Writing SEO content as a new writer in the freelance or blogging world can be daunting without a guide, especially when it’s obvious that SEO embodies a lot of details. From experience, new writers deserve to have their hands held in this delicate phase of writing. This is why I’ve curated 13 excellent step-by-step SEO checklists for Nigerian writers, because content optimization requires precise actions to build visibility over time.
Your ability to consistently deliver high-quality articles depends on following a tested process. Writers who want to dominate search results meticulously check off every item on the list before hitting publish.
Since the goal is visibility, a robust checklist should encompass frequently used signals that can elevate your content from invisible to top-ranking. And yes, every detail is important, from keyword placement to structure to readability.
Skipping any task can lead to an instant dip in impressions, clicks, or ranking. So don’t just treat this as theory.
Apply each step consistently to avoid mistakes. I’m excited to share this checklist, but first, I want to clarify what this checklist means to writers.
What is an SEO checklist for writers?
An SEO checklist is a list of steps you must complete to ensure your content is fully optimized. It contains the elements and strategies that ensure your end result is readable and ultimately discoverable.
Have you added a keyword in the first 100 texts? Is your content structured for readability? Imagine writing two exact blog posts on your preferred topic, you ignore a couple of on-page elements in the first one, while the second follows a guide from intro to conclusion. Guess which would rank first?
Just as developers use SEO checklists to tackle technical fixes like page speed and indexing, writers rely on these routines to create high-performing, search-friendly content. Even solid grammar and unique ideas will not earn you rewards from Google if your post is not optimized for search.
Therefore, as a seasoned SEO writer, let me indulge you already with the list of tasks relevant to SEO writing. Oh, one more thing to note: every SEO writer who followed this guide saw their traffic improve within a short time.
What are on-page SEO elements writers must check?
The on-page SEO checklist for Nigerian freelance writers is a comprehensive guide filled with elements that can transform your writing and help it meet Google’s standards. Let’s explore each key component.
Keyword research SEO checklists for Nigerian writers
Your first task is to identify the words your target audience frequently uses in their searches. Consider keyword difficulty and search volume. Avoid keywords that don’t align with your niche, products, or services.
Local keywords are essential if you have a Nigerian audience in mind. For instance, “best bookstores in Lagos” or “fully funded scholarships in Nigeria.” If you want to target any geographical area in the world, be laser-focused with your keyword research.
Competitor keyword analysis
After identifying your target keywords, study what your competitors and other high-performing websites are ranking for. Use Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest for this part. You can create content around similar words to boost your visibility.
Search intent optimization
Before you write anything, understand search intent. Personally, I’ve used AnswerThePublic to discover why Nigerian readers are curious about specific topics. With this information, you can write helpful content that readers will find irresistible.
For instance, when someone searches for “SEO checklists for Nigerian writers”, they’re looking for information, not a service pitch or to buy a product. That’s why this article is designed to provide readers with valuable insight, because anyone looking for a checklist is seeking clarity.
Long-tail keywords
You can find long-tail keywords related to your topic in the “people also ask” section on Google’s SERP. Creating an article that answers these questions will instantly put you on the first page.
Keyword placement
When it comes to on-page SEO, how you use your keywords is equally important. Placing keywords randomly without a strategy can hurt your content’s performance.
Apart from the beginning and the end of your article, your keywords should appear at least three times in your body text. Distribute evenly, as overstuffing is equally bad for business.
When used strategically, keyword placement can strengthen visibility and enhance your user experience.
Content readability
The key to readability is simplicity. Use words that even a layman can understand.
Simplicity gives you an edge over millions of SEO freelance writers using difficult words and complicated sentences. That said, clarity should be your priority.
Ditch the mindset that long, complicated sentences equal intelligence. A trader seeking to acquire skills and information on a particular topic will likely move on from a page that offers knowledge but is difficult to read.
Although local SEO is valuable, using slang and jargon can negatively impact your search engine results. Phrases like “let me gist you” or “I’m coming” when you mean “I’ll be back” may confuse foreign readers.
It’s easier to attract readers with error-free content and a consistent structure. Learn how to write great content, and by adding consistency, you’ll build trust and make navigation easier.
In addition, edit your work with Grammarly or Hemingway. Use Yoast SEO to ascertain your Flesch Reading Ease score. Always aim for a range of 60 to 80 to keep readers engaged. That doesn’t mean your content will be watery.
E.E.A.T. compliance
If you’re writing for search engines, you must abide by E.E.A.T. guidelines (Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness). Google wants readers to feel safe getting information from you.
Therefore, demonstrate EEAT by writing as if you have first-hand knowledge of your topic. Back up your points with personal stories, link to credible Nigerian publications, and use verifiable facts to earn both reader and algorithm trust.
Your tone should be confident because readers can tell if you’re unsure.
Duplicate content audit
Another critical SEO checklist element that can affect your website’s performance is ignoring duplicate content. Having similar content can result in keyword cannibalization.
Regularly audit your content and remove any duplicate posts to ensure Google can index your site effectively. Alternatively, you can use canonical links to help Google spot the original source.
Keep your blog ideas fresh and original to avoid plagiarism. Edit with Grammarly’s plagiarism checker to ensure you’re publishing original articles.
Meta descriptions
Focus on meta descriptions. After your headlines, meta descriptions can significantly impact your click-through rates.
A well-written description will encourage readers to click on your posts. Also, note that your focus keyword should appear here.
