How to Make Money SEO Writing: A Guide for Beginners

Have you ever wondered how to turn your writing skills into a source of income? SEO writing might just be the answer. It's a field that combines creativity with analytical thinking, and it can be a rewarding career path. Whether you're a complete beginner or someone who’s dabbled in writing before, there's a place for you in SEO writing.

In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get started with SEO writing. From understanding what it is, to learning how to find clients and improve your skills, you’ll be equipped with all the information you need to start making money as an SEO writer. Ready to dive in? Let's get going!

What is SEO Writing?

Let's start with the basics: What exactly is SEO writing? SEO, short for search engine optimization, involves creating content that ranks well on search engines like Google. The goal is to increase the visibility of a website and drive more traffic to it. SEO writing is all about crafting content that’s useful, engaging, and optimized with the right keywords to help it appear higher in search engine results.

Think of SEO writing as a blend of traditional writing and digital marketing. It's about understanding what people are searching for online and then writing content that answers their questions or meets their needs. This means you need to be both a storyteller and a strategic thinker. Sounds interesting, right?

But there's more to it than just sprinkling a few keywords into your text. SEO writing requires you to understand search intent, structure your content in a way that’s easy to read, and use internal and external links effectively. It’s a skill that takes time to develop, but with practice, you can become proficient and start earning money from it.

Developing SEO Writing Skills

Before you start earning from SEO writing, you'll need to hone your skills. The good news is that you don't need a fancy degree to become an SEO writer. Many successful writers are self-taught and have developed their skills through practice and continuous learning.

Here are some steps to help you improve your SEO writing skills:

• Read SEO Blogs and Books: There are countless resources online that can help you understand SEO better. Websites like Moz, Search Engine Journal, and Neil Patel’s blog offer valuable insights into SEO trends and best practices.
• Practice Writing Regularly: The more you write, the better you’ll become. Start a blog or contribute to online platforms to practice writing consistently.
• Learn About Keyword Research: Understanding how to find and use the right keywords is crucial. Tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, and Ahrefs can be helpful in identifying keywords that your target audience is searching for.
• Study Successful SEO Content: Analyze articles that rank well for popular keywords. Pay attention to their structure, tone, and how they incorporate keywords.

As you practice, you’ll become more comfortable with SEO writing. Remember, it’s a learning process, so be patient with yourself as you develop these new skills.

Understanding Search Intent

One of the most important aspects of SEO writing is understanding search intent. Search intent refers to the reason behind a user's query. When someone types a question into Google, they have a specific goal in mind, whether it’s finding information, making a purchase, or navigating to a specific website.

There are generally four types of search intent:

• Informational: The user is looking for information about a specific topic.
• Navigational: The user wants to find a specific website or page.
• Transactional: The user is looking to make a purchase.
• Commercial Investigation: The user is researching products or services before making a purchase decision.

As an SEO writer, your job is to create content that aligns with the search intent of your target audience. This means you need to consider what your audience is looking for and how you can provide that information in a way that’s valuable and engaging.

For example, if you're writing an article about “how to plant a vegetable garden,” your readers are likely looking for a step-by-step guide. On the other hand, if you’re writing about “best gardening tools,” your readers might be in the research phase before making a purchase. Understanding these nuances will help you craft content that meets your audience's needs.

Conducting Keyword Research

Keyword research is the backbone of SEO writing. It's the process of identifying the words and phrases that people use to search for information online. By targeting these keywords in your content, you can increase your chances of ranking higher in search engine results.

Here’s how you can conduct keyword research effectively:

• Brainstorm Topics: Start by thinking about the topics that are relevant to your niche or industry. Consider what your target audience might be interested in.
• Use Keyword Research Tools: Tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, and Ahrefs can help you find popular keywords related to your topics. Look for keywords with a good balance of search volume and competition.
• Analyze Competitor Content: Check out the content that’s already ranking for your chosen keywords. This can give you insights into what’s working and how you can differentiate your content.
• Consider Long-Tail Keywords: Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific phrases that often have lower competition. They can be easier to rank for and can attract more targeted traffic.

Once you’ve identified your keywords, you can start incorporating them into your content. Remember to use them naturally and avoid keyword stuffing, which can harm your rankings.

Crafting Engaging and Optimized Content

Now that you have your keywords, it's time to start writing. The goal is to create content that’s both engaging for your readers and optimized for search engines. Here are some tips to help you craft compelling content:

• Write for Your Audience: Always keep your readers in mind. Write in a conversational tone and address their needs and questions.
• Use Headings and Subheadings: Break your content into sections with headings and subheadings. This makes it easier to read and helps search engines understand the structure of your content.
• Incorporate Keywords Naturally: Use your keywords in the title, headings, and throughout the text. But remember to keep it natural—your priority is to provide value to your readers.
• Include Internal and External Links: Link to other relevant content within your site and to reputable external sources. This can improve your SEO and provide additional value to your readers.
• Optimize for Readability: Use short paragraphs, bullet points, and images to break up the text and make it more readable.

