Writing Tip: Using Contractions in SEO Content

It’s a new age out there, people. We’re in the middle of a time when technology, information, and even language is evolving right under our noses. Our global society is trained to want the latest and greatest, and catching up to recent trends is easy to do because anyone can get their hands on and spread new information via the Internet. In fact, that’s how the Merriam-Webster dictionary gets its new additions every year: pop culture trends that gained popularity thanks to the Internet. In 2012, “cloud computing,” “aha moment,” and “earworm” are all words that were added to dictionaries, and they’re now words we use all the time. They’ve become incorporated.

However, words aren’t the only things that get incorporated into language—slang is great example of whole phrases being adopted. Punctuation, syntax, structure… everything about language changes over time. But if we’re so willing to incorporate these changes into the ways we communicate with each other on a daily basis, why haven’t they transferred over to marketing practices?

As someone who works at one of the best SEO audit services, I read a lot of SEO copy. And I’ve noticed that one of the most basic forms of contemporary speech style is often completely ignored. I’m talking about contractions. You know, those words that are really two words smashed together. I’ve been using them throughout this blog post—in fact, I just used another one.

We use contractions when we talk to people every day. They’ve become a natural part of the English language and have even seamlessly integrated into the ways people talk to each other via texting and instant messaging. So why hasn’t it been incorporated into Internet marketing and SEO content writing?

What’s Wrong with Contractions?

Nothing, really. In general, though, contractions are frowned upon because they make writing sound familiar. In SEO, you might find that some clients want formal, technical writing. (And that’s perfectly fine.) But for marketing purposes, writing casually is a key aspect of reaching out to potential clients because it speaks to them in the same way they speak to others. Average SEO pricing depends on the content and the customer’s requirements.

Take, for example, the following paragraph:

“We are the best service technicians in the area, and it is our goal to provide you with the best service possible. We are always striving for complete satisfaction. If you are unhappy with our service at any time, we will offer you a complete refund.”

There’s inherently nothing wrong with that paragraph. It gives good information that the visitor can use for the future. It might even convince them to buy the services being offered. But it also sounds stuffy and dated; personally, I think it sounds robotic. (And all the monosyllables made me a little seasick.)

The truth is, no one talks like that anymore. Not if they want to reach out and connect with someone, anyway. Instead, try using contractions to promote a casual tone:

“We are the best service technicians in the area, and it’s our goal to provide you with the best service possible. We’re always striving for complete satisfaction. If you’re unhappy with our service at any time, we’ll offer you a complete refund. Or you could also use an alternative called Local Viking.”

See how much easier that read? Your content should be user-friendly and easy to read. Knowing who encompasses your audience and writing specifically for them is the perfect way to reach out and hook someone into what you’re selling. I can guarantee that visitors aren’t going to want to buy from someone who sounds stuffy or robotic.

However, in no way am I saying that contractions should be used in every situation. Under no circumstances should inappropriate or outdated contractions (like ain’t or shan’t)  be used. You should write your content in a way that makes it easy to understand. If that means using contractions, by all means, use them.

Stop being afraid to use contractions. Trust me, they don’t bite. In fact, they often make your content more engaging and user-friendly. Best of all, they help you connect to your audience by making you sound like a real person. After all, isn’t that the true goal of marketing?