You probably sat in class when you were in high school listening to your English teacher talk about things like sentence structure, following an outline for essays, or even the use of ‘fluff’ words. As it turns out, your English teacher was correct and we should all go back and thank them. The way you write online content can either boost your SEO efforts or plummet them. 

 

Sentence Structure

For a phrase to transform into a sentence, it must have two very important things: a subject and a verb. However, it must express a complete thought, clearly and concisely. Your sentences shouldn’t be ambiguous or too complicated. When you focus on your sentence structure, it helps users clearly read your content. Here are ways to improve your sentence structure!

 

Write in an active voice

• Writing in an active voice places the emphasis on the one performing the action. It follows the structure: subject + verb + object construct that is easy to read. So instead of writing, Angel was complimented by Laura, you would write, Laura complimented Angel. 

Use Long and Short Sentences

• When you vary the length of your sentences, your content is more engaging and pleasing to read. If you write short and choppy sentences, try joining them together with conjunctions. If you write long sentences, try breaking them up into smaller ones with transitional words. 

Follow a Parallel Structure

• Parallel structure is the repetition of a chosen grammatical form within a sentence. Following a parallel structure adds clarity to your writing, making it easier to read. Instead of saying, Selina likes to cook, go swimming, and play cornhole. You would say, Selina likes cooking, swimming, and playing cornhole. 

 

Following an Outline

When writing any content piece, you want to ensure you have an outline that you can follow. Think of your outline as your content roadmap. Your outline is a list of topics that you will cover in your article, blog post, or web page. Before writing this blog, I started with a headline and three topics that I wanted to cover. Under each topic, I brainstormed subtopics to talk about. 

 

Why is it important? 

A big benefit of outlining your content is it makes it easier for the reader to follow along. When you have a clear structure, they can easily find the topic they are looking for without having to skim a long article. 

Outlines can also be a lifesaver for content writers because it helps avoid writer’s block. If you get stuck or don’t know what to write about, look back at your outline for inspiration. A clear outline makes it easier to stay on track and keep your ideas organized.

 

Avoid Repetition 

If you aren’t using repetition on purpose, repeating words can get in the way of good SEO content. One method you can use to avoid this problem is to consult with a thesaurus. Search engines are incredibly smart and understand that words have similar meanings. Not only will this help avoid repetition, but you’ll also increase your chances to rank for related keywords. 

When using synonyms, ensure that they will fit the context of the sentence and won’t make it more complicated to read. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, half of U.S. adults can’t read a book written at the 8th-grade level. That’s why it’s important, as content writers, to understand our audience and use simple, easy-to-read words. 

 

Overall, you want your content to be clear, concise, and easy to read. Now, let’s all go thank our English teachers for trying to drill this in our heads the first time. 

If you are looking for a team of expert SEO content writers, contact us today! 

 

 

Sources: 

https://proofed.com/writing-tips/5-tips-for-improving-sentence-structure/ 

https://seowind.io/content-outline-article-blog/ 

​​https://www.masterclass.com/articles/tips-for-avoiding-word-repetition-in-your-writing