Content Creation | ROAR Digital Marketing https://roardigitalmarketing.co.uk/category/content-creation/ Newcastle's Data-Driven Digital Marketing Agency Mon, 06 Oct 2025 13:26:48 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://roardigitalmarketing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/cropped-new-favicon-32x32.webp Content Creation | ROAR Digital Marketing https://roardigitalmarketing.co.uk/category/content-creation/ 32 32 Why is a Content Audit Useful https://roardigitalmarketing.co.uk/blog/why-is-a-content-audit-useful/ Wed, 08 Oct 2025 08:00:59 +0000 https://roardigitalmarketing.co.uk/?p=11261 If your website isn’t performing how you want it to, chances are it’s the content.   This is

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If your website isn’t performing how you want it to, chances are it’s the content.  

This is where a content audit comes in. A content audit is a structured way of reviewing everything on your website, including blogs, landing pages, product pages, service pages, etc, to see what’s working, what isn’t and where improvements can be made. 

If you’ve ever wondered why your traffic is nonexistent, why certain blogs never rank, or why visitors leave without taking any form of action, a content audit can be a useful answer. In this blog, we’ll break down what a content audit is, why it matters, and how it can set you up for long-term, consistent results. 

What is a content audit? 

A content audit is basically a health check for your website copy. Just as you’d check your technical elements, a content audit helps you assess the state of your content, including its positives and negatives. 

At its simplest, it’s about answering three questions:

  1. What content do we currently have?
  2. How is it performing?
  3. What should we do about it?

 

Why bother with a content audit?

Some blog posts generate traffic to your site for years, while others don’t bring users at all. Some landing pages convert, while others remain stagnant. Without a clear view of what’s happening, you’re left guessing.

A content audit gives you data and direction. It shows you which pieces are worth keeping, which need refreshing, and which should probably be deleted altogether. 

Visit our blog for a clearer understanding of how content and search rankings are connected. Read our blog: How do you integrate SEO into your content

 

The key benefits of running a content audit

So why is a content audit useful? Here are a few reasons:

  • Better SEO results: identifying gaps and opportunities that can push your rankings higher and even appear in AI results. 
  • Improves user experience: Remove outdated or irrelevant content that confuses readers. 
  • Smarter strategy: Discover what’s working so you can use this strategy on other content. 
  • Higher conversions: Focus on content that actually encourages people to convert.

 

What are the elements of a content audit?

Your content audit should cover a range of different points to make it successful:

  • Topic: What is the content about? Can it be grouped into themes or categories so you can create content clusters?
  • Intended audience: who is this content for? Internal teams or external users? Does it align with the audience’s intent?
  • Purpose: What’s the goal of the blog you’ve written? Does it have a clear action or is it an informational piece? 
  • Brand and Tone: Is it aligned with your brand guidelines? Does it sound like your business? 
  • Clarity: Is the message of your content easy to follow? That means, plain English, simple structure, no errors, and accessible to all readers. 
  • Performance: What do the analytics show? Look at traffic, engagement, and time spent on the page. Do these numbers indicate that users are enjoying the content? 

 

Our final thoughts 

A content audit might sound technical, but at its core, it’s just about getting clarity. Instead of pouring energy into random content, you’ll know exactly what’s helping your business and what isn’t.

By understanding your content’s strengths and weaknesses, you can make choices that improve visibility, engagement, and results.

 

Curious to learn more about making your content benefit you? Read our blog: How to run an SEO content audit on my website?

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What Is Website Copywriting https://roardigitalmarketing.co.uk/blog/what-is-website-copywriting/ Wed, 01 Oct 2025 08:00:57 +0000 https://roardigitalmarketing.co.uk/?p=11229 Your website might look great, but if it isn’t engaging, people will quickly leave your site.  That

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Your website might look great, but if it isn’t engaging, people will quickly leave your site. 

That is the truth, and explains why website copywriting is so important for any site. To put it simply, website copywriting is any of the text which is on your website – words that persuade, inform and guide users around your site. 

Every homepage headline, product description or even ‘about us’ page you’ve ever read was written with a purpose. Written well, it’s the difference between a visitor clicking away in a second or becoming your next client, illustrating the importance of good website copywriting

In this blog, we’ll break down what website copywriting actually means, why it matters for your business, and the key things to know if you’re just getting started.

What exactly is website copywriting?

