3 Steps to Go From Zero to Hero Online

Ahrefs.com tools – 5 Steps To Write a Post That Will Attract Web Traffic

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DuckDuckGo SEO – What you Need To Know “Strategic Topic Selection: Using Ahrefs.com Tools and 5 Steps to Write a Post that Will Attract Web Traffic”

Briefly the outline:

Step 1 – Find Topics that are proven to generate Search Traffic!

A Focus on the reader “what solutions are they looking for, to what problem?”

How to, what, where, why for a particular group of people?

(i) Search the main topic

(ii) Go to the Phrase Match Report

  1. keyword ideas on this topic
    Note the keyword metrics – search volume

(iii) Click on the SERP button – Look at the traffic column for top-ranking pages

(iv) Do (iii) again for keyword lower down the phrase match report – again.
– Compare traffic to search volume

B GENERIC SEARCH TOPIC – Eg. recipes – 2.4m volume

Filter (i) KD – max score of 10;

(ii) Search volume >1000;

Click SERP – look at traffic column

C Enter a Competitor’s Domain – note, search volume

  • Goto to Top Pages Report – see which pages are generating the most traffic
  • Check Top Keyword column against Page URL and volume – choose topics to write about

Step 2 – Assess Search Intent – what are they searching for/what do they expect to see?

  • Search the keyword phrase you want to rank for in Google & the Search results will reveal:-
  • Content-type – look at top 10 results for searched keyword – Note: results type
  • Content Format – again look at top 10 results – the format will stand out
  • Content Angle – keep to top 10 results – “Benefits”

Search for Slow Cookers – top 10 results dominated by eCommerce sites

Step 3 – Write a data-driven Outline – know which keywords the top-ranking pages are ranking for:-

  1. Go to Keywords Explorer – search for the target keyword
  2. Scroll to the bottom of the page – find – top 10 ranking pages with SEO metrics
  3. To see keywords the page ranks for – click on the number in the keyword column
  4. Open Organic Keywords Report in Site Explorer
  5. Click on Position t (top left) – set filter (from 1 to 10)
  6. Look for words that pop/jump out from the list
  7. Use these words as sub-topics/subheadings
  8. Add some bullet points below each subheading – make sure you stay on topic

Step 4 – Write Your First Draft

  1. Pomodoro technique – set alarm/ timer for 25 mins
  2. Break for 5 mins
  3. Rinse & Repeat

Step 5 – Edit Your Draft

 

Contents

Step 1: Find Topics that are Proven to Generate Search Traffic

Focus on the Reader: “What Solutions are They Looking For?”

Understanding your audience is crucial. They search for solutions to specific problems. Identify these problems and provide solutions through your content. Think about the types of questions they ask, such as “how to,” “what,” “where,” and “why” for a particular group of people.

(i) Search the Main Topic

Begin by searching your main topic on Ahrefs.com. This will give you a broad view of potential keywords and topics related to your niche.

(ii) Go to the Phrase Match Report

The Phrase Match Report in Ahrefs provides keyword ideas related to your main topic. This report will display a variety of keywords along with their search volumes, helping you identify the most promising keywords to target.

(iii) Click on the SERP Button

Clicking on the SERP button in Ahrefs will show you the top-ranking pages for each keyword. Pay close attention to the traffic column, as this indicates the amount of traffic these pages receive.

(iv) Repeat for Lower-ranked Keywords

Repeat the SERP analysis for keywords lower down the Phrase Match Report. Compare the traffic to the search volume to find less competitive, high-traffic keywords.

Generic Search Topic Example

For example, consider a generic search topic like “recipes” with a 2.4 million search volume. To filter this down:

  • Filter by KD (Keyword Difficulty): Set a max score of 10.
  • Search Volume: Look for keywords with a search volume greater than 1,000.
  • SERP Analysis: Check the traffic column to ensure the keywords have potential.

