Optimizing a Blog for Designers

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a process I knew I should learn but delayed learning the skill. I was a print designer and not a web designer. My limited knowledge of SEO is from a brief foray into content management and optimizing meta descriptions. However, learning and applying SEO strategies is essential to becoming an effective technical writer and creating engaging content.  

The project I will need to produce an effective SEO strategy for is a case study blog created for designers on marketing teams. Three methods I think would be beneficial to focus on as I build and optimize the blog for creatives are developing keyword research, prioritizing user experience, and engaging creators on social media.  

Insights from Keyword Research  

One key aspect at the top of the list of SEO methods I need to improve is keyword research. I plan to implement Chris Barr’s strategy of charting keywords and phrases, which he outlines in The Yahoo! Style Guide. Researching popular keywords used by the intended target audience and keeping a record of those keywords will help improve search engine results and show me what kind of content my audience is searching for, allowing me to create content that meets their needs.  

After completing a quick search in Google Keyword Planner, I discovered that Adobe products were high in average monthly searches. There was also a significant year-to-year change in searches for Adobe products followed by “ai.” This increase in AI as an added keyword is most likely caused by Adobe introducing several new generative AI tools last month at its annual conference. These keywords may not boost my search engine standings due to them being high in search volume, but they give me insight into what matters to my readers. 

UX Design Will be Essential  

Developing a user-friendly blog designed for scanability and using multimedia elements to engage readers will be essential for optimal SEO and retaining readers. Creators, specifically graphic or web designers, will quickly notice a poorly designed website that does not prioritize user experience (UX) and will likely not engage further with the content.  

Squarespace produces well-designed templates created with usability in mind and responsive for multiple screen sizes. It also includes a mobile view in the designer, so I can quickly check that my website is mobile-friendly or even design the site mobile-first. Prioritizing the blog design and making it user-friendly will help increase my credibility as a technical writer and designer while increasing SEO. 

Engaging Creators on Social Media  

Creators want to highlight their talents and use social media as portfolio platforms. Instagram and LinkedIn are two of the top platforms used by designers and creators on social media. Formatting case study content and engaging with other creators on these two social media platforms would not only increase credibility but could generate leads to my blog.   

While I will use several more SEO methods to increase the optimization of my blog, focusing on these three—keyword research, UX design, and social media sharing—will be the best for crafting a high-quality blog for creatives.