# SEO Writing Checklist and Content Template

On-page SEO checklist, content writing template, and featured snippet optimization patterns.

---

## On-Page SEO Checklist

**Keyword Placement**:
- [ ] Primary keyword in title
- [ ] Primary keyword in H1
- [ ] Primary keyword in first 100 words
- [ ] Primary keyword in at least one H2
- [ ] Primary keyword in conclusion
- [ ] Primary keyword in meta description
- [ ] Secondary keywords in H2s/H3s
- [ ] Related terms throughout body

**Content Quality**:
- [ ] Comprehensive coverage of topic
- [ ] Original insights or data
- [ ] Actionable takeaways
- [ ] Examples and illustrations
- [ ] Expert quotes or citations (for E-E-A-T)

**Readability**:
- [ ] Paragraphs of 3-5 sentences (per CORE-EEAT O06 Section Chunking standard)
- [ ] Varied sentence length
- [ ] Bullet points and lists
- [ ] Bold key phrases
- [ ] Table of contents for long content

**Technical**:
- [ ] Internal links to relevant pages (2-5)
- [ ] External links to authoritative sources (2-3)
- [ ] Image alt text with keywords
- [ ] URL slug includes keyword

---

## Content Writing Template

```markdown
# [H1 with Primary Keyword]

[Hook sentence that grabs attention]

[Problem statement or context - why this matters]

[Promise - what the reader will learn/gain] [Include primary keyword naturally]

[Brief overview of what's covered - can be bullet points for scanability]

## [H2 - First Main Section with Secondary Keyword]

[Introduction to section - 1-2 sentences]

[Main content with valuable information]

[Examples, data, or evidence to support points]

[Transition to next section]

### [H3 - Sub-section if needed]

[Detailed content]

[Key points in bullet format]:
- Point 1
- Point 2
- Point 3

## [H2 - Second Main Section]

[Continue with valuable content...]

> **Pro Tip**: [Highlighted tip or key insight]

| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|----------|----------|----------|
| Data | Data | Data |

## [H2 - Additional Sections as Needed]

[Content...]

## Frequently Asked Questions

### [Question from PAA or common query]?

[Direct, concise answer in 40-60 words for featured snippet opportunity]

### [Question 2]?

[Answer]

### [Question 3]?

[Answer]

## Conclusion

[Summary of key points - include primary keyword]

[Final thought or insight]

[Clear call-to-action: what should reader do next?]
```

---

## Featured Snippet Optimization

**For Definition Snippets**:
"[Term] is [clear, concise definition in 40-60 words]"

**For List Snippets**:
Create clear, numbered or bulleted lists under H2s

**For Table Snippets**:
Use comparison tables with clear headers

**For How-To Snippets**:
Number each step clearly: "Step 1:", "Step 2:", etc.

---

## Example: Full SEO Article

**User**: "Write an SEO-optimized article about 'email marketing best practices' targeting small businesses"

**Output**:

```markdown
# Email Marketing Best Practices: A Complete Guide for Small Businesses

**Meta Description**: Discover proven email marketing best practices that help small businesses increase open rates, boost engagement, and drive sales. Start improving your campaigns today. (158 chars)

---

Want to know the secret behind small businesses that consistently turn subscribers into loyal customers? It's not luck---it's strategic email marketing.

Email marketing remains one of the most effective channels for small businesses, delivering an average ROI of $42 for every $1 spent. But with inboxes more crowded than ever, following email marketing best practices isn't optional---it's essential for survival.

In this guide, you'll learn:
- How to build a quality email list that converts
- Proven strategies to increase open and click rates
- Advanced personalization techniques that drive results
- Common mistakes that kill email performance

Let's dive into the strategies that will transform your email marketing.

## Why Email Marketing Matters for Small Businesses

Before we explore the best practices, let's understand why email deserves your attention.

Unlike social media where algorithms control who sees your content, email gives you direct access to your audience. You own your email list---no platform can take it away.

**Key email marketing statistics for small businesses**:
- 81% of SMBs rely on email as their primary customer acquisition channel
- Email subscribers are 3x more likely to share content on social media
- Personalized emails generate 6x higher transaction rates

## Building a High-Quality Email List

### Use Strategic Opt-in Incentives

The foundation of effective email marketing is a quality list. Here's how to grow yours:

**Lead magnets that convert**:
- Industry-specific templates
- Exclusive discounts or early access
- Free tools or calculators
- Educational email courses

> **Pro Tip**: The best lead magnets solve a specific, immediate problem for your target audience.

### Implement Double Opt-in

Double opt-in confirms subscriber intent and improves deliverability. Yes, you'll have fewer subscribers, but they'll be more engaged.

| Single Opt-in | Double Opt-in |
|---------------|---------------|
| More subscribers | Fewer subscribers |
| Higher bounce rates | Lower bounce rates |
| Lower engagement | Higher engagement |
| Spam risk | Better deliverability |

## Crafting Emails That Get Opened

### Write Compelling Subject Lines

Your subject line determines whether emails get opened or ignored.

**Subject line best practices**:
1. Keep it under 50 characters
2. Create urgency without being spammy
3. Use numbers and specifics
4. Personalize when possible
5. A/B test consistently

### Optimize Preview Text

The preview text (preheader) is your second chance to convince someone to open. Use it to expand on your subject line, not repeat it.

## Personalization Strategies That Work

Generic emails perform poorly. Here's how to personalize effectively:

### Segment Your Email List

Divide your list based on:
- Purchase history
- Engagement level
- Demographics
- Interests or preferences
- Customer lifecycle stage

### Use Dynamic Content

Send the same email but show different content blocks based on subscriber data.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How often should small businesses send marketing emails?

For most small businesses, sending 1-2 emails per week strikes the right balance. This keeps you top-of-mind without overwhelming subscribers. Monitor your unsubscribe rates---if they spike after increasing frequency, scale back.

### What is a good email open rate for small businesses?

A good email open rate for small businesses is 20-25%. However, this varies by industry. E-commerce averages 15-20%, while B2B services often see 25-30%. Focus on improving your own benchmarks rather than industry averages.

### Should I buy email lists to grow faster?

Never buy email lists. Purchased lists violate GDPR and CAN-SPAM regulations, damage your sender reputation, and result in poor engagement. Organic list growth, while slower, produces much better results.

## Conclusion

Implementing these email marketing best practices will help your small business build stronger customer relationships and drive consistent revenue. Remember: quality always beats quantity in email marketing.

Start with one improvement today. Whether it's segmenting your list, testing subject lines, or cleaning inactive subscribers, small changes compound into significant results.

**Ready to level up your email marketing?** Download our free Email Marketing Checklist to ensure every campaign you send follows these best practices.

---

*Further reading: [Internal link: "How to Write Email Copy That Converts"]*

*Sources: [Litmus Email Marketing Statistics](https://litmus.com), [Campaign Monitor Email Benchmarks](https://campaignmonitor.com)*
```