Website copywriting is the text that sits on your website with the goal of engaging, educating, and converting visitors. Unlike blog writing, which often leans towards education or storytelling, copywriting is more direct; it’s designed to influence behaviour. 

Your copy needs to not only sound good, but also be clear, relevant and persuasive. Whether it’s your homepage headline or the call to action button at the bottom of a service page, every word plays a role in engaging the user. 

The core elements of good website copywriting 

Writing effective website copy doesn’t mean stuffing in keywords or writing long sentences. It comes down to a few simple principles:

  1. Clarity – People should instantly understand what you do and how you can help them. If your copy makes them stop and think too hard, they’ll leave the page straight away. 
  2. Focus on the benefits – your visitors don’t just want to know what your product or service is, they want to know how it will benefit their business.
  3. Call-to-actions (CTA) – Your copy should lead people to take the next step, whether that’s signing up for a newsletter or booking a call. 

Want to learn more about copywriting? Read our blog: What is SEO Copywriting Services?

 

Why is website copywriting important? 

Website copywriting is a distinct type of copy. It is goal-oriented.

People don’t spend long on a website before deciding whether to stay or leave, so every word on your site needs to work hard. At the same time, your website is the core of your brand’s online presence, which means it has to communicate a lot of important information clearly and quickly.

From menus and buttons to forms and navigation bars, every interactive element needs copy that steers visitors in the right direction. On top of that, your content should be optimised for search engines, since many potential customers will discover you through Google and other platforms.

Because your site is often the first and broadest place for your audience, it has to engage a wider variety of people than your email list or social media ever will. And ultimately, great website copy isn’t just about attracting attention; it’s about driving visitors to take action and become customers.

 

Our final thoughts 

Website copywriting isn’t just about filling space with words; it’s about guiding your visitors, earning their trust, and showing them exactly why your business is the right choice. Clear, benefit-driven copy can make the difference between someone bouncing off your site in seconds or taking the next step towards becoming a customer. 

If you approach your website as more than a digital brochure and instead see it as a conversation with your audience, every headline, button, and paragraph becomes an opportunity to move people closer to action. Start small, focus on clarity and value, and remember, great website copy is one of the most powerful tools you have for turning clicks into clients.

Ready to transform your content? Read our blog on the purpose of a content audit on your website.

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How To Improve Local SEO And Actually Get Found By Customers https://roardigitalmarketing.co.uk/blog/how-to-improve-local-seo-and-actually-get-found-by-customers/ Mon, 29 Sep 2025 08:00:56 +0000 https://roardigitalmarketing.co.uk/?p=11225 If your business isn’t showing up when people nearby search for what you do, you’re losing customers

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If your business isn’t showing up when people nearby search for what you do, you’re losing customers every single day.

That’s where local SEO comes in. Local SEO is all about making sure your business appears in search results when people in your area are looking for the products or services you offer. Think of it as putting up a digital shop sign that points people in the right direction.

In this blog, we’ll talk about what local SEO is, why it matters, and the simple steps you can take to start improving your visibility. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to boost your local presence online and attract more customers.

What Is Local SEO and Why Does It Matter?

Local SEO is a way of optimising your website and online presence so search engines (like Google) show you to people searching nearby.

If someone types in “coffee shop near me” or “plumber in Newcastle,” Google wants to serve up the most relevant, trusted, and local results.

How Google Decides Who Shows Up 

Google looks at a few key things when deciding which businesses appear, also known as EEAT:

  • Experience: Regular Google Business Profile updates, showcasing local staff, and sharing authentic customer photos.
  • Expertise: Well-structured local service pages and informative blog content.
  • Authoritativeness: Strengthened through high-quality local backlinks.
  • Trustworthiness: Demonstrated by genuine local customer reviews.

Get these factors right, and you’ll have a much better chance of showing up in the local pack (those top map results) and regular search listings.

Want to learn more about local SEO? Discover why local SEO matters so much for businesses to succeed. 

Practical Ways To Improve Local SEO

Improving local SEO doesn’t have to be complicated. It comes down to being consistent across the right areas.

1. Optimise Your Google Business Profile 

Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is often the first thing people see when they search for you. Ensure yours is complete with accurate contact information, business hours, categories, photos, and regular updates.

Encourage customers to leave reviews; Google loves fresh, positive feedback.

