Writing What Algorithms Favor Helps Your Content Go Viral

Writing what algorithms like will make your content not just beautiful to the human eye, but also be welcoming to search engines and AI systems that will help people discover it. And that means understanding how algorithms work.

Algorithms may sound technical, but they’re digital gatekeepers. They help readers discover content—especially when it’s clear, structured, and emotionally intelligent.

This article contains a checklist of algorithm-friendly writing practices that help content go viral.

Choosing Topics

• Write about topics you know and are passionate about. If you are not interested in what you write, your readers won't be interested either.
• Cover topics thoroughly, answering common questions or offering unique insights.
• Link to reputable sources.

Eye-Catching Headlines

• Your headline is what you promise to write about in the body of your piece. Make it inviting.
• When appropriate, use a location at the beginning or at the end of the headline.
• Use numbers instead of words in headlines (e.g., “7 Ways to...”).
• Algorithms and readers tend to engage more with odd numbers in headlines (3, 5, 7, 9, etc.).
• Keep your promise; that is, if your headline promises 7 items, don't list 6 or 8.

Content

• Keep your message concise.
• Do not ramble on and on. Stick to your subject. Sometimes it is better to have two similar articles than to have one long article with many themes.

Tap Into Emotion

• Emotion is at the core of every viral post. Algorithms now prioritize content that evokes emotions.
• People read, comment on, and share what moves them. Awe, joy, surprise, and even righteous anger are emotional triggers that drive engagement. If your message makes people feel something, they will be willing to pass it on to others.

Make It Relatable

• Content gets more views when people can relate to it. Speak to shared experiences, struggles, or dreams. Connect with your audience by letting them see themselves in your words.
• Use inclusive language that welcomes diverse readers (e.g., “we,” “our community,” “each of us”).

Formatting

• Use subtitles to organize your content. They guide both readers and algorithms.
• Include bullet points or numbered lists for readability.
• Break up long blocks of text with spacing, subtitles, photos, or a pull quote.
• Use an appropriate image that relates to your text.

Clarity And Simplicity

• Use plain, clear language that’s easy to understand.
• Avoid jargon—explain terms in a simple manner.
• Use “and” instead of an ampersand (&), as algorithms read full words more reliably.
• Keep sentences concise and paragraphs short (2-4 lines max).

Keywords

• Use natural keywords that reflect what people might search for.
• Include related terms and synonyms to show depth.
• Mention locations or communities when relevant.

Freshness And Relevance

• Write evergreen content.
• Connect content to current events, seasons, or cultural moments.
• Write about upcoming holidays and events (future tense).
• Feel free to write about happenings soon after holidays and events (past tense).

Depth And Trust

• Share personal stories or reflections to build a connection.
• Link to reputable sources when citing news or health alerts.
• Write with empathy, authenticity, and warmth.
• Use inclusive language (e.g., “we,” “our community,” “each of us”).
• Reflect your unique voice and calling—don’t try to sound like anyone else.

Visuals

• Use clean layouts, bold headlines, and eye-catching images that evoke feelings.
• A well-placed photo or quote can amplify your message far beyond the written word.
• Add alt text to images describing what they show.

End of Content

• Do not stop abruptly. Write a concluding statement.
• A call to action is optional at the end of your content, but it often helps. Present it in good taste.
• Leave a question for readers.
• Invite readers to comment.
• Invite readers to share your content.

Before You Click Publish

• Fact-check what you wrote.
• Proofread your content more than once.
• Check content for grammar and spelling.
• Never submit content without having installed the free app Grammarly, which catches grammar and spelling errors.

Extra Tips

• Make sure you follow the guidelines of the site you are writing for.
• If you discover there is a significant error in your content, you can edit it after it has been published on some sites. However, it must go through the publishing process again. That's why it is extremely important to proofread over and over before you publish.