grouping similar topics and keywords
Step #1 – Topical Content Map Overview
This section contains best practices for how to topical content map but first we must learn what a topical content map is, how it works, what it’s important and how we use it.
Here is an example of a Topical Map Sample / Niche: Solar Energy.
What is a Topical Content Map?
A topical content map is a listed representation or outline of the main topic categories, pages in that category, and their relationships within a particular keyword.
How Do You Create a Topical Content Map?
To create a topical map for a website, you must organize the content of your website into a hierarchy of categories and sub-topics, with each page focusing on a specific topic related to a keyword.
What’s the Purpose of a Topical Content Map?
The purpose of a topical content map is to provide a high-level overview of the topic we want to cover, identify key themes or categories, and show how different topics are interconnected using keywords.
Why is it Important?
When we cover more topics, we get more traffic and Google will trust us more as well. It’s a feedback cycle. It also helps to organize and structure information, making it easier to create new SEO content that covers all potential questions about the services or products offered by a client.
Step #2 – Audience Targeting
This section contains best practices for how to conduct proper audience targeting, background research, and keyword mapping prior to writing a piece of content.
Topic Selection
The first step phase of any good topical content map development is to choose the overall topic and angle which is to be developed for the post. A general guideline for this is to always be audience focused first.
A few helpful questions to ask yourself to this effect are:
- What does my audience care about?
- What does my audience uniquely care about for the given topic?
- What would be the most useful, informative, and/or interesting piece of content I can produce for my audience?
Here are a few places to find topics:
- Google the keyword we want to rank for and click on the “More People Asked” section
- SEO Minion can crawl that section
- Competitor Website
- Just do some clicking around and also look at other blogs
- Using Ahrefs to find their top pages
- Check the competitor’s sitemap www.example.com/sitemap.xml
- Other tools
Outline based on Competitor: To find this, google the primary keyword and choose the top 3 ranking, use SEO Minion (or do it by hand) to extract all the headers. Sort them and remove duplicates.
Bottom Line: The type of content that is best for your users is almost always best for SEO purposes. “Focus on the user and all else will follow.”
Step #3 Keyword Targeting
Once the content type and direction have been determined, it is now important to think about the organic keywords for which we would like the page to rank. This is important because we want our content to be targeted against the actual queries users are looking for.
This keyword targeting can be broken up into two sections:
Primary Keyword: For written content, each page ought to have a single, highly valuable keyword for which it is trying to win. In other words, this is the #1 keyword you would like to win given not only its relevance to the page, but also, its opportunity (i.e. how many people search for it each month).
Choosing the right primary is the best way to ensure a page is highly targeted. Additionally, it helps inform all future optimization work. I.e. The goal is to optimize each page against the primary keyword.
What to Focus on for a Primary Keyword:
- Relevancy: What is the most relevant term from the research that matches the page?
- Volume: Target terms with the highest volume.
- User Intent: Does the piece of content match the intent of the searcher for the primary keyword?
Keyword Variants: Keyword variants are simply different ways people might search for the primary idea of a page. Keyword variations are important to include on the page because they cover the wide range of different ways people might search for something. It also helps break up repetition on the page so you are not using the primary keyword over and over again.
What to Focus on for Keyword Variations:
- Simple variations of the primary keyword.
- Still central to the primary targeting of the page.
- Would make sense to a user, given the content of a page.
- Every page ought to have 2-4 keyword variations assigned to it.
Competitive / SERP Research
Before writing any post, it is also very valuable to perform some Google searches for the given topic to see what is currently ranking in search results. This helps understand a few different key points:
- The type of content currently in existence for a given query. i.e. What sort of websites and web pages are currently ranking?
- The quality of content that Google has determined deserves a top 10 result. i.e. What is the standard of quality which it will take to achieve a top 10 result?
- The sort of content users seem to care about. i.e. What are the most useful content pieces you see in the SERPs?
- Check their sitemap and steal all the topics from there as well!
This quick research phase can be an important way to determine not only content direction, but also, what sort of competition the blog is up against in terms of the Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs). Understanding both of these things can be invaluable prior to actually developing the piece.