2. Use Local Keywords On Your Website

Ensure that you use location-based keywords naturally in your website copy. For example, instead of just saying “emergency plumber,” try “emergency plumber in Newcastle.”

This helps Google connect your site with searches happening in your area.

Our final thoughts 

Local SEO is less about “tricking Google” and more about showing up as the most relevant, trustworthy business in your community. By optimising your Google Business Profile, using local keywords, and earning reviews, you’ll stand out in search results where it really matters.

 

Ready to transform your SEO efforts? Discover how ROAR can help you increase profits with our local SEO service

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What is SEO Blog Writing https://roardigitalmarketing.co.uk/blog/what-is-seo-blog-writing/ Tue, 26 Aug 2025 08:00:58 +0000 https://roardigitalmarketing.co.uk/?p=11122 SEO blog writing is the process of writing a long-form piece of content which is optimised to

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SEO blog writing is the process of writing a long-form piece of content which is optimised to show up on the Google search results page. It’s not just about keyword stuffing or chasing algorithms; it’s about writing helpful, informative content for your users. 

Think of it this way, Google wants to serve people the best answers to their queries. So if your blog is actually useful, maybe it explains something better than anyone else, offers fresh insight, or just breaks a topic down in plain English, Google is more likely to reward you with visibility.

So yes, we still think about keywords (because we want to know what our audience is searching for), but the goal isn’t to trick the algorithm. It’s to help people find the right answers faster.

Why SEO Blog Writing Matters

A well-written blog that follows SEO best practices can attract consistent, high-intent visitors to your website. Instead of relying solely on paid ads, SEO blog writing offers a long-term strategy to build authority and answer users’ questions

Imagine your blog as a conversation you’re having with someone who’s actively looking for guidance. You’re providing valuable information that solves their problems or addresses their curiosities. When you do this well, Google notices. It rewards your helpfulness by pushing your content up in search rankings, helping even more people discover your brand.

How Search Engines Discover and Rank Your Blog

Google uses a variety of signals to determine how your blog should rank in search results. These include:

  • Keyword relevance – are you covering what people are actually searching for? 
  • Content quality – is your writing clear, in-depth, and easy to understand?
  • User experience – is your page fast, mobile-friendly and easy to navigate?

For an SEO blog to be successful, it needs to tick all of these boxes.

Start creating SEO blogs that drive traffic and build authority, write content your audience (and Google) will love today! Or ask us for help by visiting our blog writing service. 

Key Elements of SEO Blog Writing

Creating an SEO-optimised blog post involves more than adding keywords; it’s about structure, intent and strategy.

 

What Makes a Blog Post “SEO-Friendly”?

Here are the building blocks of an effective SEO blog: 

  • Headline structure: It must be clear, compelling, and contain the primary keyword. A well-crafted headline grabs attention, improves click-through rates (CTR), and helps Google identify your content’s relevance.
  • Subheadings (H2S, H3S): These help Google understand your content and make it easier for readers to scan 
  • On-Page SEO elements: Think title tags, meta descriptions, internal links and image alt text. Create meta titles and descriptions using target keywords, clearly summarising your blog’s value to encourage clicks.
  • User intent: Every blog should answer a specific question or need – something your audience is actually searching for. Are readers looking for quick answers, detailed how-to guides, or comparisons and reviews? Matching your content precisely to what readers are seeking positions you as a reliable and authoritative source, which boosts your ranking potential.

Well-structured posts that genuinely help people are rewarded with higher rankings. 

 

Our final thoughts 

SEO blog writing is both a skill and a strategic advantage. It’s how brands educate their audience, earn trust, and rank higher without paying for every click. By mastering the fundamentals, like search intent, keyword targeting, and clear formatting, you can turn your blog into a steady source of traffic, leads, and authority.

Start creating content that ranks, converts, and builds authority. Whether you need a full content strategy or just want help optimising your next post, let’s make your blog work smarter. Talk to our SEO team today and unlock your organic growth potential.

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What Is The Purpose Of A Content Audit? https://roardigitalmarketing.co.uk/blog/what-is-the-purpose-of-a-content-audit/ Thu, 21 Aug 2025 08:00:57 +0000 https://roardigitalmarketing.co.uk/?p=11119 Your website might be full of content, but that doesn’t mean it’s working. You may have been

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Your website might be full of content, but that doesn’t mean it’s working. You may have been publishing blog posts, uploading case studies, and altering product/service pages, but something still feels wrong. Traffic may be slowing down. Leads aren’t converting, or maybe it’s just been a while since you’ve looked at your content. 

