The Internet is where most people start their search for virtually everything from real estate to clothes. If your business doesn't have a great website, you're missing out on customers.

However, a great website is only the first step. If that website lags so far behind in search engine results that no one ever sees it, it isn't doing its job. Enter search engine optimization and website copywriting.

Search engine optimization is a series of techniques that ensure your site ranks well in a search. In order for this to happen, a website needs to be current, active, and include keywords that accurately reflect what people are looking for. After all, search engines are designed to bring up web pages that are relevant to the words people are typing into them. Does your website content have the right keywords?

Writing search engine friendly website content should start with keyword research. First, the copywriter determines exactly what service or goods the business wants to promote. Then they do a little research to find out what people search for when they want those goods or services. Finally, the copywriter must have the skills to write great website copy that engages readers while at the same time attracting the attention of search engines.

Time and again, we see otherwise great websites fail to attract the customers they deserve. They simply don't have enough of the right kind of writing that properly informs search engine bots. Either that or their writing is stagnant, having been posted years ago with minimal updating. Sure, the author can talk about their product, but they lack the Internet savvy to transform that copy into the kind of content that will get them good ranking. Face it, Internet users rarely get past the first page of website results when they search for something. Do you? How often do you click over to the tenth page of results?

Knowing your website is ten, twenty, or even a hundred pages into a search result can be frustrating for business owners. But it doesn't have to be the case. Hiring a great website content writer with knowledge of search engine optimization and experience writing for the web can make all the difference to your rankings.