Shrikant Portfolio

Tag: SEO content writing

  • The Archer’s Guide to Content Marketing: Aim Your Words to Convert

    The Archer’s Guide to Content Marketing: Aim Your Words to Convert

    Introduction: Finding Your Aim

    Taylor once sang in The Archer, “I wake in the night, I pace like a ghost, the room is on fire, invisible smoke.” That is exactly how content feels when it does not connect with anyone. You put words out into the world, but if they are not aimed with precision, they disappear into the noise.

    Content marketing is not about publishing more for the sake of it. It is about aiming carefully, hitting the target, and guiding your audience toward action.

    I am Shrikant Bodke, a web developer and digital marketer with six years of experience helping businesses in India and the UK grow through SEO and content strategies. I have worked on small business blogs, enterprise content calendars, and everything in between. What I have learned is simple: content that converts is never an accident. It is the result of a clear strategy and precise execution.

    This guide is all about aiming your words so they actually convert.

    Why Content Marketing Matters More Than Ever

    In 2025, people are consuming content across more platforms than ever. Blogs, social media, newsletters, reels, and podcasts all compete for attention. Some might think content marketing is too crowded to make an impact. The truth is that good content still stands out.

    Here is why it still matters:

    • It builds trust. People buy from brands they trust, and trust comes from consistent, helpful content.
    • It drives SEO. A strong blog strategy helps you appear on Google again and again.
    • It generates leads. A blog can move someone from curiosity to booking a consultation.
    • It fuels other channels. A single blog can be repurposed into multiple posts, videos, or newsletters.

    Think of content marketing as your arrow supply. Each piece is a shot toward your audience. Some miss, some hit, but the more intentional you are, the more often you land right where it matters.

    Step 1: Know Your Target

    You cannot hit the bullseye without knowing where it is. Content marketing starts with understanding your audience.

    Ask yourself:

    • Who are they? Business owners, students, marketers, CEOs?

    • What problems keep them awake at night?

    • What questions are they typing into Google?

    • Are they just learning about their problem or ready to buy a solution?

    📌 Example: Someone in India searching “what is content marketing” is a beginner. They need education. A CEO in the UK searching “best content marketing agency UK” is at the decision stage. They need a reason to choose you.

    This is where content marketing meets the buyer’s journey. Awareness content brings people in. Consideration content nurtures them. Decision-stage content converts them.

    Step 2: Create Content That Educates and Inspires

    Once you know your target, the next step is choosing what kind of content to create. Not all content serves the same purpose.

    Types of content that work:

    • Educational blogs: Teach something useful. Example: From Blank Space to Page One: Crafting SEO-Friendly Blogs.
    • Case studies: Show proof of your work. Nothing builds credibility faster.
    • How-to guides: Step-by-step content that answers a clear question.
    • Visual content: Infographics and videos that simplify complex ideas.
    • Thought leadership: Share your perspective and insights on industry changes.

    For businesses in India and the UK, I often recommend starting with blogs and guides because they improve SEO while also building credibility. Once you have a strong library, you can expand into videos and infographics for social sharing. If you are completely new to creating content online, it also helps to understand the building blocks of the web. My post on Web Development Basics: Beginner’s Guide to HTML, CSS & JavaScript is a great starting point to learn how websites are structured and why clean code matters for SEO and content performance.

    Step 3: Write Content That Converts

    Great content informs. Content that converts does more. It builds trust, sparks interest, and nudges people toward taking action.

    Here is where conversion copywriting comes into play.

    Tips to aim your words:

    • Use clear CTAs. Every blog should tell the reader what to do next.
    • Write with empathy. Show you understand their struggles.
    • Focus on benefits, not features. Do not just say “I offer content writing services.” Instead, say “I help businesses rank higher on Google and attract more clients with SEO-driven content.”
    • Use proof. Add numbers, testimonials, or examples.

    📌 Real example: For one of my clients, we published a blog on “SEO tips for small businesses UK.” The blog ended with a simple CTA: “Book a free consultation today.” That one blog still generates leads because it educates first and sells second.

    👉 CTA for you: If you need content that converts, explore my content writing services.

    Step 4: Optimize Without Overdoing It

    Content without SEO will not be found. SEO without good writing will not be read. You need both.

