“Write for Humans” Is Bad SEO Advice — Here’s What Actually Works

“Just write for humans.”

It’s a phrase repeated often in the world of content and SEO. The logic behind it sounds simple: if your content is useful and readable, Google will reward it.

But in reality, this advice is incomplete and often misleading.

Google is not a person. It processes content using Natural Language Processing (NLP), machine learning, and semantic analysis, which means it doesn’t just evaluate how well something is written, but what it covers, how it’s structured, and how clearly it aligns with the user’s search intent.

In this blog, let’s walk through what actually works when you’re writing SEO content today, especially if your goal is to rank, engage, and convert.

Why “Write for Humans” Isn’t Enough

While humans are your ultimate readers, search engines are your gatekeepers. Google must first understand your content before it can recommend it to users.

And Google doesn’t “read” the way we do. It breaks content down using:

• Natural Language Processing (NLP)
• Semantic relationships between keywords
• Page structure and hierarchy
• Topical relevance and depth

Let’s take a simple example.

Say you're writing a blog about Domain Authority (DA). You’ve used a catchy title, a witty introduction, and some general thoughts about “online presence.” But you’ve left out key details like:

• What DA means
• How it’s calculated
• What tools measure it
• How to improve it

Even if a human reader enjoys the tone, Google won’t be able to confidently say, “This page answers the search intent behind ‘how to increase domain authority.’” The result? You won’t rank.

This is why writing only for humans isn’t enough. Your content needs to satisfy both readers and search engines.

A Better Approach: Write for the Search Journey

Every searcher goes through different stages, from learning something new, to evaluating options, to making a decision. High-performing content anticipates and aligns with the user’s search journey.
If you’d like a deeper look at how this journey influences content strategy, check out our blog on search sequences in SEO.

Here’s how to do that, continuing with the DA example:

Stage 1: Awareness – “What Is Domain Authority?”

At this stage, the reader is just starting out. They’re looking for a clear, beginner-friendly explanation. Your content should:

• Define Domain Authority in plain terms
• Mention who created the metric (Moz)
• Compare DA to similar metrics (like Ahrefs’ DR)
• Explain why DA matters

Structure matters. Headings like “What Is Domain Authority?” and “How Is DA Calculated?” guide both the reader and Google, clearly signaling the content’s relevance.

Stage 2: Consideration – “How Can I Improve My DA?”

Here, the searcher wants action. They understand what DA is, and they’re looking for how to increase Domain Authority ethically so your content should:

• Offer practical steps (e.g., earn high-quality backlinks, audit existing links)
• Emphasize what to avoid (spammy links, low-quality directories)
• Provide tools and checklists
• Link to related resources on your site

This is where you show depth, which helps establish topical authority, a key part of how Google evaluates your site.

Stage 3: Decision – “Who Can Help Improve My DA?”

Now, the searcher is ready to act. They might be comparing service providers, tools, or agencies. Your content here should:

• Include testimonials or case studies
• Show data from past results (e.g., “DA 18 to DA 42 in 4 months”)
• Explain your methods clearly and transparently, especially if you’ve covered your Domain Authority improvement strategies in a dedicated blog
• Invite the reader to get in touch or request a free audit

If you're selling services — whether SEO, SaaS, or anything else — mapping content to this stage helps drive conversions.

How Google Actually Understands Content Today

Google’s understanding of content is no longer just keyword-based. Thanks to NLP and machine learning, it now looks at:

• Topic coverage: Are you addressing all the related questions a user might have?
• Semantic keywords: Are you using related terms naturally? For DA, that could include “backlinks,” “link profile,” “spam score,” or “root domain.”
• Structured formatting: Does your page use H2s, lists, FAQs, and internal links that help both user and algorithm?
• Topical consistency: Are you covering this theme across multiple blog posts, or is it a one-off?

To put it simply: Google isn’t just looking for good writing. It’s looking for comprehensive, well-structured, and intent-aligned content.

What Actually Works: A Content Strategy That Combines Clarity + Intent

Here’s what to focus on instead of “writing for humans”:

✅ Choose a Clear Topic

Be precise. Don’t try to cover too much in one piece. Let each blog answer one primary question.

✅ Identify the Search Intent

Is the searcher looking to learn something, compare options, or make a decision? Align your tone and content depth accordingly.

✅ Use Structure That Google Understands

Use proper headings (H1, H2, H3), bullet points, short paragraphs, and internal linking to guide readers and signal page relationships to Google.

✅ Cover the Topic Fully

Include definitions, use cases, tools, examples, common mistakes, and next steps, not just surface-level content.

✅ Keep It Readable

While technical clarity is key, your tone should still be human, approachable, easy to understand, and free from jargon overload.

A visual breakdown of the five essential elements every SEO blog needs to rank.

Final Thoughts: Go Beyond the Cliché

“Write for humans” is a good start, but today, it’s not enough.
To consistently rank and convert, you need content that:

• Solves real problems for your audience
• Aligns with the search journey
• Helps Google understand your relevance and authority

Whether you're explaining Domain Authority or launching a service page, the winning formula is this:
Write for people. Structure for search. Think in stages.