The Harsh Truth: Great Copy Isn’t Enough Anymore
You can write the most compelling, emotionally charged, conversion-focused copy in the world—but if no one sees it, what’s the point?
Imagine spending hours crafting the perfect piece of content, only for it to disappear into the internet abyss—no traffic, no engagement, nada.
Frustrating, right?
That’s exactly what happens when copywriters ignore search engine optimization (SEO).
Here’s a reality check: 75% of users never scroll past the first page of Google search results (HubSpot). That means if your content isn’t optimized for search engines, it’s practically invisible.
Now, if you’re a copywriter who still thinks SEO is just a “techie” thing, it’s time to wake up.
Learning SEO basics isn’t optional anymore.
As a copywriter, learning SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is no longer just an “extra skill”—it’s a necessity.
It’s the difference between writing content that ranks on Google and writing content that collects dust.
Why is it important?
Think about this: businesses aren’t just looking for good writing.
They want copy that drives traffic, ranks on Google, and ultimately makes money. If you can provide that, you instantly become more valuable.
So, if you want to future-proof your career, understanding SEO is the best investment you can make in yourself.
My Personal Experience
I started out as a blogger in 2006. Back then, no one really knew what it was and what potential it held as a career.
Heck I didn’t know what I was getting myself into but I knew I liked to write.
Eventually, some small writing gigs came my way.
In fact, what pushed me to pursue freelancing was earning small amounts through affiliate links and commissioned assignments. I didn’t know that what I was doing on the side as a fun hobby was going to be my profession.
I mean I always had the idea that I’d be a writer but I didn’t really know how I was going to get there. I just knew that I was going to be one.
Blogging lead me to ODesk (Now Upwork), Freelancer, and other worksites.
In 2010, I took the leap and embraced the life of a starving writer. It took almost 2 years and a major move to become a professional writer.
I became a writer for an article mill. That means I churned out articles, ebooks, and other forms of content at a rapid rate for minimal pay.
Oh, those long lonely nights hunched over a small netbook…
Now for me, I take pride in the articles, ebooks, and other written material I’ve er… written. Sure, most of them will never be under my name but knowing that I wrote copy that can be found online makes me very happy.
This curiosity as to where my articles were going made me do a search on google. I’d find the articles and then try to determine how to take advantage of what I learned.
I didn’t know I was already doing something that I’d be doing a decade later as an SEO specialist.
So, if you’re a writer now, make your way to becoming a copywriter and when you master that enough, go into SEO copywriting and on the side, learn some SEO.
I’m going to try and write down what I’ve learned over the past decade and break down why you need to understand SEO basics, how it benefits your career, and some easy ways to start applying SEO copywriting principles today.
The Benefits of Learning SEO as a Copywriter
1. Higher Demand = More Clients
One thing I eventually learned as a writer was this: companies aren’t just looking for wordsmiths; they want writers who can help them rank higher in search engines.
It was a blessing in disguise.
I was in no way a creative writer. Instead, I was good at stringing words together so it could explain a point or tell a good story enough based on facts that would lead customers to buy stuff.
I didn’t know I was copywriting already. I guess I stumbled into it.
Now, here’s what I’m saying: if you can write engaging copy and optimize it for SEO, you’ll have a serious competitive edge.
Many businesses struggle with getting organic traffic. If you can show them that your copy can drive clicks and conversions, you become an asset rather than just an expense.
2. Charge Higher Rates
SEO copywriters earn more than traditional copywriters.
Why?
Because they offer a specialized skill set that directly impacts a company’s revenue.
Clients aren’t just paying for words.
They’re paying for results.
If you can write and you also know how to optimize content for search engines while keeping it persuasive and engaging, you can charge higher rates.
That’s just it.
Plus you get a cool addition to your title of not just being a copywriter but an SEO copywriter.
3. More Control Over Your Success
Freelance income can be unpredictable (hello, feast-and-famine cycle!).
But with SEO knowledge, you’re not just relying on gigs. You can build your own audience, start a blog that ranks on Google, or even create passive income streams through affiliate marketing or digital products.
Imagine having a personal blog that brings in consistent traffic and monetization opportunities—just because you understand SEO!
This is the main reason why I still maintain my blogs to this day. Here are my blogs so you can check them out.
chipcanonigo.com – this is where I usually write about personal stuff that is related to my life, farming, and fatherhood. I sometimes touch on the subject of SEO and copywriting here but finally decided to hyperfocus on agriculture and other things that I am personally very interested in.
musikawabad.com – can’t believe it’s been more than 5 years since I started this blog. The Facebook page has a solid following and is run by my good friend DatDat. I’m basically using this blog to cover everything musical that I am interested in.
hayopetc.com – everyone who knows me knows that I really love keeping animals as pets. And hayopetc is where I express that love.
biyernes.com – the newest one in the bunch and is focused on home repair, DIY and EVs and other modern technology.