That’s where a content audit comes in. 

A content audit is the process of reviewing, organising, and evaluating the content on your website to see what’s performing, what’s not and what needs fixing. 

It doesn’t mean you have to rewrite your whole content; it’s about working smarter with what you’ve got.

In this blog, we’ll break down what a content audit is, why it matters, and how it can set the foundations for better SEO, user experience, and conversions.

 

Why Do a Content Audit in the First Place?

Most websites have pages that are continually being added, and blog posts pile up. Some content ranks well, some disappear, and some conflict with your brand or message. 

A content audit helps you see the entire picture of your content.

It answers questions like:

  • What content is driving traffic?
  • What’s out of date or irrelevant?
  • Are there SEO gaps or duplicate issues?
  • Where are users dropping off?

With this information, you can make informed decisions about what to keep, what to update, and what to remove, giving your existing content a refresh. 

 

When Is the Right Time to Audit Your Content?

There’s no perfect time, but here are some signs it’s overdue:

  • You’ve recently rebranded or updated your messaging
  • Organic traffic has dropped.
  • You’re unsure what pages are actually generating leads, if any.
  • Your team is creating new content without checking what already exists.

Even if none of these apply, it is still useful to do a content audit at least once a year.

Want to learn more? Read our blog on how to perform a content audit.

 

What Does a Content Audit Actually Include?

It’s more than just skimming through your blogs. A solid audit looks at both quantitative (data) and qualitative (content quality) elements. 

  • List all URLs and content types
  • Check traffic, bounce rates, backlinks, and keyword rankings 
  • Is the content accurate, engaging and on brand?
  • Are headings, metadata, internal links, and CTA in place?
  • Is it easy to read, navigate, and take the next step for the user?

Each piece gets a status: keep, update, merge, or remove. That decision is based on what the data tells you and what your audience needs now.

 

What Tools Can Help You Do a Content Audit?

You don’t have to do it all manually.

There are plenty of tools out there

  • Google Analytics & Google Search Console: Traffic, engagement, and search data.
  • Screaming Frog: Crawls your site
  • Ahrefs or SEMrush: Tracks rankings, backlinks, and keyword gaps.

 

Even a simple spreadsheet can do the job when you’re starting out.

 

Our final thoughts 

A content audit helps you make sense of what you’ve already created.

 It’s not just for big websites or advanced marketers. Anyone trying to grow a business online can benefit from addressing weaknesses. 

By understanding the purpose of a content audit, you can stop guessing and start making confident, data-backed content decisions.

Are you ready to take the next step? Why not have a look at how we can help you with a content audit through our content management services.

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How To Use ChatGPT For Blog Writing https://roardigitalmarketing.co.uk/blog/how-to-use-chatgpt-for-blog-writing/ Mon, 04 Aug 2025 08:00:40 +0000 https://roardigitalmarketing.co.uk/?p=10883 Why on earth would I want to write a blog myself when I can just get Chat

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Why on earth would I want to write a blog myself when I can just get Chat GPT  to do it for me? This is what many people will think. But when it comes to SEO and search engines, should you be doing this? Does the content sound human and relate to the users? 

I don’t think so. Yes, it can give you a basic understanding of what to include in your blog, but if you use it to write your entire blog and press publish, rest assured that this blog will not rank or bring any SEO value to your site. 

Search engines prioritise human-generated content that relates to users’ search queries, rather than focusing on content generated by robots. AI-generated content can actually be detected by search engines, before you think, well, how will they know? 

The benefits of Chat GPT for your content 

Although asking ChatGPT to ‘write me a blog’ isn’t the way forward, there are still many benefits to the AI tool. 

Let’s talk about them:

  • Plan – ChatGPT is a great tool to start your blog. You can ask it to create a tailored template or plan that targets a specific audience, helping you get started with confidence. With a clear structure in place, you’ll be able to focus on writing.
  • Initial Ideas – The tool is also great for generating some initial ideas to discuss in the blog. This doesn’t mean you have to copy it, but it should give you some inspiration for you to focus on. 
  • An Engaging Title – The title of your blog is very important. It is the first thing the user reads, so it needs to be catchy and grab their attention from the start. For example, if the title is boring, why would they read the rest of the blog? Chat GPT  can help you make an engaging title which also includes your keyword. 
  • Research Tool – a part of ChatGPT that is incredibly handy. Just tell it what facts or stats you need, and it’ll go find relevant, up-to-date information for you. No more endless Googling to find that perfect data point for your blog, it does the legwork for you.
  • Understanding – Chat GPT  is a great tool to further your knowledge on a topic. For example, if your blog is about Link building and you aren’t 100% sure of something, ask Chat GPT ; they will be able to help you in simple terms and further your understanding. 

