Whenever you write a page on WordPress using the Yoast SEO plugin, you’ll probably come across the errors “use more transition words”. Even if you aren’t using a WordPress site, getting used to transitions will make it easier to keep a user engaged. So, what are transition words?
In terms of SEO, transition words are used to link phrases, sentences, and concepts. By using transition words, you can help a reader connect ideas seamlessly without overwhelming them. Thus, they can build “coherent relationships” in your text.
Conversely, it helps prepare your reader for the rest of your text, which is good UI practice. In short, transition words are the glue that holds your content and ideas together. So, use them wisely in conjunction with other readability guidelines.
What Are Transition Sentences?
When using transition words, you’ll want to connect sentences. So, you can also use transition words to explain a sentence further. Especially, if you broke it up to disambiguate your content.
Transition sentences and words can also connect paragraphs on the same topic but with different intents.
Some Examples of Transition Words
| Transition | Example word/phrase |
| Cause and effect | Therefore, as a result, so, consequently |
| Clarification | That is to say, in other words, to clarify |
| Contrast | But, however, on the other hand |
| Example | For example, for instance |
| Emphasis | Above all, most importantly, certainly |
| Enumeration | Firstly/secondly, further, and, moreover, in addition |
| Time | Meanwhile, during, subsequently, after that |
| Similarity | Likewise, similarly, in the same vein |
| Summarize/conclude | In conclusion, to sum up, in short |
Combining Transitions Effectively
When writing, you’ll start sentences with common words like “the” or “that.” If you start using transition words, you can make it flow better. Still, it takes a lot of practice and staying mindful. Also, keeping things simple and using plain English can improve the overall impression of the content.
But, writing is subjective, so you don’t have to follow an example verbatim.
For example, this is a way to improve the start of another blog I wrote:
“One of the most important goals of SEO these days is to remain relevant. Having content that is always updated, and answers questions are now vital to Google. This is due to Google’s current goal for usability and overall user experience. As such, the search engine is using algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) to find relevant content for topics. Content matters to users, and the right content could make or break a site.”
Updated
One of the most important goals of SEO these days is to remain relevant. Having content that is always updated and answers questions are now vital to Google. Since Google’s current goal for usability and overall user experience has been expanded. As such, the search engine is using algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) to find relevant content for topics. After all, content matters to users and the right content could make or break a site.
As you can see, I was using transition words, but not as well as I could on that last sentence.
How much emphasis should there be on transitions?
When checking your content with a tool like Yoast SEO, you will notice that your 30% of your text must contain transitions.
Of course, you won’t rank right away just because you added them. But, it will signal to bots that you care about who sees your page.
Why should webmasters use Transition Words?
In essence, transitions make it easier to read and comprehend the text. And readability is vital for SEO to keep readers on your site.
However, they don’t affect your SEO directly. But they do keep users on your page and clicking if your text is helpful. Sticking to the point with text is also an excellent way to keep people reading.
What can I do to improve?
- Learn some transition words or keep a list nearby.
- Keep a clear idea of the relationships between your text. (Research)
- Know how to use transition words appropriately in context. (Writing)
- Use plain English to avoid rambling.
- Get to the point.
In conclusion, you can take our advice and find ways to improve your content. But you will benefit from using transitions by remaining flexible while writing.
More Handy Blogs
- Optimize your Content for Questions
- Use Keyword Clustering to Create Better Content
- Optimize Your SEO Content for Google’s Natural Language Processing API
