If you’ve been writing for the web for more than a week, you’ve heard of SEO, or search engine optimization. In a nutshell, it’s the complex science behind making your blog posts searchable and discoverable.
After all, we all want to rank at the top of Google, right?
Well, there’s a new, closely related acronym in town: GEO. It’s short for “geographic”, one of the new criteria content creators need to apply to their writing. Clients are asking for it by name. GEO has become a hot ingredient in content marketing strategies.
GEO means giving your piece a clearly defined geographic identity. Clients want writers to connect with readers in a more meaningful, local way. Since social media derived analytics reveal several demographics about readers, clients want targeted text that speaks directly to them.
Do You Use GEO?
Let’s look at an opening paragraph for a beauty tips blog post about getting your feet ready for summer.
Example: No GEO Applied
Summer break is just around the corner! That’s means it’s time for sandal season. Are your toes in need of a major makeover? Check out these tips and tricks to get ready for warm weather and strappy footwear.
Example: GEO Applied with Reference to Chicago
It’s almost summertime in the city! That means flaunting strappy sandals on the boardwalk at Navy Pier and strutting down the Magnificent Mile in the latest warm-weather footwear. Are your toes ready for the humid days ahead in the Midwest?
If you’re a gal from Chi town, the second example speaks directly to you, making you identify with the writer and the content. The result? You’ll likely read on! And that’s exactly what the client wants.
Are you using GEO to connect with your readers on a personal level? Your next writing client might require it!
