Now that the internet and social media seem to have taken over the world of business and other affairs, digital marketing has become more important than ever. Specifically, content SEO has emerged as a cornerstone of successful search engine optimisation (SEO). With Google’s algorithms becoming increasingly sophisticated, simply stuffing a webpage with keywords no longer guarantees visibility. Instead, the focus has shifted towards creating high-quality, relevant, and engaging content that meets the needs of users.
As such, choosing the right type of content is essential for both businesses and individuals. Not all content is created equal in the eyes of search engines. Some formats naturally perform better, attract more backlinks, and encourage longer dwell times — all of which are key ranking factors. In this article, we will share seven types of content that consistently rank well on Google, thereby helping you to refine your content marketing strategy and boost your online presence.
1. Long-Form Information Articles
Long-form content, typically exceeding 1,500 words, is a powerhouse for SEO. These articles delve deeply into a subject, offering comprehensive insights that satisfy user intent. Google tends to favour such type of content in content marketing because it signals authority, expertise, and trustworthiness — the pillars of Google E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) guidelines.
Long-form articles are ideal for targeting broad keywords and semantic variations. They also provide ample opportunities for internal linking and incorporating multimedia elements like images, infographics, and videos, which enhance user engagement.
Here are the best practices in creating long-form information articles:
- Focus on evergreen topics that remain relevant over time.
- Structure content with clear headings and subheadings.
- Use data, case studies, and expert quotes to add credibility.
2. Easily Digestible Listicles
Listicles — or those articles presented in a list format — are immensely popular among readers and search engines alike. Their scannable structure makes them easy to read, especially on mobile devices. Whether it is “10 Tips for Better Sleep” or “7 Ways to Improve Your Website Speed,” listicles cater to users looking for quick, actionable information.
From an SEO perspective, listicles often earn high click-through rates (CTR) due to their enticing headlines and promise of concise value. They are also more likely to be shared on social media, increasing their reach and backlink potential.
Here are the best practices in creating listicles:
- Use odd numbers in titles (e.g., “7 Types of Content…”).
- Keep each point concise but informative.
- Include visuals or icons to break up text and maintain interest.
3. Local SEO Articles
For businesses targeting a specific geographic area, local SEO content is indispensable. These articles are tailored to local audiences and often include location-specific keywords, such as “best coffee shops in Orchard or “plumber in Katong.”
Local content basically helps businesses appear in Google’s local pack and map results, which are prime real estate for attracting nearby customers. It also builds community relevance and trust, especially when you reference local events, landmarks, or news. For a deeper dive into how to improve your local search visibility, check out our ultimate guide to local SEO.
Here are the best practices in creating local articles:
- Optimise for “near me” searches and include your business’s NAP (Name, Address, Phone number).
- Create location-specific landing pages or blog posts.
- Encourage and feature local reviews and testimonials.
4. Personal Stories
While not traditionally associated with SEO, personal stories can be incredibly powerful content assets. They humanise your brand, foster emotional connections, and often lead to higher engagement rates. Google values content that resonates with users, and authentic storytelling can set your site apart in a sea of generic information.
Personal stories are particularly an effective type of content marketing in industries like health, wellness, travel, and entrepreneurship, where relatability and trust are paramount.
Here are the best practices in creating personal story content:
- Be honest and transparent — authenticity is key.
- Tie your story to a broader message or lesson.
- Use storytelling frameworks like the Hero’s Journey to structure your narrative.
5. Tutorials and How-To Guides
Tutorials and how-to guides are among the most searched-for content types on the internet. Whether users want to learn how to bake sourdough bread or set up a WordPress site, they turn to Google for step-by-step instructions.
This type of content aligns perfectly with informational search intent and often earns featured snippets — the coveted “position zero” in search results. It also encourages longer time on page, which signals value to search engines.
Here are the best practices in creating tutorials and how-to guides:
- Break down steps clearly and logically.
- Include screenshots, videos, or diagrams to aid understanding.
- Use schema markup to enhance visibility in search results.
6. Interactive Content
Interactive content, such as quizzes, calculators, polls, and assessments, is a rising star in the SEO world. It not only engages users but also encourages them to spend more time on your site, reducing bounce rates and increasing dwell time.
Moreover, interactive tools are highly shareable and can generate backlinks from other websites referencing your tool. They also provide valuable data about your audience’s preferences and behaviours.
Here are the best practices in creating interactive content:
- Ensure the tool is mobile-friendly and fast-loading.
- Promote it through blog posts, email campaigns, and social media.
- Use the data collected to inform future content strategies.
7. Visual Content and Videos
Visual content, including infographics, charts, and especially videos, plays a significant role in modern SEO. Google increasingly prioritises multimedia-rich pages, and YouTube (which is owned by Google) is the second-largest search engine in the world.
Videos can essentially explain complex topics more effectively than text alone and are more likely to be shared. Embedding videos on your site can also improve engagement metrics and provide additional ranking opportunities through video search.
Here are the best practices in creating video content:
- Optimise video titles, descriptions, and tags with relevant keywords.
- Include transcripts to improve accessibility and SEO.
- Host videos on YouTube and embed them on your site for maximum reach.
Conclusion:
Mastering SEO is not just about keywords and backlinks — it is about delivering the right content in the right format to meet user needs. From in-depth long-form articles to engaging videos and interactive tools, each content type plays a unique role in enhancing your visibility on Google. As such, it is necessary to learn and understand all types of content that rank well in search engines like Google, so you can effectively incorporate them into your SEO strategy. By strategically integrating the content formats mentioned in this article into your content marketing plan, you will not only improve your rankings but also build a more engaging and trustworthy online presence. Ultimately, SEO is a long-term game, but with the right content, you are surely well on your way to winning it.