Keep in mind that in order to rank a piece of content into one of the top positions organically, it must be at least as useful, high quality, and interesting as the pieces currently occupying the top organic positions.
The Importance of a Professional Business Website
The Importance of a Professional Business Website
In today’s competitive market, a strong online presence is essential for every business. Your website serves as the face of your company, providing customers with information about your products and services. However, it’s more than just an information hub; it’s a powerful tool for customer interaction and growth.
Whether you’re launching a new website or giving your existing one a makeover, enlisting the expertise of a professional web designer can make a world of difference.
Benefits of Hiring a Professional Web Designer
1. High-Quality Website:
A professional web designer creates a customized website tailored to your business needs. Your site is crafted with your specific goals in mind, utilizing plugins, headers, images, and code to make it both attractive and functional. Unlike free website builders, where certain features are restricted, a professional design ensures top quality.
2. Online Presence and Strategy:
Professional web designers understand the intricacies of SEO (Search Engine Optimization). They build your website with SEO principles in mind, making it SEO-friendly for improved online visibility. Enhanced visibility means more potential traffic, which can translate into increased sales.
3. Utilizing New Technology:
Keeping up with the latest technology is crucial for a competitive online presence. Internet technology and search engine algorithms evolve over time. A professional web designer takes care of updates and maintenance to ensure your site remains compatible with the latest trends, including design, SEO functionality, coding, and more.
4. Convenience and Time Saving:
Professional web designers can integrate essential business features into your website, enhancing convenience for both you and your customers. Features like appointment scheduling, contract forms, online quotations, chatbots, and follow-up messages or emails can be incorporated to boost revenue.
5. Reliability:
Your website’s reliability is crucial. Professional designers ensure it’s free from errors and potential crashes. Should technical issues arise, you won’t have to pay for emergency services to resolve problems.
6. Compatibility:
A professionally designed website is compatible with various devices, including computers, tablets, and smartphones. Accessibility across different platforms is essential for reaching a wider audience.
7. Visual Satisfaction:
Online visitors have short attention spans. A professional web designer ensures that your site’s design is attractive, impressive, and user-friendly, capturing and retaining visitors’ interest.
8. Faster Website:
Professionally designed websites incorporate features for faster loading speeds. A speedy website allows visitors to navigate products, services, or relevant information quickly, potentially leading to more sales.
While hiring a professional web designer may involve upfront costs, the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial investment. Moreover, a professionally built website instills confidence in visitors, establishing trust and enhancing the overall customer experience.
The Ever-Evolving Landscape of Local SEO: A Guide
The Ever-Evolving Landscape of Local SEO: A Guide
Change is the only constant in the world of SEO, and it’s no secret that staying competitive in the market requires a strong and dynamic local SEO strategy. Local search has transformed the SEO landscape, making it more essential than ever for businesses to optimize their online presence for local audiences.
Did you know that as much as 46% of all Google searches are local in nature? What’s more, over 50% of “near me” searches have resulted in physical store visits, and nearly a third of all online consumers in the U.S. search for local businesses on a daily basis. This shift in search behavior underscores the significance of local SEO in today’s digital age.
Building a Successful Local SEO Plan: Where to Begin
1. Register for a Google My Business (GMB) Account
Embarking on a successful local SEO journey starts with registering for a Google My Business (GMB) account. It’s not just about having an account; it’s about optimizing it for maximum results. Here’s how to get started:
- Ensure your address is accurate and complete.
- Be specific about your service area.
- List all relevant business categories.
- Optimize your introduction for a compelling first impression.
- Verify your GMB listing through a PIN sent by Google to your physical address.
2. Optimize Your GMB Listing Continuously
Your GMB profile is a dynamic asset that requires ongoing attention. Providing comprehensive information about your business improves your chances of ranking well in local searches. Here’s what to focus on:
- Accurate NAP (Name, Address, Phone) details.
- Explore all available category options.
- Work on on-page optimization, as it’s a significant ranking factor.
- Consider including your target keywords in your business name for added visibility.
