Three easy to follow steps for keyphrase editing success
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Inserting keyphrases into your body text copy isn't difficult. However, it does take some savvy sleuthing to uncover hidden keyphrase opportunities. These three simple keyphrase copyediting steps will help you sniff out keyphrase opportunities like a pro!
Review your headlines and subheadlines
Remember, the search engines consider that emphasized text (like headlines and subheadlines) has important coding properties. That's a big cue to you to include a keyphrase within your headlines (especially your main headline - the first text the search engines "see).
Don't have headlines or subheadlines? Although editing for keyphrases should be exactly that (after all, what's the point of editing if you're rewriting,) this is an exception. Headlines are very important for both search engine spiders and usability, so a seven word sentence can drastically improve your site. Besides, headlines and subheadlines are fabulous for quick-scan benefit statements.
Think call to action links (hyperlinks)
Inserting keyphrases into hyperlinks is a snap. Simply find all hyperlinks and try to add a relevant keyphrase in or around the link.
For instance if you were a dentist optimizing for the phrase "cosmetic dentistry", you could transform your contact now" link into "contact us now about our cosmetic dentistry services."
If your product is "cellular phone batteries," you could include a link that reads, "learn more about our cellular phone batteries."
Yes, it's really that simple.
Comb each paragraph for glittering generalities
"Think like a journalist," is the advice Jill Whalen from HighRankings.com gives her audience when she speaks on editing for keyphrases. Certain words and phrases (let's call them opportunity blurbs) shout "I'm too general" and beg for a more specific keyphrase.
Look at the chart below and see how easy it is to insert keyphrases within common opportunity blurbs. Yes, some statements were transformed into stronger benefit statements. But when you have the opportunity to include both a benefit statement and a keyphrase, grab it and don't let go.
| Opportunity blurb | Keyphrase | Opportunity blurb edited for keyphrase |
|---|---|---|
| All products are shipped within 24 hours. | Gift basket | Your personalized gift basket is shipped within 24 hours |
| Our service will save you time and hassle. | Business franchise | Our business franchise service will save you time and hassle |
| Contact us about our Italy tours today. | Hiking tours | Contact us about our Italian hiking tours today! |
| Softer than air, you'll love our latest deals. | Cashmere sweaters | Softer than air, you'll love our cashmere sweaters. |
| Our programs bring the medical conference to you! | Board certification | Our board certification programs bring the medical conference to you! |
| Search our blueprints database today. | Home plan | Search our home plan blueprints database today. |
| Learn more now! | Computer camps | Learn more about our hands-on computer camps today! |
| Designed to save you money, our exclusive program will meet your automotive needs. | Fleet management | Designed to save you money, our exclusive fleet management program slices your automotive costs 30 percent. |
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