SEO Copywriting Tip: Mind Mapping

Updated March 1, 2025

A Powerful Tool That Sparks Creativity

SEO copywriting is invariably on my daily to-do list. I’m either writing for our blog (229 posts published and counting) or I’m whipping something up for a client. Sometimes I get stuck – not quite writer’s block – but I get to the point where I’m struggling to write something new about an old subject. I’d like to share an SEO copywriting secret weapon: mind mapping.

What Is Mind Mapping?

Mind mapping is a practice of visually diagramming ideas or information. It’s more free flowing than writing things in an outline. I’ve found that it provides enough framework to capture ideas without stifling creative tangents. I’ts similar to brainstorming — where you toss out ideas regardless if they are good, practical, or realistic. Mind mapping allows you to capture remnants that can be later incorporated into future writing ideas. Great SEO copywriting starts with a kernel

Applying It to SEO Copywriting

Think about the subject you need to write about. Maybe it’s a keyword, phrase, product. Place that word or phrase on the middle of a page. Rapidly begin writing down words that create connections, creating circles that radiate outward. When a new tangent or thought strikes you, start a new offshoot from your keyword. Do this for about three to five minutes as quickly as you can. Quiet your inner critic. The goal is to get as many ideas out as possible that you can use in your copy. Mind mapping can help you create ideas around:

• A Theme (e.g., A Pirate’s Guide to Killer Copywriting)
• Adjectives to describe a product or its benefits
• Keywords and their long-tail cousins
• Motivation to use a product or service
• Types or personalities of customers
• How a customer might use a product/service
• Special offers

A Variety of Mind Mapping Tools

Mind mapping can be low tech and old school. All you need is a blank sheet of paper and a pen. However, you want to keep your mind maps electronically organized so you can reference later. There are several mind mapping software programs out there including:

1. Mind Meister: Free online app
2. Freemind
3. Mind42
4. Mindmanager by Mindjet – paid software available online and desktop version
5. Mindomo – free version only allows 3 maps

SEO Copywriting Template

If you’re new to SEO copywriting, there’s no need recreate the wheel. We’ve already developed a writing template that uses SEO best practices. The best advice I can give you is to write for the human first. Make sure your copy is engaging, informative and ultimately worthy of social media sharing.

Have you used mind mapping? In what ways has it helped you in writing for business?