SEO Archives - Lynchburg Marketing Agency

Write 10% More Than You Need

By Danielle|2021-09-30T11:34:39-04:00December 30, 2022|Content Marketing, SEO, Web Content & Design|

Many writing projects come with a word count. Blog posts, articles, brochures, and websites typically leave room for an expected text length. If someone likes to write, they have no problem filling the space. If someone struggles to write long-form content, they may find themselves padding the space with less-than-stellar writing. As a web content editor, I challenge my clients to write 10% more than they need. Why? It's actually something I blame on teachers. Writing assignments in grade school often focus on the length of the content and not the quality of content. This tends to train people to [...]

You’re Two Tense

By Danielle|2021-09-30T11:03:07-04:00October 30, 2022|Content Marketing, SEO|

Whenever I'm proofreading for a VA website content client, I always check for consistency in how they use tenses. Often, writers switch between past, present, and future tense without even realizing it. It's easy to do by accident. The 12 Type of Tenses in English In the english language, there are actually 12 (yes, twelve types of tenses). Simple Present: I paint my room often. Present Progressive: I'm painting my room now. Simple Past: I painted my room last week. Past Progressive: I was painting my room all day. Present Perfect: I have just painted my room. Present Perfect Progressive: [...]

Blog Post Ideas for Your Business Website

By Danielle|2024-03-28T08:39:27-04:00October 6, 2022|SEO|

Every time I build a website for a new business, we have the same conversation about blogging. Most people think of lifestyle blogging when we talk about adding a blog to their website. However, from a development standpoint, it means your website will be able to hold posts in addition to pages. Posts can be organized by category and tag. They can also be pulled into archive pages. (By contrast, pages have a parent/child relationship). The blogging system creates a wealth of content opportunities. It's a key part of my SEO services in Forest Virginia. However, business owners assume I [...]

Just Put Down the Thesaurus and Nobody Gets Hurt

By Danielle|2021-10-01T15:05:49-04:00October 1, 2022|Communication Theory, SEO|

You may refrain from ululating. This multifarious utilization of ill-placed declamation generates superfluous gregariousness. Many writers rely on the thesaurus tool in word processors — a grade-school habit. They substitute their text to boost character count. Sometimes, it's an attempt to add a little spice or sound smarter. Many of these words are close in meaning but, aren't exact synonyms. As a general rule, don't use a word the first time you see it. You probably don't have a complete grasp of its meaning and use. Furthermore, it isn't part of your voice as a writer. So, it will lower [...]

Remove Everything That Isn’t Part of the Story

By Danielle|2021-10-01T14:22:46-04:00August 1, 2022|Content Marketing, SEO|

Cutting content is the most important part of writing. Most new writers struggle to create the objectivity needed to chop tangents and cull extra ideas. However, you can distance yourself during the editing process. Below are three methods I endorse as a VA writer. The Theming Method Your text should revolve around a main point. This can be a theme in creative works, a thesis in academic works, or a focus in non-fiction writing. When you're editing, write this as a single sentence on a post it note. Then, go through your document and highlight any areas where you state [...]

Shorter Sentences are Smarter Sentences

By Danielle|2021-10-01T14:00:55-04:00July 1, 2022|Communication Theory, SEO|

New writers often assume longer sentences signal a higher level of intelligence. They try to create complex sentences by combining thoughts. They force unusual punctuation. However, I often break apart these lengthy statements as a freelance writer in Lynchburg, VA. My reason? Shorter sentences are smarter sentences. Experienced writers value precision over complication. You must say the most with the fewest words. “I didn't have time to write a short letter, so I wrote a long one instead.” ― Mark Twain In fact, grammatical mistakes and poorly-expressed ideas create long sentences. These thoughts are broken up by misplaced phrases, unfinished comparisons, [...]

Just Write Like You Talk

By Danielle|2021-10-01T12:12:13-04:00June 23, 2022|Content Marketing, SEO, Web Content & Design|

Paralysis plagues many aspiring writers. People worry about sounding foolish or making grammatical mistakes. As a VA copy writer, I'm always reminding my clients, "That's why we edit!" Write Like You Talk I encourage all my clients to write like they talk. Some people are skeptical. But, it really helps. Benefits of Writing Like You Talk Most people find they write faster when they don't worry about editing. If your document has already been outlined (even a rough outline), just put your hands on a keyboard and pound out your thoughts. It will go faster than worrying about the precise [...]

Blog Post Ideas for Your Creative Business

By Danielle|2024-03-28T08:45:55-04:00November 8, 2021|SEO|

Product Photos for my clients at The Shop Shop Blogging for your creative business starts with understanding the content your audience likes. Most of the time, this becomes apparent as you post about your services or products. Certain messages grow legs and become more popular. Then, you can take those and build on them to create inbound website traffic. This list is the list I use to brainstorm with my clients as a web content writer in Virginia. Blog Post Ideas for Your Creative Business I encourage my clients to choose the following formats to brainstorm blog post ideas. Each [...]

This Fall Flavor Crushes Pumpkin Spice Year-Round

By Danielle|2021-08-23T13:04:08-04:00August 23, 2021|SEO|

In the past, I've written about the rise and fall of pumpkin spice as the reigning autumn flavor. I like to check in on it annually, around September. It's part of my Fall 2021 SEO check in. This year, pumpkin spice appears to be on track for a similar performance to 2020 — slightly lower than the flavor trend's peak in 2014-2015. Comparing Fall Flavors — August 2021 Data from Google Trends This year, I decided to explore and compare popular fall flavors. My list is a bit arbitrary but, I decided to include: Maple (and maple donut) Hazelnut Cinnamon [...]

Boost Blog Traffic with These 11 Steps

By Danielle|2024-03-28T13:54:55-04:00April 1, 2021|SEO|

You can read a million articles about increasing traffic to your blog — without finding a single practical list. In short, it starts with solid content strategy. With millions of blogs on the internet, you will need to strategically target your niche audience. The tips below will help you create a strategy that will boost blog traffic over time. 1. Identify your Audience Although this may sound basic, you should take the time to identify your audience. Visualize your ideal reader and write down their interests. Keep this in front of you whenever you work on your blog to help [...]

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Hey, I’m Danielle — owner of The Shop Shop. We’re a Lynchburg Marketing Agency that focuses on finding new customers for brick-and-mortar shops, makers, artists, eStores, and retailers. I’ve worked in marketing for over 15 years so, you’ll find tips and projects from almost every industry.

I regularly post articles with inspiration for marketing projects like colors, fonts, and design tips. I also stay on top of trends — especially with regard to SEO (search engine optimization) and website design.

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