Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is often that “tangibility” element many article writers seek. Need proof? Take a look at the competition out there; e.g., the keyword “SEO” has over 11,000,000 global monthly searches alone.

What’s amazing is that many authors already have what they need. With the assistance of even the most simple keyword tools and a finger on the pulse of your niche, you can be successful without the bells and whistles. Here’s how:

5 SEO Elements That Are Overlooked

• Quality – Hands down, quality content that provides a good user experience is rewarded. From good grammar to even navigation and presentation – a quality user experience is memorable and makes people want to come back for more (resulting in a higher return rate, more traffic, and a higher rank). The alternative (i.e., poor quality) is no one is satisfied and you risk a deindexed or banned website.
• Originality – Not just for credibility sake, originality is rewarded. Readers, article directories, search engines, etc., are not happy with redundant, derivative content – they want something new, a different angle, or a fresh perspective. Your content should have a unique impression on your niche – let your singular experiences shine.
• Relevance – In addition to maintaining a quality user experience, relevance is a key component to natural link building. For example: If you publish an article on EzineArticles.com with links in your Resource Box leading back to areas on your website or Blog that relate to your article’s topic, then you will have built a natural link. Not only do visitors notice, search engines do too.
• Target – Researching your target audience isn’t just about demographics and personas, although this information is incredible when you’re cultivating topics to write about as well as provide more engaging content. When considering your audience, look for the keywords your targeted audience is using to find what they want and need.
• Evergreen – Writing content that stands the test of time is just smart. Not only will you get more out of evergreen content than the time it took to write it, evergreen content will continue building your authority and your rank. Content like “2012 Mayan Apocalypse” may as well have a countdown clock; it depreciates as soon as it’s published.

The Key to Making These 5 SEO Elements Work

Quality, originality, relevance, target, and evergreen won’t get you anywhere if you start writing articles in the broadest part of your niche. You will easily become overwhelmed and you won’t be able to compete with the already established authorities of your niche.

The key to success is this: You must first establish your credibility and rank before you can take on broader areas of your niche. So take a step (maybe even a giant step) back and establish your credibility.

Here’s how: start small.

First, find areas of your niche that have low competition, but are still in demand. Remember that “SEO” keyword we discussed earlier? No one is going to make it on “SEO” – way too broad. However, we can extend the keyword to focus the topic, e.g., SEO and Blog Writing, SEO and Social Media Writing, SEO and Article Writing, etc. Then we can break this down even further into the long-tail, e.g., “SEO and Article Writing: How to Use Long-Tail Keywords Naturally.”

Next, build an article portfolio as well as a high-quality website that reflect the 5 SEO elements outlined above (quality, originality, relevance, target, and evergreen). This will help you establish your foothold in your niche – you will be more easily seen by readers, picked up by publishers, be open to website or blog visitors, and established in search engines.

Once you’ve established a following or connection with publishers, readers, and visitors, then you’re ready to take it to the next level. Just don’t dive into the deep end of your niche until your credibility can keep you afloat.

Avoid getting swallowed up in your niche and don’t be afraid to narrow your area of expertise, since it can always be expanded later. Establish your credibility in more specific, targeted areas of your niche before taking on the big leagues and SEO will naturally work for you.