Writing for the internet can be a challenging task for many writers who are accustomed to writing for print. When writing for the web, a whole new set of rules apply - keywords come into play, articles must be optimized for search engines (also known as SEO), and advertisement value per click is a consideration when writing for internet sites where writers earn money based on which Google AdWords advertisements are clicked.
With all these new issues to consider, many internet writers become overwhelmed and most end up guessing about which keywords are "best" and most have no idea about the level of competition for a certain keyword, nor do most writers have any clue about the per-click value of the advertisements that appear alongside their word.
Fortunately, by utilizing Google's AdWords Keyword Tool, writers can demystify major components of web writing, enabling web writers to create content that carries strong keywords with less competition and more potential for earning revenue.
How Google AdWords Advertising Works
Google AdWords is a clever method of advertisement on the internet, as advertisers with an AdWords account as part of Google's AdSense program will create ads comprised of a couple keyword-strong sentences. The advertiser then selects keywords that will "trigger" the ad to appear on websites that feature AdWords. So if a website features multiple occurrences of the term "Sundial Resort," then AdWords that have "Sundial Resort" will be triggered to appear on the site. This system of keyword matching is a simple, yet effective way of pairing website content with relevant AdWords advertisements.
The advertiser will also select a price per click bid value for each individual keyword - an amount that the advertiser will pay each time someone clicks on an Adwords ad that's associated with a particular term. So if the advertiser sets a $1.00 per-click bid value (also known as AdWords PPC or price per click) on the keyword "Sundial Resort," then he will be charged $1.00 each time a website visitor clicks on an AdWords ad that was triggered by the term "Sundial Resort."
How Writers Can Use the Google AdWords Keyword Tool
When using AdWords' free keyword generator tool, writers can input one or more keyword terms, or link to an already-written piece on the web to view the current keyword situation. The AdWords Keyword Tool will generate a list of keyword variations and similar keywords, along with information on the keyword popularity, average keyword search volume, and average cost per click (CPC.)
Website content producers can use this keyword information in several ways to boost revenue and page views:
- Replace low competition keywords with new more competitive keywords to increase the chances of maintaining advertisements on your article. Competitive keywords usually have higher per-click value due to competition.
- Replace a keyword with low search volume with a new keyword with moderate or high search volume.
- Replace a keyword with a low CPC with a new keyword with a higher CPC.
- Increase keyword variety within an article by replacing a few instances of a certain keyword with a variation. Search engines may give a lower rating to a page with too many instances of the same keyword.
- Look at CPC relative to search popularity and competition. Consider replacing a less competitive keyword with a high CPC, with a new, more competitive keyword with a slightly lower CPC. The increased page views are likely to compensate for the slightly lower CPC.
- Also consider replacing a keyword with low search volume and high CPC with a new keyword with a moderate search volume and slightly lower CPC.
Before writing an article for the web, writers can create a list that rates keywords for popularity, competition and CPC. The writer can then select two or three of the "strongest" keywords as the basis for an article, while sprinkling in other good keywords throughout to increase article page views and revenue.
Related Reading
Visit the Resources for Writers Page for tips and articles including Writing for the Web and How to Make Money Writing Online.
Mia Carter - Mia Carter - Journalist, Producer/Editor & Web Writer. Carter's work has appeared on CBS and CNN.com.
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