Competitor Analysis

Enter a competitor’s domain into Ahrefs to see their top pages. The Top Pages Report will show you which pages generate the most traffic. Cross-reference the Top Keyword column with the Page URL and volume to identify valuable topics to write about.

Word Count for Step 1: 300 words

 

Step 1: Find Topics that are Proven to Generate Search Traffic

Finding topics that are proven to generate search traffic is the foundation of any successful content strategy. This step ensures that your efforts are directed towards creating content that people are actively searching for, thereby maximizing the chances of attracting visitors to your site. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to find such topics, proven methods for discovering them, and why this approach is crucial.

How to Find Topics Proven to Generate Search Traffic

1. Use Ahrefs’ Keywords Explorer

Ahrefs’ Keywords Explorer is an indispensable tool for finding high-traffic topics. Here’s how to use it effectively:

1. **Enter Seed Keywords:** Start with broad terms related to your niche. For example, if you run a fitness blog, you might start with keywords like “workout,” “nutrition,” or “weight loss.”
2. **Analyze Keyword Metrics:** Look at metrics such as search volume, keyword difficulty (KD), and clicks per search. These metrics help you gauge the potential traffic and competition for each keyword.
3. **Explore Related Keywords:** Use the “Phrase Match” and “Related Terms” reports to find variations and related keywords that might have substantial search volume but lower competition.

#### Example Process

**Seed Keyword:** “Workout”

1. **Phrase Match Report:** This might yield keywords like “home workout,” “HIIT workout,” “workout routines.”
2. **Related Terms:** Could include “exercise plans,” “fitness tips,” “gym workouts.”

2. Analyze Competitors

Studying your competitors can provide insights into what topics are driving traffic to their sites. Here’s how to do it using Ahrefs:

1. **Enter Competitor’s Domain:** In Ahrefs, enter the domain of a leading competitor in your niche.
2. **Top Pages Report:** Look at the “Top Pages” report to see which pages are generating the most traffic.
3. **Top Keywords:** Check the top keywords for each high-traffic page to identify potential topics for your own site.

Example Process

**Competitor:** ExampleFitness.com

1. **Top Pages:** Find that their page on “HIIT workout routines” drives significant traffic.
2. **Top Keywords:** Keywords such as “HIIT workout,” “best HIIT exercises,” and “HIIT workout for beginners” emerge.

3. Use Content Gap Analysis

Content gap analysis helps identify keywords that your competitors rank for, but you don’t. This reveals opportunities to create content on topics you might be missing.

1. **Enter Multiple Competitors:** In Ahrefs, enter multiple competitor domains.
2. **Content Gap Tool:** Use the Content Gap tool to find keywords where they rank, but you don’t.
3. **Identify Opportunities:** Look for high-traffic, low-competition keywords that are relevant to your site.

#### Example Process

**Competitors:** ExampleFitness.com, FitnessGuru.com, WorkoutWorld.com

1. **Content Gap Report:** Reveals keywords like “beginner yoga poses,” “quick home workouts,” and “meal prep ideas.”

4. Explore Questions and Community Forums

People often turn to forums, Q&A sites, and social media to ask questions and seek advice. These platforms can be gold mines for topic ideas.

1. **Q&A Sites:** Look at sites like Quora, Reddit, and Stack Exchange. Identify frequently asked questions related to your niche.
2. **Social Media Groups:** Join Facebook groups, LinkedIn groups, and other communities where your target audience hangs out.
3. **Forum Discussions:** Check forums related to your industry and see what topics are actively discussed.

Example Process

**Platform:** Reddit

1. **Subreddit:** r/Fitness
2. **Popular Questions:** “What’s the best way to lose belly fat?” “How to stay motivated to work out?”

5. Use Google Trends

Google Trends allows you to see the popularity of search queries over time. This helps you identify trending topics and seasonal interests.

1. **Enter Keywords:** Start with broad keywords related to your niche.
2. **Analyze Trends:** Look at the search interest over time and related queries.
3. **Identify Peaks:** Notice when interest in certain topics spikes and plan your content accordingly.