The negatives of using Chat GPT for blog writing

Although the positives outweigh the negatives, there are still a few points to be aware of:

  • Risk of Misinformation – ChatGPT can occasionally provide outdated or inaccurate info, but let’s be honest, not everything on Google is 100% reliable either. You should always cross-check any facts it gives you with a trusted source. That way, you’re covering your bases and staying accurate.
  • SEO Limitations – Chat GPT cannot replace your SEO input. This must be done by yourself or/team to ensure it is user-friendly, and it will appear on search engines using SEO tools to optimise it accordingly, not Chat GPT. 
  • Lack of Original Insight – Nothing ChatGPT writes is truly original; it’s pulling from patterns in existing content across the web. That’s not always a bad thing, especially if you’re looking for a solid starting point. But let’s be honest: there’s something valuable about fresh thinking. Original ideas, real-world experience, and new perspectives are what help content stand out, and that’s something AI just can’t replicate.

 

Do you want to learn more about blog writing? Read our blog: What is blog writing – and how can it help you?

Once you’ve written your blog

The hard part is done when you’ve got your first draft. But it is now time to proof it and double-proof it. Make sure there are no mistakes and that it reads well so users can understand it.  

Ask yourself these questions:

  • Does this all make sense? Even if someone wasn’t as knowledgeable on this topic as I am. 
  • Have I made it relevant so that users can relate to or learn from this?
  • Have I ensured the format is clear and well-structured? 

You can ask Chat GPT  areas what your blog needs improving, or some feedback. This will help you understand the weaker parts and the strong points. 

Our final thoughts 

ChatGPT isn’t here to replace you, it’s here to support you. If you treat it like a creative partner rather than a copy-paste machine, it can genuinely improve your blog writing process. From helping you brainstorm ideas to building a structure and even tightening up your grammar, it’s a powerful tool when used in the right way.

But when it comes to producing valuable content, the kind that connects with your audience, reflects your brand, and ranks well in search, that still needs your voice, your experience, and your judgment. AI can help shape the content, but you bring it to life with real perspectives and stories. 

So, go ahead and use ChatGPT to give yourself a head start, just make sure to use your human touch. 

 

Discover how to succeed with your blog writing by reading our latest blog: what is seo blog writing?

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How To Perform An SEO Content Audit https://roardigitalmarketing.co.uk/blog/how-to-perform-an-seo-content-audit/ Fri, 01 Aug 2025 08:00:52 +0000 https://roardigitalmarketing.co.uk/?p=10878 If your content isn’t getting read by users, it may be time to conduct an SEO content

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If your content isn’t getting read by users, it may be time to conduct an SEO content audit.

Even the best-looking website won’t drive traffic if the content isn’t what the user is after. 

An SEO content audit is the process of reviewing, analysing and optimising your existing content to improve performance in search engines, and bringing more relevant content to your visitors. 

In this blog, we will discuss how to perform a content audit, why it’s important, and what to do with your findings. 

What is an SEO content audit? 

An SEO content audit is like a health check-up for your website’s content.

It involves looking at every piece of content you’ve published, blog posts, landing pages, product pages, and asking ourselves a few key questions:

  • Is this content ranking for relevant keywords?
  • Is it driving traffic?
  • Has it got a high bounce rate?
  • Is it still relevant?

The goal is quite simple: figure out what to keep, update, merge, or remove so your content is always performing.

Why Does It Matter? 

Search engines love fresh, high-quality, relevant content. So, as you can imagine, content from 2015 will unlikely be relevant today for users searching on Google in 2025. 

An audit brings all of this to your attention, you’ll see hidden opportunities, clean up what’s not performing and expand on pieces you never knew existed. 

How To Do an SEO Content Audit (Step-By-Step)

Now you know what an SEO audit is, here’s how to perform an SEO content audit in a structured way.

