What is the purpose of a great charge if you end up losing the battle?

I recently read a featured post SEO Tip of the Week: Write Like an Eighth-Grader , and at first missed the point. I so disagreed with the idea of writing to everyone in the same manner that I missed the point! The author was suggesting writing to one, writing solely for SEO.

I have some knowledge in Search Engine Optimization, but I bow to Michael George’s expertise, regarding SEO.

I’m all for charging to the top of the search engines, but of what good is it if you lose the battle? What good is the top of the page if it doesn’t lead to a sale?

It is a paradox write for SEO or write to motivate the reader. Search Engines are all similar, but consumers vary.

It is a conundrum! I have no answer, but I do have a suggestion. In high school and collage I worked for a news paper we wrote in a reverse pyramid format. The first paragraph was always the most general with each one that followed getting more and more specific. The idea was seduce the most readers at the start then add detail for those interested. It also allowed the editor (or in my case, the designated speller) to cut the article to fit the space available.

My suggestion. Take the SEO experts advice when writing the first paragraph! Brilliance is of no value if no one sees it. Then write the subsequent paragraphs for your desired readers!

One man’s opinion.

Bill

William J Archambault Jr

The Real Estate Investment Institute

wja@reii.org      Cell 832-259-7078,      Houston 832-582-8415,       Las vegas 702-516-1569

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From my past: GRI 1975, FLI 1974, Catalyst from a client 1974 an agent that makes things happen, REII, The Real Estate Investment Institute 1995.

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©William J Archambault Jr   ©The Real Estate Investment Institute   ©REII

 
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14 Comments on Losing The Battle

AUG
05
1,146,151 Points 242 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I often send my site to a website to be 'graded' and the one thing that comes up repeatedly is writing above the heads of the reader.  I don't think I write that well AT ALL--in fact, I'm NOT a writer, just an observer and a participant, sharing my thoughts about this business. However, it does make sense to focus on the introduction and I will definitely start being more conscious of that first paragraph.  Thanks for sharing this!
12:37pm • #1
541,832 Points 40 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Debe,

I wish we'd hear more from observers and participants! They're much more interesting and knowledgeable!

Bill
12:41pm • #2
290,633 Points 14 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

I had heard of 5th grade reading level for the same reason, but for sure not over the 8th grade level
12:47pm • #3
541,832 Points 40 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Mark,

I think 5th grade is traditional for TV writers not SEO's.

Bill
12:55pm • #4
494,837 Points 75 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Actually Bill, I concur with your opinion on this.  First step, being found.  Second step ... keep the reader engaged via context/voice/etc.  After all, you want them to come back ... ideally.

 
12:55pm • #5
541,832 Points 40 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Thanks Jason!

I couldn't have said it better.

Bill
12:57pm • #6
1,388,174 Points 255 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Bill I like your suggestion.  I have tried a couple of time writing a blog for just SEQ's and I did not like what I wrote, so if I did not like it how is anyone one else?  I want to be found on the net, but more important I want those reading my blog to walk away feeling that I am someone that they want to do business with.
4:41pm • #7
541,832 Points 40 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

George,

It takes both being found and impressing the reader.

Bill
5:29pm • #8
1,949,110 Points 155 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I agree with you 100% and it is very frustrating making yourself look like an idiot just so you can be seen by more people. I'm not sure that is the audience I want to go after. 
8:49pm • #9
541,832 Points 40 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Todd,

Different speech for different audiences.

Yes, there are people I don't write for.

Bill
10:20pm • #10
AUG
06
282,800 Points 2 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Some of my posts have different objectives than others. Some are to find the "long tail" and to fill out a market position. In this case I write for SEO and try to make it interesting. This kind of article will last a long time and will continue to get traffic long after it is posted.

Other posts may be because an issue has come to my attention and I am motivated to post about it to get reaction from my friends on AR.
5:47am • #11
541,832 Points 40 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

John,

Exactly.

As to staying power many are still being read from 2006.

Bill

 
7:10am • #12

Bill,

Good information and I agree with you.  First dazzle them to get attention and then keep them with value writing and knowledge.  The internet has turned users into having a 30 second attention span.  Once you get their attention, they will stay a bit longer for content.  Our opening dialogue, though, should be consistent with our preferred audience.
11:00am • #13
541,832 Points 40 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Thanks Mike.

Bill

 
11:22am • #14

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William J Archambault Jr

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