Seo writing tools 2018

The digital marketing environment of 2018 represented a pivotal shift in how content creators approached Search Engine Optimization (SEO). It was a year where the "write for the keyword" mentality began to fully give way to a more sophisticated, user-centric approach. The algorithms became smarter, prioritizing intent over exact match phrases, and the tools available to marketers evolved to meet these new demands. To succeed in this era, a writer needed more than just a way to check for broken links; they required a comprehensive stack of applications designed to facilitate research, creation, and optimization.

Understanding this ecosystem requires a deep dive into the specific tools that defined the year. These applications did not merely automate tasks; they provided the insights necessary to craft content that resonated with both search engines and human readers. From the foundational power of keyword planners to the nuanced analysis of competitor strategies, the tools of 2018 were the backbone of any serious content operation.

This guide explores the specific utility of these tools, categorizing them by their function within the SEO workflow. By examining how they were used to satisfy search intent, optimize on-page elements, and ensure quality, we can understand the mechanics of successful SEO writing during this transformative period.

The Foundation: Mastering Keyword Research

Before a single word of content is written, the groundwork must be laid through rigorous keyword research. In 2018, this process moved beyond simply finding high-volume search terms. It became about understanding the ecosystem of ideas surrounding a topic. The goal was to identify not just what people were searching for, but the context in which they were searching.

Google Keyword Planner A staple of the SEO trade, Google Keyword Planner remained the primary source for discovering new keywords. Its utility lies in its direct connection to Google’s search data. By inputting a business-related term or even a website URL, the tool generates a list of potential keywords. * It provides metrics on search volume and forecasted performance, allowing writers to gauge the long-term viability of targeting specific terms. * This forecasting capability is crucial for ensuring that the content created retains its relevance over an extended period, effectively extending the "shelf life" of the article.

Answer the Public This tool gained significant popularity in 2018 for its unique approach to visualizing search data. Instead of a dry list of keywords, it presents a mind map of questions and prepositions related to a seed term. * For example, typing in "interior design" reveals the most frequently asked questions on the topic. * This is invaluable for content writers aiming to address specific user queries directly, which aligns perfectly with the rise of voice search and conversational queries.

LSI and Related Topics While Latent Semantic Indexing (LSI) was often discussed as a specific technical tactic, the broader concept involves using words and phrases semantically connected to the main keyword. In 2018, the focus shifted away from the "old-school" pseudoscience of LSI and toward a more natural inclusion of related topics. * Tools like the Moz Bar allowed writers to identify these related terms easily. * Incorporating these related concepts helps Google understand the depth and breadth of the content, ensuring it satisfies the user's intent rather than just matching a string of text.

Analyzing the Competition and Optimizing Structure

Once the keywords are selected, the next phase involves analyzing the competitive landscape and structuring the content for maximum impact. In 2018, the competition for top rankings was fierce, and understanding what worked for others was a key strategic advantage.

Competitor Analysis Tools Tools like Ahrefs and SEMrush became indispensable for looking "under the hood" of competitor websites. These platforms allowed writers to see exactly which keywords a competitor's page ranked for, the volume of traffic they received, and the backlinks supporting their authority. * Ahrefs: Noted for its massive database (second only to Google), Ahrefs provided accurate keyword difficulty scores. Its "Content Explorer" was particularly useful for finding content gaps—topics that competitors had missed or covered inadequately. * Competitor Keyword Tracking: By entering a competitor's URL, writers could view every keyword they ranked for, their position, and the monthly search volume. This data allowed for the creation of content strategies designed to outperform existing results.

On-Page and Technical SEO Audits Writing for SEO in 2018 was not just about the text; it was about the technical wrapper around it. Tools that performed site audits were essential for identifying issues that could hinder ranking potential. * Structured Data: With the rise of rich snippets, applying structured data markup became critical. Google's own tools showed exactly where to add markup to enhance search results with ratings, recipes, or event details. * Link Checkers: Chrome extensions that highlight valid links in green and broken links in red saved writers from the embarrassment of linking to dead resources, a negative signal for user experience.