Step 1 – Export All Your Content

Start by exporting all of your URLs to a sheet so that you know exactly how many pages you have to review. Screaming Frog can help with exporting the URLs. At this stage, you just want a full inventory of what’s live on your site.

Also, make sure to collect:

  • Page title
  • Meta description
  • Word count
  • What the content is currently being optimised  for
  • Last modified date
  • Organic traffic (from Google Analytics or Search Console)
  • Keyword rankings (if available)

 

Step 2 – Review each page’s performance

With your list you’ve created, analyse how each page is performing.

Look at things like:

  • Is the content driving organic traffic?
  • Is it ranking for the relevant keywords?
  • Are the users staying on the page or bouncing quickly?

Use Google Analytics, search console, and SEO tools like SEMrush to understand the full picture. 

 

Step 3 – Decide what to do with each page

Once you’ve reviewed performance, you’ll be in a position to take action. For each page, choose one of four actions:

    • Keep: content is relevant, performs well, and doesn’t need any alterations. 
    • Update: Content is solid but needs a refresh, a new date or better optimisation. 
    • Merge: Content overlaps with other pages; combine them into one stronger one.
    • Remove: Low-quality, outdated, and thin content with no SEO value.

 

Tips For a Smoother Audit

Doing a content audit can seem like a lengthy task, especially if you’ve never done one before. Here are a few tips to make sure it is as easy as possible: 

  • Use a Spreadsheet or Audit Tool

Organisation is everything. Use a spreadsheet to log every decision and action. 

Also, you may find it easier to group content by type or topic so you can spot trends and gaps across your site. 

  • Focus On UX, Not Just SEO

Yes, it’s an SEO audit, but don’t forget your users. Ask yourself:

    • Does this page actually help someone?
    • Is the content readable and well structured?
    • Would I trust this source if I were to land here cold?
    • The best SEO content also serves the reader first.

 

Our final thoughts 

An SEO content audit isn’t just a box to tick; it’s one of the most impactful things you can do to improve search visibility and user experience.

You’ll walk away with a cleaner, smarter, and more strategic content library. And when your content works harder, your entire site performs better.

 

Do you want to learn more about SEO Content? Read our blog ‘what is the purpose of a content audit’ or visit our content audit page. 

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What is Black Hat Link Building? https://roardigitalmarketing.co.uk/blog/what-is-black-hat-link-building/ Wed, 30 Jul 2025 08:00:11 +0000 https://roardigitalmarketing.co.uk/?p=10855 Let’s be honest, SEO can be overwhelming. With so many tips, tactics, and conflicting strategies shared online,

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Let’s be honest, SEO can be overwhelming. With so many tips, tactics, and conflicting strategies shared online, it’s hard to know what’s truly effective. One key area of SEO that often creates debate is link building. The process of getting other websites to link back to yours can help boost your visibility in search engines. 

One of the most common and risky types of link building is black hat link building, a set of shortcuts that promise quick wins but can do more harm than good. So, what exactly is black hat link building, and why should you steer clear of it?

Black hat link building refers to using unethical methods to gain backlinks in an attempt to manipulate search engine rankings. These techniques violate Google’s guidelines and may deliver quick results, but they almost always backfire just as quickly. 

 

Common black hat link building tactics (and why they’re risky)

Many black hat tactics look tempting because they promise fast results, but at a high price. Here are a few of the usual risky tactics:

Paid Links 

Buying links may seem like an easy win, but it’s a major violation of Google’s rules, especially if the links aren’t marked as sponsored. Once Google spots this, your rankings could take a serious plummet. 

Private Blog networks 

PBNs involve creating a network of websites solely for the purpose of linking back to your site. It sounds clever, but search engines are very good at detecting patterns. If caught, your entire site could be de-indexed, meaning it will not appear in search results pages. 

Spam Comments and Forum Links 

Leaving your link all over unrelated blog comments and forums. Not only does this annoy users, but Google also recognises these as spammy tactics and penalises accordingly. 

 

Automated link-building tools

These tools blast your website link across the web in bulk. While you may see a quick spike in your results, it’s usually followed by a steep drop once Google flags the unusual activity. 

Want to learn more about link building? Read our recent blog: Organic Link Building: Letting the Links Come to You.

 

How black hat link building can destroy your SEO rankings 

If black-hat link building were effective in the long term, everyone would be doing it. But here’s the reality: it can seriously damage your website’s reputation and performance. 

