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Agreement on Old Piece: How to Edit Your Writing with SEO in Mind

As a copy editor, it`s important to approach your work not just from a grammar and style perspective, but also with an eye towards search engine optimization (SEO). While you may be working with an older piece of content that was not originally written with SEO in mind, there are still steps you can take to improve its search engine visibility. Here are some tips for editing an old piece with SEO in mind.

1. Conduct Keyword Research

Before you begin editing, it`s important to know what keywords your piece should be targeting. Conduct keyword research using tools like Google Keyword Planner or SEMrush to identify the phrases that your target audience is searching for. Once you have a list of relevant keywords, you can strategically incorporate them into your content.

2. Optimize Your Title and Meta Description

The title and meta description are some of the most important on-page SEO elements. Make sure your title contains your primary keyword and is attention-grabbing. Your meta description should be compelling and give readers a reason to click through to your content. Include your primary keyword in the meta description as well.

3. Use Headings and Subheadings

Headings and subheadings not only make your content easier to read, they also help search engines understand the organization of your content. Use your primary keyword in at least one heading or subheading.

4. Sprinkle Keywords Throughout Your Content

Don`t stuff your content with too many keywords, but do use them strategically throughout your piece. Use your primary keyword in the first paragraph and sprinkle related keywords throughout your content as well. Make sure the keywords read naturally and aren`t forced in.

5. Link to Relevant Content

Linking to relevant content within your own website and to external sources can help boost your search engine visibility. Link to related articles or pages within your own website, and link to reputable external sources that provide additional information on the topic.

6. Use Alt Tags for Images

Images can enhance your content, but they also provide an opportunity for SEO. Use descriptive alt tags for all images, including your primary keyword if it`s relevant.

7. Check for Duplicate Content

If you`re editing an old piece, there may be duplicate content elsewhere on your website or on the web. Use a tool like Copyscape to check for duplicate content and make necessary changes to ensure that your content is unique.

By following these tips, you can edit an old piece of content with SEO in mind and improve its search engine visibility. Remember to prioritize creating high-quality content that provides value to your audience, rather than solely focusing on SEO tactics.