Welcome to the Creative Side of SEO!
Why Start with Paper?
While digital tools are useful for keyword research and content optimisation, there’s something uniquely effective about starting the process with pen and paper. This lesson will guide you through how sketching your ideas before diving into digital tools can help to refine your vision, and set you up for SEO success.
Encourages Free Thinking: Without the constraints of software, you’re free to explore ideas and connections without limits. Drawing mind maps or jotting down thoughts sparks creativity in ways that structured tools can’t.
Reduces Overwhelm:
Digital tools often present an overwhelming amount of data. Starting with a clear concept on paper helps you filter and focus before jumping into analytics and keyword lists.
Analogue Content > Digital Content
Implementing the ACDC Technique
Step 1: Get Analogue
Start with the central idea of your content. Write your business name, a blog post title, or your website’s core topic in the middle of the page and draw a circle around it. For example:
- If you’re a fitness coach, your central idea might be “At-Home Workouts.”
- For an eco-friendly brand, it could be “Sustainable Living.”
Step 2: Get Digital
Once your sketch feels complete, it’s time to turn it into a digital strategy. Tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, or Ubersuggest can now be used to:
- Validate the keywords you brainstormed.
- Find search volume and competition for each term.
- Expand your ideas further with related keywords or phrases.
Your sketch serves as the foundation, giving you focus and direction when working with these tools.
Create Your Analogue Brainstorming Map
Engage in a hands-on learning activity by crafting an keyword brainstorming map. Begin by placing the page name at the center of a blank page. Draw a circle around it, and from there, branch out with related ideas, products, or services. Use different colors and symbols to visually explore connections and uncover unique insights. This creative exercise is designed to stimulate innovative thinking and set the foundation for effective content optimisation.
- Choose a topic you plan to write about.
- Create a mind map on paper with your central idea and related branches.
- Break each branch into potential keywords, questions, or subtopics.
- Translate your sketch into a digital keyword list using a tool like Google Keyword Planner.
Apply the ACDC Technique
Transform your content creation process by integrating the ACDC Technique. Start by mapping out your ideas on paper, then refine them using digital tools for maximum impact. This approach not only enhances creativity but also boosts your content’s performance in search results.