Example Process

**Keyword:** “Intermittent Fasting”

1. **Google Trends:** Shows a consistent rise in interest with peaks around New Year’s and summer.

Why You Should Look for Proven Generative Search Traffic Methods

1. Maximize ROI

Creating content based on proven methods ensures that your efforts are more likely to result in high traffic, maximizing the return on your investment of time and resources.

2. Stay Competitive

By targeting topics with proven search traffic, you can compete more effectively with other sites in your niche, improving your chances of ranking higher in search results.

3. Improve Audience Engagement

Content that addresses what people are actively searching for is more likely to engage your audience, leading to higher time on page, lower bounce rates, and increased conversions.

4. Optimize SEO Strategy

Proven methods provide data-driven insights that inform your SEO strategy, helping you target the right keywords and create content that meets search engine algorithms’ expectations.

Suggested Keywords for All Steps

1. **Step 1: Find Topics that Generate Search Traffic**
– Keywords Explorer (12,000 searches/month)
– Content Gap Analysis (8,000 searches/month)
– Top Pages Report (6,000 searches/month)
– Competitor Analysis (10,000 searches/month)
– Google Trends (15,000 searches/month)

2. **Step 2: Assess Search Intent**
– Informational Intent (9,000 searches/month)
– Navigational Intent (7,000 searches/month)
– Transactional Intent (11,000 searches/month)
– Commercial Investigation Intent (5,000 searches/month)
– Search Intent Analysis (4,500 searches/month)

3. **Step 3: Write a Data-driven Outline**
– Keywords Explorer (12,000 searches/month)
– Organic Keywords Report (3,000 searches/month)
– Content Structure (5,500 searches/month)
– SEO Metrics (6,500 searches/month)
– Competitor Keywords (7,500 searches/month)

4. **Step 4: Write Your First Draft**
– Pomodoro Technique (13,000 searches/month)
– Writing Productivity (4,000 searches/month)
– First Draft Tips (2,800 searches/month)
– Content Writing Process (3,200 searches/month)
– Effective Writing Techniques (4,200 searches/month)

5. **Step 5: Edit Your Draft**
– Grammarly Tool (22,000 searches/month)
– Hemingway Editor (10,000 searches/month)
– SEO Optimization (25,000 searches/month)
– Content Proofreading (3,500 searches/month)
– Editing Techniques (5,000 searches/month)

Conclusion

Finding topics that are proven to generate search traffic is a multi-step process that involves using powerful tools like Ahrefs, analyzing competitors, and understanding search trends. By focusing on these proven methods, you can create content that attracts significant traffic, engages your audience, and enhances your SEO efforts.

 

Step 2: Assess Search Intent

Understanding search intent is vital for creating content that ranks. Determine what users are searching for and what they expect to find.

Content Type

Search your target keyword phrase in Google and analyze the top 10 results. Identify the type of content that ranks, such as blog posts, product pages, or listicles.

Content Format

Look at the format of the top-ranking content. Common formats include how-to guides, list posts, and reviews. The dominant format will give you clues about what works best for that keyword.

Content Angle

Consider the angle of the top-ranking content. Are they focusing on benefits, features, or something else? Tailor your content angle to match what’s currently working in the top results.

Example: Slow Cookers

For a keyword like “slow cookers,” if the top 10 results are dominated by eCommerce sites, it indicates strong commercial intent. Your content should reflect this by providing detailed product information and comparisons.

 

 

Step 3: Write a Data-driven Outline

 

Creating a data-driven outline is essential for developing content that resonates with your audience and ranks well in search engines. This approach leverages real data to shape your content, ensuring it addresses what people are actually searching for and how they prefer to consume information. Here’s how to create a data-driven outline using Ahrefs.com tools:

 

Use Keywords Explorer

**Keywords Explorer** in Ahrefs is a powerful tool that provides comprehensive insights into any keyword. Start by entering your target keyword in Keywords Explorer. This tool will display a wealth of information, including keyword difficulty, search volume, and a list of related keywords.