3. Invest in High-Quality Photos
In today’s digital landscape, visuals matter. When potential customers search for businesses on platforms like Google My Business and Google Maps, photos often take center stage in search results. To entice customers to visit your physical store or choose your services, invest in professional photographs and optimize their EXIF metadata. Key metadata to add includes your physical address, geographic location tags, latitude and longitude details, service information, business category, and target keywords.
4. Strengthen Your Citations
Citations continue to play a pivotal role in local SEO, serving two primary functions: validating your business information and driving targeted traffic. Strengthen your online presence by listing your business in prominent and relevant directories in your city or region. Not only does this increase your exposure in the local market, but it also enhances the credibility of your business.
5. Develop a Robust Content Strategy
Content remains king in the digital realm. Relevant content can generate three times as many leads as paid advertisements, making it an essential component of your local SEO strategy. To boost your online visibility, create a diverse mix of content, including informative articles and local SEO-focused content that adds value to your customers’ experience.
By embracing these strategies and adapting to the ever-evolving world of local SEO, you can ensure that your online presence remains strong, resilient, and relevant to your local audience.
The Evolving Importance of SEO in a Post-Pandemic World
The Evolving Importance of SEO in a Post-Pandemic World
SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, can be a complex subject for entrepreneurs and digital marketers alike. Even experts with years of experience find themselves continuously adapting to the evolving landscape of website optimization. In today’s digital age, SEO is not just a marketing tactic; it’s a fundamental aspect of a successful online presence. But why does SEO matter now more than ever, especially in the wake of a global pandemic?
Evergreen Content Holds Its Ground
In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic has dominated conversations and search queries worldwide. While this unprecedented event has undoubtedly impacted consumer behavior and search trends, one thing remains constant: the power of evergreen content. Evergreen content is information that stays relevant over time, regardless of external circumstances. Investing in such content ensures a steady stream of traffic to your website, irrespective of the current climate or any ongoing pandemic.
When the pandemic becomes a historical chapter, your evergreen content will continue to engage and inform your audience.
Embracing the Era of Multi-Screening
With approximately 90% of Internet users now engaging in multi-screening, it’s evident that people are increasingly utilizing different devices to accomplish tasks. This trend has become even more pronounced as remote work and flexible lifestyles have gained prominence. To remain relevant in today’s digital landscape, your SEO strategy must prioritize mobile-friendliness.
Google recognized the significance of this trend by rolling out a mobile-friendly algorithm update. It’s essential to keep your website optimized for mobile users who expect seamless experiences across all their devices.
Addressing Ongoing Trends
While the COVID-19 pandemic has had a lasting impact, your SEO strategy should adapt without solely fixating on the immediate trend. Instead, consider creating content that relates your business to broader solutions and needs. By focusing on solutions rather than the pandemic itself, your content can maintain relevance long after the trend subsides.
Consistency Is the Foundation of SEO Success
Amid the disruptions caused by the pandemic, SEO strategies must persist. Building trust with search engines is an ongoing effort, and consistency is key to long-term success. Continue to produce valuable content, refine your keyword strategy, enhance your website’s performance, and embrace new SEO tactics to strengthen your campaign.
Regardless of external challenges, your commitment to SEO ensures that you don’t regress to square one.
Leveraging Local SEO Opportunities
In a world where many businesses have faced closures and consumers prioritize nearby establishments, local SEO has become increasingly important. To succeed in this landscape, optimize your website for local searches. Keywords like “open now” and “near me” have gained prominence due to the pandemic, and ranking for these terms can significantly boost your online visibility.
Moreover, as people seek ways to support local and small businesses to aid the post-pandemic economic recovery, local SEO becomes a powerful tool for connecting with your community.
In conclusion, the significance of SEO has not waned; it has adapted to the challenges of our times. Evergreen content, mobile optimization, adaptability to trends, consistency, and a strong focus on local SEO are pillars of a robust SEO strategy in the post-pandemic era. By staying agile and informed, you can ensure your online presence remains resilient and relevant in an ever-changing digital landscape.