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SEO guidelines for article submissions
SEO, short for 'Search Engine Optimization,' helps your content rank high in searches related to your business. We've crafted this guide to simplify the process of creating articles that perform well in search engines. Following our guidelines not only boosts your chances of attracting long-term traffic but also significantly increases that your articles will be picked for getting featured in our weekly highlights and gaining extra exposure on the Brainz website and our social media.
1. Choose the right main and subcategory for your article
When submitting your article, choosing the right main and subcategory helps your content resonate with your target audience and align with Brainz Magazine’s structure. Check out our category tree to find the perfect fit!
Why choose a subcategory?
Selecting a subcategory streamlines the writing process by giving your article a clear direction. It also helps readers locate content that interests them and ensures your expertise shines in the most relevant context.
2. Start your research
Before actually putting pen to paper, it is important that you create a clear outline that organizes your thoughts and helps structure your article from start to finish. Then, start your research for optimal results.
Find your topic
As an expert in your field, you probably already have an idea of what you want to write about. It is always good to start by asking yourself what your customers' most common questions are, what problems your business solves and what are some usual concerns within the industry. It is good to align your thoughts with what your target audience are searching for. Brainstorm ideas and write them down.
Look at search results
Next, look at the search results for some of those topics. Google usually provides a “People also ask” feature, containing drop-down boxes with common questions and answers. Interacting with this will load more questions and allow you to dig deeper into what your audience is searching for. Read through sites and blogs that are already ranking well for the topic, to find areas that are missing, or where you can provide a more comprehensive article from your expertise.
Narrow it down
Following the previous steps, you probably already have narrowed your topic down to something that is possible to cover in an article. However, if the subject is still broad, you might have to narrow it down further. More detailed topics and subjects are easier to cover in an article, and doing this is beneficial for several reasons:
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It is easier to comprehensively cover the topic: Trying to appeal to everyone by skimming over a broad topic usually fails at giving a deeper understanding. Showing your expertise by providing details usually works better for branding you as an expert in your niche.
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It is easier to compete in search results: Generally speaking, broader topics usually have more written about them, making it harder to compete for a position on the first page in search engines. By targeting a more narrow topic/search query you improve your chances of ranking well by decreasing competition and making it easier to fully cover the topic in your article.
Example:
Instead of writing about “How to communicate”, try covering “How to communicate in a relationship”, “How to communicate with preteens”, or “How to communicate effectively at work”.
3. Craft click-friendly headline
You've got to grab readers with the headline. If it doesn't hook them, they won't bother reading. A great headline sparks curiosity and encourages the reader to click on it. Make sure to show the value of reading the article: what will the reader learn? Here are some effective formats for click friendly headlines:
How-to headlines
How-to headlines, often starting with "How to," effectively communicate the value your article offers by clearly indicating the type of guidance or information readers can expect. These headlines signal that your content will provide practical advice or steps to achieve a specific outcome, whether it's learning a new skill, solving a problem, or changing a mindset.
Examples:
“How to become a TEDx speaker”
"How to spot a narcissist in a relationship"
"How to build self esteem in children"
"How to overcome anxiety at work"
"How to write the perfect book title for a novel"
Headlines with questions
Crafting a headline in the form of a question serves as a clear indication of the topic and the value the article will provide. Question headlines, beginning with words like "How," "Why," "What is," or "Should I," instantly engage readers' curiosity and prompt them to seek solutions or insights within the article.
Examples:
“Should I tell my partner I cheated on them?”
"Should I invest in cryptocurrency?"
"Can meditation help reduce stress and anxiety?"
"What is the best way to save money for retirement?"
"How can I successfully grow my small business?"
Comparisons headlines
Comparison headlines are an effective way to engage readers by highlighting the differences between two or more options. This approach is particularly useful when your target audience is seeking clarity on which option best suits their needs.
Examples:
“Cardio vs. Weightlifting: Which exercise method burns more fat?”
"Instagram vs. TikTok: Which platform is best for influencer marketing?"
"Online meetings vs. Face-to-face: 6 keys differences"
Numbered lists headlines
Numbered lists are great for a few reasons. First, they're clear and organized, so readers can understand the main points fast. Second, they promise a certain number of tips or insights, making the content feel valuable. Lastly, they're easy to skim through, which is perfect for busy readers and can boost engagement and clicks on search engines and social media.
Examples:
“7 strategies for boosting your productivity at work”
"5 essential skills every new entrepreneur should master"
"10 tips for improving your mental health this year"
"12 effective techniques for managing stress in life"
Headlines with numbers or percentages
These kind of headlines are highly effective in capturing readers attention. They promise specific benefits or insights, making them more compelling, ultimately driving more traffic to the article.
Examples:
“How to earn 50 million before turning 30”
"5 key investments that can double your wealth in 5 years"
"8 strategies to double your sales in 90 days"
"How to increase profits by 30% in one year"
Headlines that goes against popular opinions
Controversial opinions have a tendency to create a buzz. Make sure to only use this type of title if the content matches, do not overpromise. Also, remember that this tactic can lead to backlash if your opinion is too controversial. Done correctly, these headlines can spark curiosity and set the article apart from others, increasing its visibility and attracting a broader audience.
