How to write for search engines and humans alike.

When you publish something on the internet, you aren’t just writing for your audience. You’re also writing for search algorithms. Here’s how you can satisfy both humans and robots.

(Disclaimer: You don’t want to spend time reading a fictional story? If you just want to learn writing for humans and search engines alike, scroll down to “The old principles of good writing.”)

Her hair spreads over the pillow like spilled ink. Every morning, I wake up before she does. The sun shines bright yellow through the smog outside. I brew a black coffee for myself and pour a shot of motor oil for her.

It’s 2069, and my girlfriend is a robot.

Steaming coffee in one hand, motor oil in the other, I give her a nudge with my foot. She starts up and moves her face close to mine for a kiss. Her lips are soft. Safe for the shot of motor oil on her lips, you’d think she’s human. She downs it and then smiles at me, making my heart ride rollercoasters.

“I love you,” she says.

“I just remembered the first morning I woke up next to you. You were looking at me, all dreamy,” I answered.

“You looked so beautiful that I couldn’t help but stare.”