A Thought Experiment on Blog Posting for SEO

This week, I’ve been focused on writing blog posts using content silos for a realtor in the US. The goal is to create a steady stream of relevant content that aligns with Google’s EEAT algorithm, which stands for expertise, experience, authority, and trustworthiness. The algorithm prioritizes content from writers who demonstrate experience with the topic, expertise in the area, are seen as a go-to source, and of course, are trustworthy.

In the past, I’ve experimented with blog posting for SEO, utilizing tools like Ahrefs and SurferSEO, but with little success. Despite speeding up the site, adding photos, heavily keywording the content, and writing relevant meta descriptions, I saw no significant improvement.

Throughout these efforts, my bounce rate remained stubbornly high, and the time spent on page stayed very low. This indicated that I was writing what I thought people wanted to hear, rather than what they actually wanted to hear—a critical distinction. While tools like SurferSEO can identify existing keywords in the content, they don’t reveal whether the information truly resonates with the reader.

This realization stuck with me as I began writing these new blogs. I shifted my approach to focus on what the reader wants to hear, rather than what I want to say. Leveraging some excellent academic libraries (thank you, BCIT, for unlimited library access, my favorite fringe benefit), I conducted research on downsizing for seniors. Here’s what I learned:

1. Crime Concerns Among Seniors: Seniors worry about crime, although their crime rates are lower than the general population’s. Interestingly, seniors are aware of this yet remain concerned. Their fear isn’t so much about criminals but their perceived inability to respond due to diminished senses like hearing and night vision. Thus, their fear of crime is essentially a concern for safety. The solution lies in designing residences with bright lighting, clear lines of sight, and no dark corners.

2. Aversion to Wearables: Despite recognizing the usefulness and helpfulness of wearables, seniors dislike wearing them as they feel it makes them look and feel old. They understand they have aged but don’t want to appear feeble. Additionally, they distrust the reliability of the service provided by wearable companies. Instead, they prefer having a neighbor within earshot for assistance when needed.

3. Need for Community and Downtime: Seniors need a sense of community but also value their downtime and rest. They want to be part of a community only if they can retreat to a quiet space without having to explain themselves.

By focusing on these specific concerns and preferences, I’m now writing content that genuinely addresses what seniors care about. This approach not only aligns with the EEAT algorithm but also ensures that the content resonates with the readers, ultimately improving engagement and reducing bounce rates.