Examples:
“Boss babe culture is toxic and bullshit”
"Why 'fake it till you make it' is terrible career advice"
"Soulmates are a myth: 10 truths you need to know"
What and why headlines
"What and why" headlines focus on addressing specific topics or questions and explaining the reasons behind them. They provide clarity and insight into complex issues, helping readers understand the significance behind certain questions, actions, or reasons. By answering the "what" and "why," these headlines offer valuable information, build trust with the audience, and establish authority on the subject matter.
Examples:
“Why procrastination is the biggest business killer”
"What is self-care and how to practice it in 7 simple steps"
"Why headlines matter and 5 secrets to master them"
"Why goal setting matters: 8 steps to success"
Avoid clickbait and use common words
Avoid clickbait titles that do not match what the article is actually about. Misleading content is against Google's guidelines. And the last important tip to create a click-friendly headline is to use common words to lessen the cognitive load. Using common words in headlines is crucial because they are easily understood by a broader audience, making the content more appealing and clickable. Complex language may discourage readers, diminishing the headline's effectiveness.
Examples:
Correct: "10 simple ways to to fall asleep fast"
Incorrect: "10 apprehensive methods to hit the sack fast"
Correct: "14 budget-friendly vacation destinations"
Incorrect: "14 economically viable holiday escapes"
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Correct: "How to boost your productivity: 5 simple strategies"
Incorrect: "How to enhance your work efficiency: 5 straightforward approaches"
Explore more click-friendly headline ideas to help you craft attention-grabbing articles!
4. Write a powerful preamble
The preamble, or ingress, is a couple of sentences that give an introduction to what the article is about and should tempt the reader to read more. This text will be shown at the top of the article, but is also the text presenting the article on our listing pages. Try to keep this text to the point, using meaningful terms that show the reader what they can expect.
4 tips to keep in mind
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Hook the reader: Begin with an attention-grabbing statement, question, anecdote, or quote that intrigues the reader and encourages them to continue reading.
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Create intrigue: Leave readers wanting more by hinting at the insights, solutions, or revelations they will discover in the article. Use curiosity to motivate them to read further.
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Keep it short: Ideally, a preamble should be long enough to capture the reader's interest and set the stage for the rest of the article, but short enough to maintain their attention and encourage them to continue reading.
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​Don’t repeat your headline: You have only a few seconds to make a strong impression in your introduction. Repeating your headline wastes this chance.
5. Use Subheadings
You have done your research, created a click-friendy headline and written the preamble, now it is time to structure your article with subheadings. It enables you to maintain focus as you write, but it also acts as a guide, stops you from diverging off-topic, and ensures the article flows correctly. Using subheadings helps with optimizing the article for search engines. It signals what the text is about, what questions it answers and if the content matches the headline.
Provide background in the first subheader
We recommend using the first subheader (placed after the preamble and image) to give relevant background for the rest of the text. This is often easier to achieve by phrasing the first subheading as a question.
Example:
If your topic is about narcissists and your headline “12 signs you're dating a narcissist”, you might want to define the term “narcissist” by writing the first subheading as “What is a narcissist?”.
By doing this, and using the next paragraph for answering the question, you give your readers, as well as search engines, an understanding of where you are coming from and what the article is talking about.
Keep subheadings clear and to the point
Most readers will not read every word of your article. Many will scroll through the subheadings to see which sections in your article are relevant to them. This is important to keep in mind because even if you have the information they are searching for in your article, if they can’t find it in a quick scan, they might leave your article for another. Here are some pitfalls to avoid and what do to instead:
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Don't skip subheadings: Include subheadings for each major section of your article to improve readability and organization. This helps readers navigate the content more easily and find the information they're looking for.
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Avoid cryptic language: Offer clear solutions and information in your subheadings. Use descriptive language that accurately reflects the content of each section to guide readers effectively.
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Don't write "Step 1" "Step 2" only: Use descriptive subheadings that provide context and preview the content of each section. This helps readers understand the purpose of the section and keeps them engaged throughout the article.
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​Avoid lengthy phrases: Keep your subheadings short and direct. Use clear and straightforward language to convey your message effectively and maintain reader interest.
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Don't add links to your subheadings: Instead embed relevant links within the body of the text where they naturally fit. This ensures a smoother reading experience without disrupting the flow of the content.
6. Create high-quality content
Of course the content should be well-written, engaging, and packed full of helpful advice, but there is a little more to it.
Keep it original
Copying someone else's text is plagiarism, but did you know that publishing your own work in several places can actually hurt your chances of ranking well? Even if you've authored the article, publishing the same article on several pages, like your LinkedIn or website can cause the pages to compete in the search results, as Google will have a hard time understanding which one is the original. To avoid this, publish the article in full in one location and link to it from your other channels.
Include data
Including statistics and data that support claims made in your article can significantly enhance its credibility. Readers are more likely to trust your content when it is backed up by reliable evidence. Remember to include links to your sources to provide transparency and allow readers to verify the information for themselves. By citing credible sources, you not only strengthen your argument but also demonstrate your commitment to providing accurate and trustworthy content.