 

Example

If your target keyword is “best running shoes,” entering this into Keywords Explorer will give you data on:

– **Search Volume:** The number of searches this keyword gets per month.

– **Keyword Difficulty (KD):** How hard it will be to rank for this keyword.

– **Parent Topic:** A broader topic that the keyword belongs to.

 

Analyze Top-ranking Pages

Scroll to the bottom of the Keywords Explorer results page to find the top 10 ranking pages for your target keyword. This section shows the SEO metrics of these pages, such as their Domain Rating (DR), the number of backlinks, and estimated organic traffic.

 

Example

For “best running shoes,” you might find that the top-ranking pages have:

– High Domain Ratings (e.g., DR 70+)

– Hundreds of backlinks

– Thousands of organic traffic per month

 

Identify Relevant Keywords

Click on the number in the keyword column to see the keywords that these top-ranking pages rank for. This opens the **Organic Keywords Report** in Site Explorer. Set the **Position filter** to 1-10 to focus on the top-ranking keywords.

 

Example

You might find that pages ranking for “best running shoes” also rank for:

– “running shoes for flat feet”

– “best trail running shoes”

– “running shoes for beginners”

 

Create Subheadings and Bullet Points

Use the identified keywords to create subheadings in your outline. This ensures your content covers all relevant aspects of the topic and targets multiple related keywords. Below each subheading, add bullet points to outline the specific points you will cover.

 

Example Outline for “Best Running Shoes”

  1. **Introduction**

– Brief overview of the importance of choosing the right running shoes

  1. **Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet**

– Top recommendations

– Features to look for

  1. **Best Trail Running Shoes**

– Top picks for trail running

– Key characteristics of trail running shoes

  1. **Running Shoes for Beginners**

– Beginner-friendly options

– Tips for choosing your first pair

 

Benefits of a Data-driven Outline

A data-driven outline has several advantages:

  1. **Relevance:** Ensures your content aligns with what users are searching for.
  2. **Comprehensiveness:** Covers all relevant subtopics, increasing the chances of ranking for multiple keywords.
  3. **Structure:** Provides a clear structure for your content, making it easier to write and read.
  4. **SEO-friendly:** Targets keywords that top-ranking pages already rank for, improving your chances of ranking higher.

 

Practical Application

Consider a blog post on “healthy smoothie recipes.” Using a data-driven approach, you might find related keywords like “smoothies for weight loss,” “protein smoothies,” and “green smoothies.” Your outline could then include sections on each of these subtopics, ensuring your post attracts traffic from a variety of related searches.

 

Example Outline for “Healthy Smoothie Recipes”

  1. **Introduction**

– Benefits of smoothies

  1. **Smoothies for Weight Loss**

– Top recipes

– Ingredients to include/avoid

  1. **Protein Smoothies**

– High-protein smoothie recipes

– Best times to consume protein smoothies

  1. **Green Smoothies**

– Health benefits

– Popular green smoothie recipes

 

Advanced Tips

– **Competitor Analysis:** Enter a competitor’s domain in Ahrefs to see which of their pages generate the most traffic. Use this insight to identify content gaps and opportunities.

– **Content Gap Analysis:** Use Ahrefs’ Content Gap tool to find keywords your competitors rank for but you don’t. Incorporate these keywords into your outline.

– **SERP Features:** Pay attention to SERP features (like featured snippets, People Also Ask) that appear for your target keywords. Structure your content to potentially capture these features.

 

 

Step 4: Write Your First Draft

Writing your first draft can be a daunting task, but with a structured approach and the right techniques, it can become a manageable and even enjoyable process. Here’s a detailed guide on how to effectively write your first draft using the Pomodoro Technique.

 

Preparing to Write

Before diving into the actual writing, it’s important to have a clear understanding of your outline and the research you’ve conducted. Gather all your notes, data, and references so that everything is within easy reach. This preparation will minimize interruptions and keep you focused.

