Summer ideas that are SEO winners

As we roll into the start of summer, there are a host of ways you can create content that is both really useful for your readers but also ties to what Google prioritizes in their algorithm.

Google continues to share that content that supports their E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) guidelines will be rewarded.

So, as you make your summer content plans, take these ideas into consideration that are great for audiences, but will also be wonderful from an SEO perspective.

Happy summering!

1. Where to go when the heat rises: You’ll want to approach this from what to do when the heat is dangerous but also how to have fun when it’s warm. Consider these short guides: Cooling centers, splash pads, pools and water parks.

An additional idea: Find out what your city is doing to prepare for heatwaves. This story can explore what your local government is doing to protect seniors, homeless, and children. Are cooling centers open yet? Is public transportation being used to help people access them?

2. Is your local lake and beach safe to swim in? Reach out to your local or state Department of Health, Environmental Protection Agency, or parks and recreation departments for the latest water quality reports. Check in on E. coli levels, harmful algal blooms, or recent swimming advisories. 

3. Day trips less than 2 hours from your city: Round up nearby destinations that are perfect for a weekend trip. Think about state parks, small towns, or lake destinations. Lists of these places make for great content, but you can also feature specific places, like an individual lake destination or a single state park. Maybe it’s a summer series getting to know all of the state parks in a region.

4. What to know about ticks and UV exposure: Create an explainer with advice from local doctors, entomologists, and park rangers on how to protect yourself from summer health risks. The sources can make it local, but any regional/state data can help localize it as well.

5. U-pick farms worth the drive: Feature farms offering strawberries, blueberries, or peaches along with suggestions on what to get at what time of the summer.

6. Ranking the best local hot dog stands and ice cream places: Highlight the best hot dog and ice cream spots in your region by visiting each location — or talking with people who have first-hand experience with those spots — and ranking them based on flavor and affordability. 

7. How to lower your AC bill: Seek out practical advice from local HVAC pros, energy companies, or utility officials with a checklist of solutions along with potential reviews of fans, blinds, and smart thermostats to help keep your costs down.

8. Farmers market map: Create an interactive map of local farmers markets that goes with a guide that features details on hours, vendors who will be there and what you might find at each individual market, helping readers understand which market is best for them.

9. Track the UV index and air quality: Add an embeddable tool to your website where readers can enter their zip code to get UV index, pollen count, and air quality index. Watch it regularly and decide when to write stories when your area enters an unhealthy zone. I’d also encourage you to use tools like Google Search Trends to see when readers are searching for this kind of information.

10. Local hikes tested by reporters: Create a guide to regional hikes or walking trails, but have your staff walk them, take photos, and note things like trail difficulty, parking, and amenities. Doing this in first-person is an E-E-A-T winner.

11. Try 3 popular bike routes for families: Same idea as the hikes, but see if you can find a niche here, maybe making this specifically for families and have a parent go on those three bike routes and share tips for families.

12. Summer reading lists curated by local librarians: Ask librarians or independent bookstore owners to suggest summer books for kids, teens, and adults. Organize the list by interest or topic under each age category.

Also: Create an easy-to-consume guide on ways parents can get their kids involved in summer reading programs and special events libraries are featuring.

13. Create city-specific fireworks guides: If you are in an area that has numerous cities that offer fireworks, consider smaller guides that round up the things to do for the Fourth of July and then bring them all into one big guide.

14. Home projects you can actually finish this summer: Have local contractors or DIY experts explain simple summer projects (garden beds, solar lights, repainting) with step-by-step instructions. In addition, this could be a fun place to seek reader photos at the end of the summer of the projects your audience is most proud of.

15. Summer concert series preview: Build a summer entertainment roundup with the best concerts to attend in your city/region. Consider creating two lists: One of the best concerts and one that are just free concert opportunities. 

16. What parents need for back-to-school prep (in July): Provide parents early with a shopping checklist (and local stores where you can find those things), local sales roundups, and advice from school officials or teachers on supplies. A great way to create E-E-A-T content is to have a parent share their go-to places and tips for back-to-school season.

17. How to keep your pets safe in summer heat: Interview local vets or animal shelters for advice on hydration, pavement temps, and signs of overheating. 

Let us help with your content strategy

We’d love to help you grow your audience and improve your content strategy. Email me at david@davidarkinconsulting.com or call/text me today at 832 407 0188.