By focusing on your audience and delivering high-quality content, you’ll not only improve your chances of ranking well in search results but also build a loyal following of readers.

Building a Portfolio

As you start to gain confidence in your SEO writing skills, it’s time to build a portfolio. A portfolio showcases your work to potential clients and helps them understand your writing style and expertise.

Here’s how you can create an impressive portfolio:

• Select Your Best Work: Choose pieces that demonstrate your ability to write engaging, well-optimized content. Include a variety of topics and formats to show your versatility.
• Create a Personal Website: A personal website can serve as a professional space to display your portfolio. Use platforms like WordPress or Squarespace to create an attractive and easy-to-navigate site.
• Include Client Testimonials: If you’ve worked with clients before, ask them for testimonials. Positive feedback can build trust and credibility with potential clients.
• Update Regularly: Keep your portfolio current by adding new work and removing outdated pieces. This shows that you’re actively writing and improving your skills.

Your portfolio is a powerful tool in attracting clients, so take the time to make it as polished and professional as possible.

Finding SEO Writing Gigs

Once your portfolio is ready, it’s time to find clients. There are several ways to find SEO writing gigs, and it often involves a combination of networking, pitching, and using online platforms.

Here are some strategies to help you find SEO writing jobs:

• Freelance Platforms: Websites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr offer a range of writing jobs. Be sure to optimize your profile and apply to jobs that match your skills and interests.
• Job Boards: Check out job boards like ProBlogger, Freelance Writing Gigs, and Content Writing Jobs for writing opportunities. Apply to positions that align with your expertise.
• Networking: Attend industry events, join writing groups, and connect with other writers and marketers online. Networking can lead to referrals and new opportunities.
• Cold Pitching: Reach out to businesses and websites that might benefit from your services. Craft a personalized pitch that highlights how you can add value to their content strategy.

It may take some time to land your first gig, but persistence and a proactive approach will pay off in the long run.

Setting Your Rates

One of the challenges of freelance writing is determining how much to charge for your services. Your rates will depend on several factors, including your experience, expertise, and the complexity of the project.

Here are some tips to help you set your rates:

• Research Industry Rates: Look at what other SEO writers are charging for similar work. This will give you a sense of what clients are willing to pay and help you set competitive rates.
• Consider Your Experience: If you’re just starting out, you may need to charge lower rates initially. As you gain experience and build a reputation, you can gradually increase your rates.
• Factor in Time and Effort: Consider how much time and effort a project will take. For complex projects, you might charge by the hour, while for simpler tasks, a flat rate might be more appropriate.
• Be Flexible: Be open to negotiating rates with clients, especially if they offer long-term work or other valuable opportunities.

Remember, your rates should reflect the value you provide to your clients. Don’t undervalue your skills, but also be realistic about what clients are willing to pay.

Continuing to Learn and Grow

The world of SEO writing is constantly evolving, and to stay competitive, you need to keep learning and improving your skills. This means staying up-to-date with SEO trends, experimenting with new writing techniques, and seeking feedback from clients and peers.

Here are some ways to continue growing as an SEO writer:

• Attend Workshops and Webinars: Many organizations offer workshops and webinars on SEO and content marketing. These can be a great way to learn from experts and stay current with industry trends.
• Join Writing Groups: Writing groups can provide support, feedback, and inspiration. They’re also a great way to connect with other writers and learn from their experiences.
• Experiment with Different Styles: Don’t be afraid to try new writing styles and formats. Experimenting can help you discover new strengths and keep your writing fresh.
• Seek Feedback: Ask clients and colleagues for feedback on your work. Constructive criticism can help you identify areas for improvement and become a better writer.

By committing to continuous learning and growth, you’ll be well-equipped to adapt to changes in the industry and continue to thrive as an SEO writer.

Final Thoughts

SEO writing offers a unique opportunity to combine creativity with analytical thinking, making it a rewarding career path for those willing to put in the effort. By developing your skills, understanding search intent, and learning how to find and retain clients, you can successfully make money from SEO writing.

I believe Pattern can be an excellent partner in your SEO journey. As an SEO agency, we focus on driving real results for ecommerce brands and SaaS startups. We create programmatic landing pages optimized for search terms and craft conversion-focused content to turn visitors into paying customers. Unlike many agencies, we don't just chase rankings; we aim for tangible outcomes like sales and ROI. With our in-house growth experience, we integrate SEO into a broader marketing strategy, ensuring every investment you make delivers real value. If you're looking to grow your brand effectively, Pattern might just be the partner you need.