    Tips for SEO-friendly content:

    If you want to go deeper into SEO strategy itself, check out You Belong With SEO: Making Sure Google Can’t Shake You Off. That article breaks down how to build rankings that stay steady even when Google updates its algorithms.

    Step 5: Repurpose and Promote Your Content

    Even the best blog is wasted if nobody sees it. Promotion is half of content marketing.

    Ways to repurpose and promote:

    • Share highlights on LinkedIn to reach professionals.
    • Turn snippets into Twitter/X threads.
    • Create a short Instagram carousel from the blog’s main points.
    • Record a quick video summary for YouTube or Reels.
    • Send the blog in your newsletter with a personal note.

    Taylor Swift does not just release a song. She performs it, promotes it, and builds an entire era around it. Treat your content the same way. Every piece deserves more than one chance to shine.

    Step 6: Track Results and Adjust Your Aim

    Content marketing is not about publishing and forgetting. You need to track results and adjust.

    Metrics to measure:

    • Traffic from organic search.
    • Average time spent on the blog.
    • Click-through rates on CTAs.
    • Conversions generated.
    • Backlinks earned.

    Use Google Analytics 4 and Search Console to track these numbers. If you notice a blog ranking for an unexpected keyword, write a supporting article. If a blog has impressions but no clicks, rework the headline and meta description.

    Content marketing is a moving target. The more you track, the better your aim becomes.

    Step 7: Use AI as an Extra Tool

    AI is reshaping content creation. It can help brainstorm topics, generate outlines, or even draft first versions. But AI cannot replace human creativity and storytelling.

    The best approach is to let AI handle the repetitive parts so you can focus on strategy and voice. I wrote more about this in AI in Web Development: Saving Time and Helping Us Focus on What Matters and How AI Tools Are Transforming Software Development. The same lessons apply here. AI is a tool, not the archer. The aim must come from you.

    Real-World Example: Content That Hit the Target

    A client in India wanted to attract leads for their e-learning platform. Instead of generic blogs, we built a series of step-by-step guides on topics their audience searched for. Each guide ended with a CTA to sign up for a free demo. Within two months, their organic traffic doubled and demo bookings increased by 30 percent.

    The lesson was simple: content that solves real problems and offers a clear next step converts.

    Conclusion: Content as Your Bow and Arrow

    Content marketing is not random. It is about precision. When you understand your audience, create educational content, write with empathy, optimize smartly, promote widely, and track results, you turn content into a tool that not only attracts but also converts.

    So pick up your bow, refine your aim, and shoot with intent. The target is waiting, and with the right strategy, your words will land exactly where they should.

  • From Blank Space to Page One: Crafting SEO-Friendly Blogs

     

    Taylor once sang, “I’ll write your name.” For many businesses, the challenge is not writing itself but writing in a way that Google actually notices. You can spend hours filling up a blank page, but unless your content is optimized for search, it may never reach your audience.

    That is where SEO-friendly blogging comes in. Blogs are more than words on a page. They are powerful tools that bring consistent traffic, establish your expertise, and convert readers into clients.

    For context, I am Shrikant Bodke, a web developer and digital marketer with six years of experience helping brands in India and the UK climb Google rankings. I have worked on small business websites as well as enterprise SEO strategies, and one thing has always been clear: blogging done right is still one of the most reliable ways to rank on Google.

    Let us explore how you can take your blog from a blank space to page one.

    Why Blogs Still Matter in 2025

    Some people believe blogs are outdated in the age of reels, shorts, and AI-generated content. The truth is, blogs remain a central part of search. Here is why:

    • Blogs target long-tail keywords that people actually search for.
    • They position you as a trusted voice in your niche.
    • They create opportunities for internal linking across your site.
    • Blogs add a steady flow of content, which Google rewards.
    • They provide material you can repurpose for social media, newsletters, or videos.

    I have seen this play out in real projects. On one client site, we started publishing two long-form blogs every week. Within three months, traffic doubled. Even now, those same blogs bring in leads because they were built to last.

    If you want to understand how blogs connect to the bigger SEO picture, I recommend reading my post on building long-lasting Google rankings.

    And since AI is reshaping how we create, tools like ChatGPT are making it faster to brainstorm, outline, and draft. I wrote about this in AI in Web Development: Saving Time and Helping Us Focus on What Matters, where I explained how automation can free us to focus on strategy instead of repetitive tasks.