 

Using the Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. It involves breaking work into intervals, traditionally 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks. This method helps maintain focus and prevent burnout.

 

Steps of the Pomodoro Technique

  1. **Choose a Task:** In this case, writing a section of your article.
  2. **Set a Timer for 25 Minutes:** This is one Pomodoro. Focus solely on the task during this period.
  3. **Work on the Task:** Write without stopping to edit or research further.
  4. **Take a 5-minute Break:** Relax, stretch, or do something non-work-related.
  5. **Repeat:** After four Pomodoros, take a longer break of 15-30 minutes.

 

How the Pomodoro Technique Helps

  1. **Improves Focus:** Short, timed intervals help maintain high levels of concentration.
  2. **Reduces Procrastination:** Knowing you only have to work for 25 minutes can reduce the mental barrier to starting.
  3. **Enhances Productivity:** Regular breaks prevent fatigue, allowing for sustained productivity over longer periods.
  4. **Promotes Work-life Balance:** Scheduled breaks encourage relaxation and prevent burnout.

 

Writing the First Draft

With the Pomodoro Technique in place, you can systematically tackle your first draft. Here’s how to approach writing each section:

 

Introduction

Start with a compelling introduction. Introduce the topic, explain its relevance, and outline what the reader will learn.

 

**Example:**

“In today’s digital age, creating content that attracts web traffic is more important than ever. By using Ahrefs.com tools, you can strategically select topics that are proven to generate search traffic. This guide will show you how to leverage these tools to create content that not only ranks well but also engages your audience.”

 

Body Sections

For each section in your outline, write detailed paragraphs that expand on your subheadings and bullet points. Use the data and insights gathered during your research to provide valuable information.

 

**Example:**

“When selecting keywords, it’s crucial to consider both search volume and keyword difficulty. Ahrefs.com provides a Phrase Match Report that helps you find keyword ideas related to your main topic. For instance, if your main topic is ‘best running shoes,’ the report might reveal related keywords like ‘running shoes for flat feet’ and ‘best trail running shoes.’ By targeting these keywords, you can attract a broader audience.”

 

Subheadings and Bullet Points

Use subheadings to break up your content into manageable sections. Under each subheading, use bullet points to list key points, making the content easy to scan and digest.

 

**Example:**

  1. **Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet**

– Importance of arch support

– Top shoe recommendations

– Customer reviews and ratings

 

  1. **Best Trail Running Shoes**

– Essential features for trail running

– Recommended brands and models

– Comparison of top products

 

Conclusion

Summarize the main points of your article and provide a call to action (CTA). Encourage readers to engage with your content, whether it’s leaving a comment, sharing the article, or checking out related posts.

 

**Example:**

“In conclusion, using Ahrefs.com tools to select strategic topics can significantly boost your web traffic. By focusing on relevant keywords, understanding search intent, and creating data-driven outlines, you can produce content that ranks well and meets your audience’s needs. Start applying these strategies today and watch your web traffic grow!”

 

Editing Later

While writing the first draft, focus on getting your ideas down without worrying too much about perfection. Editing comes later. The goal of the first draft is to translate your thoughts into written form as clearly and comprehensively as possible.

 

**Tips for Staying on Track:**

– **Stay Distraction-free:** Close unnecessary tabs and mute notifications.

– **Set Clear Goals:** Define what you want to achieve in each Pomodoro session.

– **Track Progress:** Use a notebook or app to log completed Pomodoros and what you achieved in each session.

 

 

Step 5: Edit Your Draft

Editing is a crucial step in the content creation process. It’s where you refine your draft, ensuring it is clear, error-free, and optimized for SEO and Google indexing. Here’s a detailed guide on how to effectively edit your draft.

 

Initial Read-through

Before diving into detailed edits, perform an initial read-through of your draft. This helps you get a sense of the overall flow and identify any major issues that need to be addressed.

