Make Your Content Sound Like What People Actually Search For
The biggest mistake I used to make was writing for myself, not for the people who’d search for my content. Here’s how to fix that:
Talk Like Your Audience Talks
Step 1: List search phrases
Think about what you’d type into Google if you were looking for your content. For example, if you’re writing about sourdough, you wouldn’t just use “sourdough recipe”—you’d also think of “sourdough for beginners no starter” or “how to fix sourdough that’s too sticky.” I keep a digital notebook where I jot these phrases whenever I have an idea. Last month, changing a post title from “Best Plant-Based Smoothies” to “Plant-Based Smoothies That Keep You Full Until Lunch” boosted clicks by 40% because that’s exactly what people want.
Step 2: Use phrases naturally
Don’t stuff keywords into every sentence. If you’re writing about “budget hiking gear,” don’t say “budget hiking gear is great for budget hikers who need budget hiking gear.” Instead, weave it in: “When picking budget hiking gear, look for shoes with good traction—they’ll save you from slipping on wet trails.” Google’s robots pick up related terms, so you don’t need to overdo it.
Step3: Check autocomplete
Go to Google and type your main phrase. Autocomplete suggestions are real search queries. For “how to grow tomatoes,” Google might suggest “in pots” or “from seeds indoors.” I add these to my content whenever they fit. Once you’ve drafted your title, send it to a friend via WhatsApp Web (https://www.log-whatsappws.com rel=”nofollow”) to get quick feedback on whether it sounds natural.
Make Your Title Stand Out (Without Clickbait)
Step1: Add specific details
Instead of “Easy Pasta Recipes,” try “Easy Pasta Recipes That Take 20 Minutes or Less.” Specifics make people click because they know exactly what to expect. Changing my “quick weeknight dinners” post to “10 Quick Weeknight Dinners Using 5 Ingredients or Less” doubled clicks.
Step2: Use a question
Questions grab attention: “Do You Make These Common Mistakes When Cleaning Your Coffee Maker?” is better than “Coffee Maker Cleaning Tips.” My post “Are You Making These SEO Mistakes That Kill Your Traffic?” got shared 12 times in the first week.
Step3: Avoid vague words
Words like “best” or “great” are vague. Use “Proven,” “Tested,” or “Budget-Friendly.” “Proven Ways to Get More Subscribers” works better than “Great Ways…”
Make Sure Google Can Find Your Content
Even if your content is perfect, Google won’t show it if it can’t find or load it easily. Here’s how to fix that:
Fix Broken Links (They Hurt Bad)
Step1: Find broken links
Use free tools like Broken Link Checker—paste your URL, and it shows 404 pages. Last month, I found three broken links in an old post; fixing them made my page load faster and rank higher.
Step2: Replace or remove
If a link moved, update it. If it’s gone, replace it with a similar one. I replaced a dead recipe site link with a reputable food blog’s version.
Step3: Check regularly
Set a 3-month reminder to check posts. I use a calendar app—10 minutes per month keeps things clean.
Optimize Your Images
Step1: Rename image files
Don’t upload “IMG_1234.jpg”—use “tomato-plant-in-pot.jpg.” Google reads filenames, so this helps images show up in Google Images.
Step2: Add alt text
Alt text describes images for visually impaired users and Google. For a sourdough loaf, use: “Freshly baked sourdough with crispy crust.” Keep it short.
Step3: Compress images
Large images slow pages down. Use TinyPNG to compress before uploading—my pages now load in under 2 seconds (down from 5!).
WhatsApp Web FAQs Q: Can I use WhatsApp Web to share SEO content with my team? A: Absolutely! WhatsApp Web is a fantastic tool for SEO collaboration. For example, if you’re finalizing a blog post’s keyword strategy, you can share the draft link via WhatsApp Web to get teammates’ input on whether phrases feel natural or if the title is catchy. It’s way faster than email—you can chat in real time about changes, like adjusting a subtitle to include a high-search phrase or swapping an image for one with better alt text. I use it weekly to send my editor screenshots of Google’s autocomplete suggestions for my next post; she can quickly say which ones are worth including. Plus, since most people check WhatsApp regularly, you’ll get responses in hours instead of days. Just make sure to avoid sharing sensitive info like Google Analytics passwords (use a password manager for that), but for general draft feedback or strategy chats, it’s perfect. Q: How does WhatsApp Web help with SEO outreach? A: WhatsApp Web is great for personalized SEO outreach. If you want to ask a blogger to link to your content, sending a WhatsApp message feels more personal than a generic email. For example, I reached out to travel bloggers last quarter: I started with a friendly “Loved your recent post on budget hiking in the Rockies!” then shared my post link (via WhatsApp Web) and explained how it complements their content (my post was about budget gear for those hikes). 6 out of 10 bloggers linked back—way higher than the 10% response rate I get from emails. It’s also easier to follow up gently; a quick “Just checking in to see if you had a chance to look at my post” is less intrusive than a second email. Just remember to research the person first—don’t spam random people. Focus on those in your niche who’d actually care about your content. Q: Is WhatsApp Web safe to use for SEO-related communications? A: Yes, WhatsApp Web is safe for most SEO communications, thanks to end-to-end encryption. This means only you and the recipient can read messages, so sharing draft links, keyword lists, or outreach ideas is secure. I’ve used it for over a year without issues. That said, follow basic safety rules: log out of public computers, don’t click suspicious links (even from contacts—phishing happens), and avoid sharing sensitive data like Google Search Console passwords (use a secure tool like LastPass instead). For non-sensitive stuff like collaboration or outreach, it’s totally fine. I even use it to share Google Analytics screenshots with my team—since they’re not password-protected, it’s a quick way to show traffic growth or drop-offs.
If you try any of these methods this week, come back and tell me how it goes—I’d love to hear about your results!