    Start With Keyword Research

    Strong blogs start with strong keywords. Do not just chase what looks popular. Go after what your audience is actually searching for.

    Here is a simple process:

    1. Brainstorm seed topics based on the problems your audience faces. For example, “Why is my site not ranking?” or “How do I make my WordPress site faster?”
    2. Use SEMrush, Ahrefs, or Ubersuggest to expand those ideas with search volume and competition data.
    3. Focus on search intent. If someone types “SEO blog examples”, they want to learn. If they type “hire SEO blog writer India”, they are ready to buy.
    4. Balance difficulty with opportunity. Competing with giants like HubSpot on generic keywords will not work. Focus on long-tail searches where you can stand out.

    📌 Example: Instead of only writing for content writing services, aim for best SEO blog writing services in India or how to optimize blogs for UK audiences.

    Craft Titles That Rank and Engage

    A blog title is your first impression. It determines if readers click or scroll past.

    • Place the primary keyword early in the title.
    • Keep it clear and direct.
    • Add a hook or benefit to make it stand out.

    Compare:
    ❌ “Writing That Shines”
    ✅ “How to Write SEO-Friendly Blogs That Rank on Google”

    Taylor’s song titles are short, simple, and memorable. Think of Love Story, Style, or Enchanted. That is exactly how your titles should feel.

    Structure Your Blog Like a Journey

    Nobody enjoys reading an unbroken wall of text. Both Google and readers prefer structured writing.

    Here is an effective blog format:

    • Introduction: Hook, context, and promise.
    • Body: Organized into clear H2s and H3s. Each section should answer one question.
    • Examples: Real-world cases or insights.
    • Conclusion: Wrap-up and call to action.

    Formatting tips:

    • Use short paragraphs.
    • Add bullet points and lists.
    • Include images with proper alt text.

    For more insights, visit Google Search Central’s guide on creating helpful content.

    Write for People First and Then Optimize for Google

    Write naturally first, then optimize after. Over-optimizing makes content unreadable and hurts trust.

    Best practices:

    • Place the main keyword within the first 100 words.
    • Use natural variations of the keyword throughout.
    • Add internal links to related posts like SEO and content writing services.
    • Reference trusted sources such as Search Engine Journal.
    • End with a clear call to action.

    👉 Example CTA: “Need help optimizing your blogs? Explore my content writing services and let us create content that ranks.”

    Why Long-Form Content Wins

    Short blogs can work for quick updates, but when it comes to ranking, long-form content almost always performs better.

    Reasons include:

    • They allow in-depth coverage of a topic.
    • Google sees them as more authoritative.
    • They naturally cover a wider range of related terms.
    • They earn backlinks because they are seen as valuable resources.

    Aim for 1200 to 1500 words for most blogs. For in-depth guides, going over 2000 words is fine.

    I have seen this in practice. When we expanded client blogs to over 1200 words, the bounce rate went down and time on page went up. Google noticed, and rankings improved.

    If you are interested in how AI is making it easier to create long-form content without losing quality, check out How AI Tools Are Transforming Software Development. While that article focuses on developers, the same lessons apply to content creators.

    Build Authority With Internal Links

    Internal linking is one of the simplest but most powerful SEO tactics. It connects content and spreads authority across your site.

    For example:

    Promote Your Blog After Publishing

    Publishing is just the beginning. Promotion is what brings readers in.

    Ways to promote:

    • Share on LinkedIn with key takeaways.
    • Post highlights on Instagram or Twitter.
    • Send the blog to your email subscribers.
    • Repurpose sections into videos or carousels.
    • Pitch it for backlinks on related sites.

    Taylor does not just release an album and stay quiet. She promotes across channels, builds anticipation, and engages her audience. That is exactly how you should treat your blogs.

    Conclusion: From Blank Space to Page One

    Turning a blank page into a blog that ranks requires effort, but the payoff is worth it. With the right keywords, engaging titles, thoughtful structure, and long-form depth, you can write blogs that both Google and your readers value.

    If you ever wonder whether blogging still matters, remember this: Google’s index is like Taylor’s discography. It grows every day, but only the work that resonates truly stands out.

    Your goal is to make sure your blog belongs in that playlist and that readers keep hitting replay.