  • Google penalties are no joke

Google’s algorithms are designed to find suspicious link activity. If you’re caught, you could face anything from a ranking drop to complete removal from search results. 

  • Long-term trust is lost

Once your site is flagged, it can take months, or even years, to recover. You’ll lose valuable search visibility, and it’s tough to rebuild trust with both users and search engines 

  • You miss out on quality traffic 

While black hat tactics may get you a bunch of links, they’re usually from low-quality or irrelevant sites. That means no meaningful traffic, no engagement and no conversions. 

 

Black hat vs White hat vs Grey hat link building

Not all link-building strategies are created equal, and the approach you take can have a big impact on your website’s search rankings. There are three different types

Black hat SEO is all about chasing quick wins. It uses risky tactics like buying links, hiding them in pages, or spamming forums and comments sections to manipulate search engine results. While it might deliver short-term results, it almost always leads to penalties in the long run.

At the opposite end of the scale, you’ve got white hat link building. This is the ethical, search engine-approved approach that focuses on earning links naturally. Think high-quality content, building genuine relationships through outreach, and contributing guest posts to respected sites. It’s a slower process, but it’s far safer and much better for long-term results.

Then there’s the middle ground, grey hat SEO. These tactics aren’t necessarily against the rules, but they do push the boundaries of what is acceptable. Techniques like mass guest posting or snapping up expired domains purely to boost your own rankings fall into this category. They’re less risky than black hat methods, but they still carry a chance of penalties if you overdo it or get caught out by a future algorithm update.

In short, if you’re serious about sustainable SEO, sticking to white hat strategies is your best bet. It might take a bit more time and effort, but earning high-quality backlinks the right way will always pay off in the long run.

Our final thoughts 

Here’s the bottom line: black hat link building might promise fast results, but it comes with heavy risks that far outweigh any short-term gains. Search engines are becoming increasingly intelligent, and they reward sites that naturally earn links through helpful, relevant content.

If you’re serious about long-term SEO success, focus on creating genuine connections, writing high-quality, useful content and earning backlinks the right way.

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]]> What is Blog Writing – and How Can it Help You? https://roardigitalmarketing.co.uk/blog/what-is-blog-writing-and-how-can-it-help-you/ Wed, 02 Jul 2025 08:00:56 +0000 https://roardigitalmarketing.co.uk/?p=8594 Writing blogs might sound like something only writers do but in reality, anyone can do it –

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Writing blogs might sound like something only writers do but in reality, anyone can do it – just like I am right now. Creating a blog is a very useful tool to share your thoughts, build trust and get found online. 

So , what is blog writing? And why does it matter for your business?

In this post, we’ll break it down in simple terms, the key things you need to know to start writing with impact. 

 

What is blog writing?

Blog writing is the process of creating written content for a blog, usually to inform, educate, or engage a specific audience. That could be on a business website, a personal blogging platform, or part of a bigger content strategy. 

Blog posts continue to be the most widely used content format, with 90% of marketers leveraging blogging to meet their content objectives.

Blogs can be as creative as you like. They can be anything from guides, expert advice, personal opinions or even a story. The goal of a blog is to answer the users query with relevant information – and that starts with a strong blog post title that draws readers in from the search engine results.

 

Why do people write blogs? 

Some people write a blog post to share what they know, others to support their business, grow an audience, or just get thoughts out of their head and into the world.

For businesses especially, blog writing is a brilliant way to show expertise, improve your visibility in search engine results, and build a stronger relationship with potential customers.

This is achieved through SEO optimised blog content, which is carefully written to include long tail keywords, answer common questions, and provide genuine value to readers. By aligning your content with what your target audience is searching for, you can improve your website’s visibility on search engines like Google, attract more qualified traffic, and that starts by choosing the right blog topic and titles people want to click.

 

Want to learn more about what makes a good blog strategy? Read our blog to learn about a content strategy for your business: the viral factor .

 

What Makes a Blog Post Worth Reading?

There’s no one “perfect” blog post – but the good ones usually have a few things in common:

  • A clear, honest blog post title
  • A strong  introduction that tells the user what the blog is about
  • Short, snappy sections that are easy to scroll through
  • A relaxed, friendly tone – like you’re chatting to the reader
  • A useful takeaway is what users want when reading your posts

 

It’s not about being fancy – it’s about being helpful and human for the user.