It’s funny because someone told me that keeping a .com was stupid. What they didn’t know is that having your own domain name means you’ll always have control over the content you offer.
And who wouldn’t want to be able to have some control over their success?
SEO Copywriting vs. Traditional Copywriting
Many copywriters assume that SEO ruins good writing. They think it’s all about stuffing keywords and sounding robotic.
That’s outdated thinking.
Modern SEO copywriting blends persuasive writing with search optimization. Here’s how it differs from traditional copywriting:
| Traditional Copywriting | SEO Copywriting |
| Focuses only on human readers | Optimized for both search engines and humans |
| Short-term impact (ads, sales pages) | Long-term organic traffic & conversions |
| No keyword strategy | Uses researched keywords naturally |
| Relies on paid traffic | Can drive free organic traffic |
The goal is to create high-quality, engaging content that also satisfies search engines. It’s NOT about tricking Google; it’s about making your content more discoverable. It’s about making your content valuable to your readers.
Essential SEO Basics Every Copywriter Should Know
1. Keyword Research: Finding What People Actually Search For
If you’re writing without keyword research, you’re basically guessing what people want.
Use free tools like:
- Google’s Keyword Planner
- Ubersuggest
- AnswerThePublic
Look for high-volume, low-competition keywords and naturally incorporate them into your content.
2. On-Page Optimization: Making Your Content Search-Friendly
SEO isn’t just about keywords. Here’s how to optimize a post:
- Title Tags: Make them compelling & include the main keyword.
- Headings (H1, H2, H3): Organize content & use keywords naturally.
- Meta Descriptions: Write engaging summaries (this is what users see on Google!).
- Internal Links: Link to related articles to keep readers engaged.
- Alt Text for Images: Helps Google understand your visuals.
3. Writing for Humans First, Search Engines Second
Don’t sacrifice readability for SEO. Your priority is still engaging, high-quality writing that keeps readers hooked.
SEO best practices:
✅ Use short paragraphs (walls of text scare readers away).
✅ Write naturally—don’t force keywords.
✅ Make it scannable (bold text, bullet points, numbered lists).
✅ Add a call-to-action (CTA) that encourages action.
4. The Power of Evergreen Content
Some content trends fade fast (remember “planking”?), but evergreen content stays relevant for years.
Examples:
- “How to Get Out of Debt” 🏦
- “The Benefits of Learning SEO as a Copywriter” 💻
- “Best Budget Laptops for Freelancers” 💰
Writing evergreen content helps your articles rank longer and attract continuous traffic without extra effort.
Real-World Application: How SEO Boosts Your Copywriting Career
Imagine this scenario: You write a killer blog post for a client, and it starts ranking on Google. They get more leads, more sales, and more traffic—all thanks to your SEO-friendly copy.
What do you think happens next?
💡 They hire you again.
💡 They refer you to other business owners.
💡 They pay you more because they see RESULTS.
That’s the power of SEO copywriting.
Final Thoughts: The Smart Copywriter’s Edge
If you’re serious about leveling up as a copywriter, learning SEO is non-negotiable. It helps you stand out, charge more, and create long-term success.
Things I Learned Along the Way:
📌 SEO isn’t just for tech geeks. Anyone can learn it!
To be honest, I was intimidated for the longest time with SEO because it was confusing to me. But it was more about not knowing the technical terms and technical know-how and not about understanding the gist of what SEO is really about which is to help an account gain traffic organically.
📌 You don’t need paid ads if your content ranks organically.
As an SEO Specialist, you help your clients (whether it’s a paying client or it’s just you) to gain an advantage over the competition by ranking organically. That means not having to spend money on ads to get to the first page.
📌 Filipino freelancers who master SEO have a huge advantage.
Filipino SEO Specialists have a distinctive edge over others because we’re naturally curious and we can get information from almost anywhere. We’re also looking for ways to save which is something an SEO Specialist is naturally looking for to serve to their internal and external customers.
Want to start small? Try optimizing just ONE blog post this week. Add a keyword, tweak the headings, and track your results. It’s a game-changer!
Well? What are you waiting for? 🚀
Send me an email or comment below if you want to learn more, I’ve got the next topic lined up for next week that’ll help you with what SEO basics you need to learn as a copywriter.