Keep it unique and relevant, but don’t exceed 160 characters.
Alternative text
Beyond writing quality text, visuals are compulsory for SEO. Once you find the perfect image, add an alt text to describe it.
This element helps search engines and visually impaired users understand your image. Let your alt text say what the image shows.
Make it functional and keyword-rich, but don’t exceed 125 characters. For example, imagine you have an image of a Nigerian writer typing on their laptop,
Don’t write ‘img src=’nigerian-writer.jpg’, when you can use alt text that says, ‘Nigerian freelance writer typing an SEO article on a laptop’
Anchor texts
This refers to the clickable text above your hyperlinks, often underlined or colored. Your anchor text should match your destination page. Don’t overuse one type of anchor text when variety works better.
Here’s how you can switch up your anchor texts
Let’s assume I’m using this blog post as an anchor text. Here’s how to use varieties of it:
Exact match: Best SEO checklists for Nigerian writers
Partial match: How Nigerian writers can optimize SEO checklists
Related term: On-page SEO checklists
Brevity is important, but never at the expense of clarity. After all, your links should signal the content of the link text.
Phrasing in an unnatural manner will confuse both readers and search engines. So avoid shortening your anchor text unnecessarily.
Title and meta tags
Your title should be compelling enough to draw readers in. It must include your main keyword.
You don’t have to write overly long titles. According to Backlinko experts titles with 40–60 characters improve click-through rates.
Universal resource locator (URL)
From your URL slug, Google should understand the content of any page. Once the title is set, optimize it for readability.
Be descriptive, include your main keyword, and avoid stop words like “or” and “the.” URL characters must be in lowercase letters, and you must separate words with hyphens because search engines don’t recognize underscores.
For instance: ‘https://www.yoursite.com/your topic
Mobile optimization
Given that 80% of internet users browse with their phones, Google prioritizes content with a responsive layout. Readers won’t stick around if your page is hard to navigate, loads slowly, or has an incomplete format.
When I read posts on my phone, I notice that some blog posts that are readable on a desktop often fall apart on mobile phones. Either the images are oversized, the links are non-responsive, or the CTA buttons are hidden behind text.
Before publishing, you can preview your post on your phone. Does it appear as neatly as it does on a laptop?
Can a passenger read it in a moving bus without hitches? Use Google’s free mobile-friendly tool to check all these before releasing to the public.
Internal and external linking
Links serve multiple purposes in SEO content, so you should give them the attention they deserve. Internal links point to related posts on your website, keeping readers longer on your page and boosting dwell time.
External links, on the other hand, quote authority blogs, which in turn boost your blog’s credibility. As readers get more value, your impressions continue to rise.
Avoid mindless linking; every link on your page must be strategically placed. Lastly, fix broken links or they’ll reduce the quality you’re aiming for.
Call-to-action placement
Finally, don’t forget CTAs. They shouldn’t only appear in the conclusion. Include them in your body text where appropriate.
You can do better than the cliché “read more” or “click here.” Readers appreciate actionable language.
Instead of giving vague directions, show them the next step to take.
Content structure
Breaking your content makes it easy to read. Use H1, H2, and H3 headlines to reduce bulky paragraphs.
Each webpage should have just one headline in H1 to highlight the topic.
Your paragraphs should have no more than three sentences, and each sentence should stay under 25 words. Use bullet points and listicles for better scanability.
Why do Nigerian writers need an SEO checklist?
Nigerian businesses are leveraging expert blog writing to increase the visibility of their products to billions of internet users. If you’re into SEO writing, you’ll have a lot of job offers on your plate.
These SEO checklists for Nigerian writers offer clear guidance for newcomers to the niche or anyone looking to improve, whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out. This way, you’ll know exactly what to do and when.
This approach not only saves energy but also gives you ample time to take on more jobs and improve your craft. What’s more, if you decide to apply for international jobs, it enhances your content optimization game by ensuring you don’t second-guess your next line of action.
As your clientele grows, so does your confidence. Soon, you’ll begin to command respect as a content optimization expert. In Nigeria, where quality content is in high demand, business owners will want to build a long-term work relationship with you.
How often should Nigerian writers update their SEO checklists?
As an SEO writer, you must always be ready to make changes. There’s always a new update from Google. When this occurs, ranking signals, from content quality to backlinks to page experience, are affected.
To meet Google’s standards, your SEO checklist should immediately reflect new ranking priorities. In essence, neglecting your list without reviews will cause your entire content strategy to break down.
By the way, working with an outdated list leads to unsatisfactory results.
Now you’re aware that regular updates are non-negotiable. Sticking with this schedule below will help you stay on track.
Monthly: Check your website stats every 30 days to see if people can still find your page. If your views dropped, you need to improve your checklist.
Quarterly: Once in three months, compare your checklist with Google’s most recent ranking signals. Ensure your title tags, meta descriptions, and internal links align with Google’s core updates.
Biannually: Perform a thorough sweep of your website every six months. Adjust your format, structure, and writing style to align with SEO standards.
After every major Google update: Google advises creators to pay attention whenever a major algorithm change occurs. Once this happens, update your checklist to match the new content systems so your posts don’t lose ranking.
In the end, it’s impossible to thrive on guesswork as an SEO writer. Most successful writer swear by their routine.
Meanwhile, if you are just starting out without a checklist, this article will guide you through each step, helping you confidently optimize content on your own. Save it now for your next content.