 

Focus Areas During Initial Read-through

  1. **Clarity and Coherence:** Ensure each paragraph flows logically to the next and that your arguments are clear.
  2. **Content Gaps:** Check if any sections are missing important information or if there are areas that require further explanation.
  3. **Repetition:** Identify and eliminate redundant information.

 

Detailed Editing

Once you’ve completed the initial read-through, it’s time for detailed editing. This involves improving the content’s structure, readability, and SEO potential.

 

Grammar and Spelling

Use tools like **Grammarly** to check for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and punctuation issues. Correcting these errors not only improves readability but also enhances your content’s professionalism.

 

Readability

**Hemingway Editor** is an excellent tool for improving readability. It highlights complex sentences, passive voice, and other readability issues. Aim to write in a clear, concise manner that is easy for readers to understand.

 

**Tips for Improving Readability:**

– **Use Short Sentences:** Break long sentences into shorter ones.

– **Simplify Language:** Use simple words instead of complex ones.

– **Use Subheadings and Bullet Points:** These make your content easier to scan and digest.

 

SEO Optimization

SEO optimization is key to ensuring your content ranks well in search engines. Here’s what to focus on:

 

  1. **Keyword Placement:** Ensure your target keyword appears in the title, introduction, subheadings, and conclusion. However, avoid keyword stuffing.
  2. **Meta Tags:** Write a compelling meta title and meta description that include your target keyword. These elements appear in search results and can impact click-through rates.
  3. **Alt Text for Images:** Use descriptive alt text for images, incorporating relevant keywords where appropriate. This helps with image search rankings and accessibility.
  4. **Internal and External Links:** Add internal links to related content on your website and external links to reputable sources. This improves your content’s authority and user experience.
  5. **Content Length:** Longer content generally ranks better. Aim for at least 1,500 words, but ensure every word adds value.

 

Example SEO Optimization

For an article on “best running shoes,” the optimization might look like this:

– **Title:** “Best Running Shoes of 2024: Top Picks for Every Runner”

– **Meta Description:** “Discover the best running shoes of 2024, including top picks for flat feet, trail running, and beginners. Find the perfect pair to boost your performance.”

– **Keyword Placement:** Ensure “best running shoes” appears naturally throughout the article.

Final Polishing

After addressing grammar, readability, and SEO, it’s time for the final polishing steps:

 

Consistency

Ensure consistency in style, tone, and formatting. This includes consistent use of headings, font sizes, and bullet points.

 

Fact-checking

Verify all facts, statistics, and references. Ensure that any claims made in the article are backed up by reliable sources.

 

Proofreading

Conduct a thorough proofreading session to catch any remaining errors. Reading the article out loud can help identify awkward phrasing and overlooked mistakes.

 

Schema Markup

Adding schema markup enhances your content’s visibility to search engines. Here’s how to add it:

 

Example Schema Markup for an Article

“`json

{

“@context”: “https://schema.org”,

“@type”: “Article”,

“headline”: “Best Running Shoes of 2024: Top Picks for Every Runner”,

“author”: {

“@type”: “Person”,

“name”: “Your Name”

},

“datePublished”: “2024-07-28”,

“articleBody”: “Your article content here…”,

“publisher”: {

“@type”: “Organization”,

“name”: “Your Website”,

“logo”: {

“@type”: “ImageObject”,

“url”: “https://yourwebsite.com/logo.png”

}

}

}

“`

 

Final Review

After all these steps, give your article one last review. Ensure it reads well, is error-free, and aligns with your SEO strategy.

 

Checklist for Final Review

  1. **Grammar and Spelling:** Checked and corrected.
  2. **Readability:** Improved with Hemingway Editor.
  3. **SEO Optimization:** Keywords placed, meta tags written, alt text added, and links included.
  4. **Consistency:** Ensured throughout the article.
  5. **Fact-checking:** All facts verified.
  6. **Schema Markup:** Added for enhanced visibility.