How to make a keyword sandwich

Just as the way into a man’s heart is through his stomach, so the way into a search engine robot’s index is through a keyword sandwich.

That’s what I learned last week, when I met with Rob Campbell and later read his book.

Word filling

What I’m writing is the meat, according to Rob. I don’t want to put off the vegans so I’ll call it filling.

The challenge is to use keywords in the headline, subtitles, photo alt text, tags and categories and link text.

I need to wrap that filling in two slices of bread: the first one photos, the second bookmarks, Twitter, discussion groups and more.

My keywords for this post are going to be “keyword sandwich,” though normally I would write about grammar, punctuation, catchy slogans and other practical writing advice. Or I would promote my book, Write like you talk–only better, which should be ready launch later this week.

Although keyword sandwich is new for me, I may write about it more as I describe my journey up the blog food chain.

Photo bread

The first piece of bread that supports the filling is the photo. Before I got serious about my blog, I couldn’t understand why people insisted on inserting often-silly or irrelevant photos. Then I discovered that these photos add links and give you more opportunities for keywords. So I’m in.

I’m still not crazy about stock photos, so I just bought a new camera, to replace the one my daughter recently lost. Maybe I’ll also get some of her artsy friends to take some photos for me. Of course they are experienced photographers, having recorded much of their lives on Facebook.

Social media bread

The second piece of bread is the bookmarking and other linking I will do when it’s posted, again writing keyword sandwich in each one.

I’ve always felt uncomfortable Digging my own posts, but apparently I need to get over it. Usually, I tweet my posts but I only post them on Facebook if they’re funny or of general interest, because most of my friends do not care what I do for a living. Note to self: change the Linked setting so my posts from this site automatically go there.

This whole blog promotion etiquette, where it’s unseemly to gorge but dangerous to fast  takes some getting used to.

= Keyword sandwich

Of course, the proof of the pudding, or keyword sandwich, is in the eating. Let’s hope the robots enjoy this sandwich, though I’m a little worried I’ll be accused of keyword stuffing. If I am guilty, sorry robots, I’m still learning.

Maybe I can make it up with a beer or a dessert to go with that sandwich. Works for men. Might as well as try it with robots.

1. Rob Campbell says:

   May 31, 2010 at 10:35 pm

   Facebook and Twitter would be the beer and dessert. Add the link to your Facebook fan page. Did you tweet the post? Shorten the link in TwitPWR for even more flavour.
2. Barbsawyers says:

   June 1, 2010 at 12:50 am

   Yes, I tweeted but I didn’t need to shorten the link cuz I’m so short. I don’t have a Facebook fan page because I don’t have any fans–yet.

   Thanks
3. Zoomit.ca says:

   June 1, 2010 at 1:24 pm

   How to make a keyword sandwich « Sticky Communications…

   Search engine robots love to eat keyword sandwiches. Words are the filling. Photos and social media links are the slices of bread….
4. chronic myeloid leukemia says:

   November 20, 2010 at 8:51 am

   Thank you for share very good knowledges. Your blog is greatI am impressed by the information that you have on this blog. It shows how well you understand this subject. Bookmarked this page, will come back for more. You, my friend, ROCK! I found just the information I already searched everywhere and just couldn’t find. What a perfect site. Like this website your website is one of my new favs.I like this data presented and it has given me some sort of inspiration to succeed for some reason, so thank you
5. Marquita Harville says:

   September 27, 2011 at 10:02 am

   essay on importance of computer education