Ever feel like you’re doing all the right things for SEO, but you’re still not ranking? You blog, you optimize your headlines, you sprinkle in keywords. But your content still sounds…well, kinda boring. What if there was a better way to create SEO content that’s actually exciting to read?
Enter: user interviews.
Yep, those casual chats you have with customers can turn into SEO gold. You’re not just learning what your users think. You’re uncovering the exact words they use. And those words? They’re what people are typing into Google.
Why User Interviews Are Secret SEO Weapons
You know how SEO content sometimes feels like it’s written for robots? That’s the problem. User interviews bring in authenticity. They help you understand:
- What your users actually care about
- The problems they want to solve
- Words and phrases they naturally use to describe those problems
And guess what? Search engines love content that matches what people are searching for. It keeps readers engaged, which boosts your rankings. Win-win!
Step-by-Step: Turning an Interview into SEO Content
Let’s walk through the process. Don’t worry — it’s easier than you think.
1. Record the Interview
This is your moment to be a fly on the wall. Don’t stress about getting every note down. Just record it. Whether it’s a Zoom call, in-person chat, or phone convo, make sure you get permission, of course!
2. Transcribe or Summarize
Once you’ve got the recording, you need it in text form. You can:
- Use AI tools like Otter.ai, Descript, or Rev
- Summarize key points manually
The goal is to look at what your user said — raw and unfiltered.
3. Pull Out the SEO Nuggets
This is the fun part. Highlight:
- Questions they asked
- Jargon or casual terms they used
- Challenges they mentioned
This language is pure keyword gold. It’s how your users think and speak. So it’s also how they search.
4. Turn Quotes Into Headlines
Got a juicy quote like “I really struggled to compare these software options”? Boom. That’s your new title:
“How to Compare Software Options When It’s Driving You Crazy”
Google loves natural language. So give it what it wants.
5. Write for One Person (the Interviewee!)
Your content shouldn’t sound like a term paper. Talk directly to the person you interviewed. Chances are, a hundred others feel the same way. When one user says, “I just want to know what the top three features are,” that’s a signal. Use it.
6. Answer Their Questions in Blog Form
Did they ask “Why do all these tools cost so much?” Cool, that’s a section header:
Why Are These Tools So Expensive?
Then answer it. Be helpful. Informative. Fun, even. Make it feel like a conversation, not a lecture.
7. Add Relevant Keywords Naturally
Now it’s time for SEO magic. Go back to your SEO tool of choice (Ubersuggest, Ahrefs, Semrush), and look up related phrases. But don’t overdo it. Insert them where they make sense.
If your interviewee used the phrase “email marketing for small businesses,” use that exact phrase. That’s a keyword. That’s your headline. That’s your ticket to higher rankings.
5 Content Formats That Work Great
Your final blog post doesn’t have to just be another Q&A. Get creative! Here are some fun ways to give shape to your interview:
- Case Study: Show how a customer solved a real problem
- How-To Article: Turn their issue into a tutorial
- Comparison Guide: If they were choosing between tools
- Listicle: Five things they wish they knew earlier
- Problem/Solution Blog: Walk readers through the challenge and how to fix it
Don’t Forget the Human Touch
SEO isn’t just about algorithms. It’s about people. That’s why user interviews are so powerful. They give you deeper insights than any keyword planner tool could.
Want to write content that ranks? Talk to someone. Listen carefully. Then turn their story into a piece that helps others just like them.
Tips to Keep It Fun (and Not Robotic)
Worried your blog still sounds stiff? Try these:
- Write like you talk
- Use short sentences and punchy paragraphs
- Break up big walls of text
- Add a bold or italic word for emphasis
- Insert images or quotes to bring it to life
Example: From Interview to Blog
Let’s say you interviewed Sarah, a small business owner who said:
“I was overwhelmed with choosing an online accounting tool. Every option looked the same.”
You could create a blog post titled:
“How Sarah Picked the Right Online Accounting Tool (Without Losing Her Mind)”
Inside, walk through Sarah’s decision-making process. Talk about the tools she looked at. The criteria she used. Her final choice. Add your own tips at the end. Suddenly, it’s SEO content. Relatable, easy to find, and packed with helpful info.
Final Thoughts
User interviews are more than just research. They’re inspiration. They’re real stories from real people with real problems. And that’s exactly the kind of content that gets found and shared.
Instead of guessing which keywords to chase, let your own users tell you what they care about. Then go create content that speaks directly to them — and everyone like them out in Internet Land.
So next time you’re sipping coffee with a customer, hit record. You might just be capturing your next top-ranking blog post.
