Adam Carolla is a comedian, actor, morning radio talk show host in LA and the former co-host of "Loveline" with Dr. Drew and "The Man Show" with Jimmy Kimmel. Not really a big-time celebrity but not an unknown either.
So what explains all the interest in my post from yesterday; "Adam Carolla Fired From CBS Radio" - which has nearly 8,000 page views and continues to climb.
The answer? SEO
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. It's the art and science of writing about topics that people are currently searching for on Google, Yahoo, and other big search engines. The idea here is to write about stuff people are talking about right now. But more importantly, these topics should be stories you're interested in and care about regardless of SEO or page views.
For example, yesterday I wrote about Adam Carolla because he is a close friend of The Howard Stern Show and I keep a Howard Stern blog here on Gather. I'm a fan of Adam Carolla, I follow his career, and I know others do too... particularly Stern fans. I found out about Carolla's show being canceled when his named turned up on Google Trends. So I decided to write about it.
Google Trends
Google Trends is an amazing tool that can help you identify keywords and those fast-rising stories people are searching for right now. The site is constantly updated and keeps you informed about what's hot. It can also lead you toward stories you didn't even know were breaking. It's like having your own little newsroom right at your fingertips.
After you've decided what to write about... what next?
Strong Keyword Selection
Before starting your post you have to figure out what keyword you're going to use. This one decision will make or break your success. Keywords are the actual words or phrases people type into the Google search box. Once you determine your keyword (such as 'Adam Carolla') you must use that exact phrase in your headline, at the beginning of your article and throughout your post. However, your article must still read naturally and fluently. You can't just write the words "Adam Carolla" over again and again. Your post must contain original, relevant, topical, and useful content.
Secondary Keywords
To further your chances of success, your post should contain a secondary keyword phrase. (mine was 'Fired From CBS Radio'). This is where you concentrate on a couple of words together, not just a single word.
There are a few really good (and free) tools you can use to can help you pick keywords. Check out Google AdWords Tool and WordTracker Free Keyword Research Tool for help with keyword selection.
Sharing Your Post Wisely
After carefully selecting your hot topic, keyword and secondary keyword phrase - it's time to share your post. Please, share wisely! The biggest mistake you can make is to over-share your article. Publish your post to five or fewer groups on Gather. And be sure to share it with the appropriate Gather Essential (New, Politics, Family, Entertainment, Books) to get the biggest bang for your buck. Search engines love the Gather Essentials and visit those groups often to find relevant, original content.
That's it in a nutshell. Good luck, I wish you great page view success.
To learn more about SEO (a lot more!) please visit John Mihalik's SEO group on Gather.
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Comments: 45
Lots of views means lots of points - I think.
When I am busy i often just view pages, and my points go up. I hope the people whose pages I view get a boost too.
However, it's important for me to point out, that as a member of Gather Editorial's Team - I do NOT earn Gather Points.
Thanks for allowing me to clarify on that important tid bit!!
Thank you!
I do not have as many as you but I noticed a few weeks ago that I have nearly 400 on one post. I am going to check out this google trends thing. Thanks
I was already a member of his SEO group but had not been actively checking the posts. I will have to correct that problem.
I am glad to see that you commented on Sassy's question. Thanks for the information
It does raise a key question regarding the ever mysterious "Gather Points Allocation Algorithm" (my label) and how it treats views versus comments versus ratings, etc. I've never given that much thought to the number of views, because it always struck me as relatively insignificant in comparison to the comments I receive. I guess I like feedback! Maybe I'm just insecure? Who ever heard of an insecure aspiring writer! That's just *whack*!
Take up with Michael Jackson and run with it. I'll bet the 'review' would be hysterical.
Thanks Pam
Consider the taking up part done, Katie. I'll watch his video tonight and marvel at how precious he was singing "A, B,C". You'll have to write the review, though, and see how many hits it brings in.
I'm not fast enough. I was all set to write about The Pear of Anguish until it took a nose dive and went "medium" on me. Maybe I'll write about hermaphrodites (they're "on fire", right now!) instead.
There on the side of the page was a Google ad for this evil Dan Bolter woman, apparently generated by the use of her name and keywords in the article. Will use of SEO increase the likelihood of such conflicts of interest? If we want to use SEO, does that mean we will have to write only about topics/people we endorse?
thats aweome for them.
Thanks for the info!