Comparative Analysis of SEO Tool Capabilities

To understand the landscape of tools available in 2018, it is helpful to compare their primary functions and the specific problems they solve for a content writer.

The Role of User Experience and Engagement

In 2018, the concept of "User Experience" (UX) moved from a web design buzzword to a core ranking factor. Google became increasingly adept at measuring how users interacted with search results, using this data to determine the quality of a page.

Engagement Metrics The ability of a page to retain a user is a strong signal of quality. If a user clicks a result, stays on the page, and engages with the content (scrolling, reading, clicking further), it tells Google that the result solved the user's problem. * Conversely, if a user immediately hits the "back" button and chooses a different result (a "pogo-stick" effect), it signals that the content failed to meet expectations. * Therefore, SEO writing in 2018 required a focus on readability, structure, and compelling hooks to keep the user engaged.

Intent Matching vs. Exact Keyword Matching The days of creating separate pages for "blue watch" and "blue watches" were effectively over. The focus shifted entirely to intent matching. * Writers needed to identify the underlying intent of a group of keywords and create a single, comprehensive page that served that intent. * This approach aligns with Google's goal to provide the most relevant result for a query, rather than the page that best manipulates keyword density.

The 2018 SEO Writing Process

Synthesizing the available tools and the evolving ranking factors, a distinct SEO writing process emerged in 2018. This process was designed to be efficient and effective, moving from research to creation with precision.

1. Assemble Keywords: Gather all keywords sharing the same intent. This creates a target list for a single page.
2. Analyze Competitors: Use tools like Ahrefs to understand what the top-ranking pages look like and identify gaps.
3. Structure the Content: Ensure the title element and body content naturally include the target keywords and related terms.
4. Write for the User: Focus on solving the searcher's query completely. Structure the text to be readable and engaging.
5. Craft the Hook: Create a unique angle or "hook" that makes the content shareable and link-worthy for influencers and publications.

Quality Control and Workflow Integration

As the SEO stack grew, the risk of "tool overload" became real. Successful teams in 2018 focused on integrating these tools into a seamless workflow rather than using them in isolation.

Grammar and Plagiarism Checkers Tools like Grammarly became standard for ensuring the final output was polished. They caught grammatical errors, checked for plagiarism, and, increasingly, attempted to detect AI-generated text. * Quality control is not just about correctness; it is about maintaining trust with the audience. * A clean, error-free article signals professionalism and authority.

Real-Time Optimization Tools like SurferSEO represented the next generation of optimization. Instead of writing a draft and then optimizing it later, these tools provided real-time feedback. * They analyzed the top-ranking pages and suggested keyword usage, content length, and structural elements as the writer worked. * This integration allowed writers to hit the optimization targets immediately, streamlining the production process.

Summary of Key SEO Writing Tools in 2018

The following table highlights some of the most prominent paid tools mentioned in the context of 2018, showcasing their specific strengths in the content marketing workflow.

The Bottom Line: Integrating Tools for Mastery

Mastering SEO writing in 2018 required a blend of creative writing and analytical precision. The tools available were not magic wands, but rather instruments that, when used correctly, amplified a writer's ability to understand and satisfy the user. The transition from focusing on exact keywords to focusing on intent and user experience was the defining characteristic of the year.

By leveraging keyword planners to find long-term opportunities, using competitor analysis tools to find content gaps, and optimizing for the user experience, writers could create content that not only ranked well but also provided genuine value. The ultimate lesson from the SEO landscape of 2018 is that technology and tools serve the strategy, and the strategy must always prioritize the human reader.

Sources

1. Best SEO Tools 2018
2. Write for SEO 2018
3. The 15 Best SEO Tools for Content Marketers in 2018
4. SEO Tools for Content Writing