> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.nevillehobson.io/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Letting Go of SEO and Writing for Engagement - URL: https://www.nevillehobson.io/letting-go-of-seo-and-writing-for-engagement/ - Published: 2025-03-02T11:26:00.000Z - Updated: 2025-03-02T15:28:57.000Z - Author: Neville Hobson - Tags: Blogging, Communication, Ghost For years, [search engine optimisation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Search%5Fengine%5Foptimization?ref=nevillehobson.io) (SEO) was a key consideration in my approach to blogging. Like many people, I optimised [WordPress](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WordPress?ref=nevillehobson.io) with metadata, lightweight themes, and SEO plugins. But as I transition from self-hosted WordPress to hosted [Ghost](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost%5F%28blogging%5Fplatform%29?ref=nevillehobson.io), I find myself questioning how much SEO really matters to me now. An article by [Carolyn Shelby](https://www.searchenginejournal.com/author/carolyn-shelby/?ref=nevillehobson.io) in *Search Engine Journal* last month highlights [the reality of WordPress and SEO](https://www.searchenginejournal.com/wordpress-seo-myths-busted/537198/?ref=nevillehobson.io) today. It busts some long-standing misconceptions, reinforcing a few points that resonate with me, especially as I finalise my move to a new platform. ## WordPress & SEO: The Myths That Persist Shelby’s article does a great job of dismantling some of the most persistent myths about WordPress SEO. Here are a few that stood out: - **WordPress is not inherently SEO-friendly.** While it provides a solid foundation, proper optimisation still requires manual adjustments, from configuring permalinks to refining metadata and structuring content effectively. - **SEO plugins don’t guarantee rankings.** Tools like [Yoast](https://yoast.com/?ref=nevillehobson.io) and [Rank Math](https://rankmath.com/?ref=nevillehobson.io) can help with optimisation, but they don’t replace a strategic approach to content and keyword research. - **Website speed and performance are critical.** Slow-loading sites are penalised by search engines, and bloated themes or excessive plugins can negatively impact rankings. - **Content length is less important than content quality.** Word count doesn’t determine ranking – useful, well-structured, and authoritative content does. - **Backlinks are valuable but not a silver bullet.** A strong SEO foundation requires more than just accumulating links; technical SEO and user experience play a significant role. ## Why SEO No Longer Dictates My Blogging Approach This reaffirms a truth I’ve already come to accept: SEO isn’t my primary concern anymore. I started blogging over 20 years ago when search rankings started to gain significance and importance when Google emerged as the dominant search engine thanks to its [PageRank](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PageRank?ref=nevillehobson.io) algorithm. But in recent years, my blogging focus shifted towards writing for engagement rather than for search engines – and in the past year or so, even writing purely for pleasure and fun rather than for any algorithmic attention. There are a few reasons behind this: 1. **I Value a Simpler Publishing Process.** Moving to Ghost aligns with my preference for a clean, distraction-free writing experience. I’m no longer interested in fine-tuning every post for SEO – Ghost encourages a more writer-first approach. 2. **Rebuilding, Not Relying on Search.** Moving to Ghost means starting fresh with a new domain while my existing WordPress blog remains an archive. This transition means I won’t rely on search rankings to maintain visibility. Instead, I’ll focus on rebuilding connections directly through social media, a more engaging newsletter, and intentional outreach and community-driven engagement. 3. **SEO is Rapidly Changing.** With AI-driven search results becoming more dominant, traditional SEO tactics are evolving. Google, ChatGPT, Perplexity AI, and other AI-driven platforms are surfacing direct answers, reducing the need for users to click through to websites. 4. **Authentic Engagement Matters More.** Whether through podcasting, social media discussions, or direct audience interaction, I prioritise meaningful engagement over traffic volume. If my content resonates, it will find its way to the right people – regardless of where it ranks on Google. ## The Road Ahead: Writing for People, Not Algorithms This isn’t to say that I’m abandoning all SEO considerations. I’ll still ensure my site is fast, accessible, and well-structured, and Ghost has some [essential SEO features](https://ghost.org/help/seo/?ref=nevillehobson.io) out of the box. But I’m no longer making SEO the driving force behind my content strategy. Instead, my move to Ghost is about [writing with clarity, consistency, and purpose](https://www.nevillehobson.com/2025/01/16/from-wordpress-to-ghost-embracing-simplicity-in-blogging/?ref=nevillehobson.io) – not obsessing over green lights in an SEO plugin. Trading search rankings for a more fulfilling writing experience is a decision I stand by. My new blog on Ghost is coming soon: subscribe to the free newsletter to get the news when it does. What’s your approach to SEO today? Do rankings still matter to you, or are you also shifting focus? **Related Reading:** - [From WordPress to Ghost: Embracing Simplicity in Blogging](https://www.nevillehobson.com/2025/01/16/from-wordpress-to-ghost-embracing-simplicity-in-blogging/?ref=nevillehobson.io) (16 January 2025) (Photo at top by [Reuben Juarez](https://unsplash.com/@sunnystate?utm%5Fcontent=creditCopyText&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fsource=unsplash) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/to-be-continued-sigange-C4sxVxcXEQg?utm%5Fcontent=creditCopyText&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fsource=unsplash))