Ignore word count
Longer articles often rank better than short ones, but it is not because of the word count itself. We are not recommending any specific article length or word count, the most important thing is that each article is cohesive and explores a topic in depth. Longer articles are usually better at providing an in depth overview, often leading to them ranking better. However, they should be kept to the point and not be filled out just for the sake of reaching a certain number of words.
Dive deep into your topic
As the previous tips explained, do not fill out with unnecessary words and information for the sake of it. With the help of the research you did, the click-friendly headline you created and the structure with subheadings you wrote down, you can now dive deeper into your topic.
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If your topic is about imposter syndrome and your headline “12 tips on how to overcome imposter syndrome”, Your first subheading should not be "Here are 12 tips on how to overcome imposter syndrome". Dive deep into your topic and cover everything your expertise knows about the subject.
Example:
Headline: 12 tips on how to overcome imposter syndrome
Subheading: What is imposter syndrome?
Subheading: What causes imposter syndrome?
Subheading: The five types of imposter syndrome
Subheading: Signs and symptoms of imposter syndrome
Subheading: 12 tips on how to overcome impostor syndrome
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Subheading: 1. Acknowledge your accomplishments
Subheading: 2. Practice self-compassion
Subheading: 3. Set realistic goals
Subheading: 4. Recognize triggers
Subheading: 5. Challenge negative thoughts
Subheading: 6. Embrace failure
Subheading: 7. Focus on your strengths
Subheading: 8. Step outside your comfort zone
Subheading: 9. Seek feedback
Subheading: 10. Practice self-care
Subheading: 11. Track your progress
Subheading: 12. Celebrate your successes
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Subheading: (CTA) Start your journey today
Now you have dived deep into your topic and created an article that have a significantly better chance of ranking high and drive long-time traffic.
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Keep your paragraphs clean
Avoid excessive use of formatting techniques such as CAPS, bold, or italics within paragraphs in your article. These can clutter the text and distract readers from the main message. Keep formatting clean and minimal to ensure readability and professionalism. The same goes for your subheadings.
End with a call to action
Including a call to action at the end of your article can help drive engagement, guide reader behavior, increase conversions, and foster relationships with your audience. Your unique call to action depends on your sales funnel and what step you want the reader to take next. If you are an online coach, it might be encouraging the reader to book a call with you; if you are an author, it might be to order your book. Think carefully about what you would like the reader to do after finishing your article, and encourage them to do that.
Get inspired with our article examples
Explore our article examples to learn how to structure your content effectively. Discover click-friendly headlines, clear subheadings, and effective CTAs to maximize your articles' ranking potential and drive long-term traffic. Our examples demonstrate various techniques for organizing articles that captivate readers' attention. Under each article example, you'll find an option to download that specific template, simplifying the process of creating a top-notch article.
7. Bonus tips
Want to go the extra mile to make sure your content has the best chances of taking off? Here are some bonus tips that might help you on your way!
Boost your article with links
Our next tip is to add internal and external links to your article:
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External Links:
Including external links to reputable sources in your articles adds credibility, depth, and context to your content. It demonstrates to search engines that your content is well-researched and authoritative, which can improve your article’s trustworthiness and ranking potential.
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Include at least one in your article that lead to an external, relevant, high-quality website. Choose websites with a High Authority Domain, which means they are considered trustworthy. An example of a high authority website could be a university research website or a news article. An example of a low authority website could be an unknown blog or an out-of-date website.
Internal Links:
Incorporating internal links into your articles improves SEO by enhancing structure, guiding users to related content within your article, and distributing authority throughout your pages. This helps search engines understand your hierarchy and relevance, leading to better indexation and higher rankings for important pages.
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Feel free to reference other articles on Brainz Magazine within your paragraphs, whether authored by you or another contributor, as long as they are connected to your topic. Try to include 2-4 internal links in your article.
How to add links
Choose descriptive anchor text that accurately represents the content of the linked page. Avoid generic phrases like "click here" and instead use keywords that provide context.
Example:
Correct: Choose websites with a High Authority Domain, which means they are considered trustworthy. An example of a high authority website could be a university research website or a news article.
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Incorrect: An example of a high authority website could be a university research website like https://www.harvard.edu/research/ or a reputable news article from a well-known publication.
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Including the full URL as anchor text is not recommended as it looks cluttered and is less user-friendly. Instead, use descriptive anchor text that provides context and improves the readability of your article.
Download our article templates
Get our custom article templates to make everything easier! With a clear layout and easy-to-follow structure, our templates ensure your content looks professional every time. Whether you're a seasoned contributor or new, these templates have you covered. You will find different templates under each article example. Or you can download one straight away on the "download template" button at the bottom of the page.
Share your content
Now that you have the knowledge, guidelines and templates, it's time to create, upload, and submit your article to us. After submission, we'll handle the final SEO details and add all the information you provided in the information form. You will receive an email notification once your article is live, typically within 3-5 days. The last step is sharing your content. You can find more details in advance by clicking the "Step 4: Share Your Content" button at the top or bottom of the page. We'll also include the necessary last information in the email for you once your article is live.