 

How Often Should You Post?

Honestly, it depends. 

You don’t need to hit publish every day—what matters most is consistency. Posting once a week or even once a fortnight is perfectly fine, as long as you’re writing with purpose and intention. 

Just don’t go silent for three months and expect to pick up where you left off! Consistency builds momentum, and the more quality content you publish, the more chances you have to appear in popular searches.

 

Our final thoughts 

Blog writing isn’t just another task, it’s a way to talk to real people, answer real questions, and show what your business is all about.

Whether you’re new to it or just need a bit of direction, knowing the basics can help you create content that’s clear, confident, and actually enjoyable to read, and in turn, hopefully helps your business grow.

So if you’re wondering where to begin, just start writing.

 

Need help choosing types of blogs that suit your business? Or writing the perfect blog titles to get clicks? Why not look at our content creation

Discover how to succeed with your content by reading our blog: How do you integrate SEO into your content.

Photo © by cottonbro studio from Pexels.

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What Is a Content Audit and How Does It Work? https://roardigitalmarketing.co.uk/blog/what-is-a-content-audit-and-how-does-it-work/ Mon, 30 Jun 2025 08:00:57 +0000 https://roardigitalmarketing.co.uk/?p=8591 Not all content is good content, some of it might actually be negatively affecting your site. Which

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Not all content is good content, some of it might actually be negatively affecting your site. Which is why you need to audit your content to assess the impact it is having. 

If you’ve ever felt like your blog is too messy, your traffic is non-existent, or you’re not sure what’s worth keeping, a content audit gives you clarity.

A content audit is a structured review of all the content on your website, articles, pages, videos, guides, to evaluate their performance, accuracy, and value. It helps you see what’s working, what’s outdated, and what needs improving.

A well-done content audit can boost your SEO, increase engagement, and allow opportunities to drive results without creating more content from scratch.

In this blog, we’ll discuss what a content audit is, why it matters in digital marketing, and how you can use it to succeed further from what you’ve already got.

 

Why Do a Content Audit in the First Place?

If you’re producing content regularly but never stop to review it, you’re likely missing out on opportunities that can have a positive impact for your site.

A content audit helps you:

  • Identify high-performing content you can succeed further with
  • Spot underperforming pages that are negatively affecting you
  • Find duplicate, outdated, or irrelevant content
  • Understand what topics and formats resonate most with your audience
  • Improve your SEO by aligning content with user intent and search engine guidelines

 

Think of it as spring cleaning for your website.

 

What Does a Content Audit Actually Look At?

It’s more than just scrolling through your blog to see if they’re still relevant. 

A proper audit involves reviewing things like:

  • Page titles, meta descriptions, and keyword usage
  • Word count and readability
  • Backlinks and internal linking
  • Traffic, bounce rate, and time on page
  • Conversions – are people doing anything from the blog? 

 

Want to learn how to evaluate your own content like a pro? Read our blog: how to perform an SEO content audit.

 

How To Run a Simple Content Audit

You don’t need expensive tools to do simple audits. 

Here’s a simple step-by-step process:

  • Create a content spreadsheet  
  • Export all your blog post titles, and URLs and paste them into your spreadsheet 
  • Gather performance data – Pull metrics from Google Analytics and Search Console.
  • Review and categorise – Decide whether to keep, update, merge, or delete each piece of content.
  • Take action – Update outdated articles, improve thin content, remove what no longer serves a purpose or is not relevant anymore. 

 

This can take time, but the clarity you gain is worth it and can only have a positive impact.

 

Tools That Can Help

While you can do it manually, a few tools make life easier:

 

  • Google Search Console – See which content gets clicks and impressions.
  • Screaming Frog – Crawl your site and export a full list of content URLs.
  • SEMrush – Evaluate backlinks and organic keyword performance.

 

Even a basic spreadsheet with your URLs and data can be useful when reviewed.

 

Final Thoughts

A content audit isn’t just for big websites or advanced marketers, it’s one of the smartest things you can do for your content. 

  • It helps you stop guessing and start optimising correctly.
  • It turns clutter into clarity.
  • And best of all, it allows your website to grow.

 

If you’ve been publishing content without ever looking back, now’s the time to go and review it.

 

Ready to get more from your content?

Start your first audit today or reach out if you need a second set of eyes. 

Photo © by charliepix.

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