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Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for your article

More than 50% of traffic to Wiley Online Library comes directly from Google, Google Scholar, and other search engines. Wiley does everything possible to ensure that all research content is visible and high ranking in the search results of Google and other engines.


You can also play a crucial role in optimizing the search results for your article – helping people to find, read, and cite your work.


SEO-pie-chart

5 tips for increasing your article's search engine discoverability

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1. Create a search engine friendly title

  • Include 1-2 keywords related to your topic
  • Place your keywords within the first 65 characters of your title


  • Keep your title short
  • Consider moving a phrase from your title to the first or second sentence of your abstract


2. Optimize your abstract

  • Place essential findings and keywords in the first two sentences of your abstract
  • Only the first two sentences normally display in search engine results


  • Repeat your keywords 3-6 times
  • Don't forget the purpose of your abstract is to express the key points of your research, clearly, and concisely


See below for an example of a well-optimized abstract.



Article abstract

3. Use keywords throughout your article

  • Include keywords in your title (1-2), abstract (2-3), and keyword fields (5-7)
  • Keywords may be keyword phrases rather than just single words


  • Incorporate keywords in your headings too
  • Headings tip off search engines to the structure and content of your article


  • Find specific keywords on Google Trends and Google Adwords keyword tools
  • Remember that keywords are important for A&I services as well as SEO


  • Use keywords consistent with your field
  • If you're unsure, check the words used in your field's major papers


  • Let keywords flow naturally and in a contextual way
  • Search engines dislike too much keyword repetition, known as keyword stuffing, and may 'un-index' your article, making it hard to find online


4. Be consistent

  • Refer to author names and initials in a consistent manner throughout the paper
  • Remember to be consistent with any previous online publications


5. Build links

  • Link to your article across your social media, networking, and institutional sites
  • The more in-bound links to your article, the more search engines like Google will value and highlight your content

  • Encourage colleagues to link to your article
  • The more links from respected individuals/trusted sites the more powerful the effect. Don't forget to do the same for them!