So, you want to know how to write a blog post that ranks on Google and other search engines? A well-ranked post means more traffic, more readers and maybe even a few bragging rights. But here’s the catch, writing for SEO doesn’t mean stuffing as many keywords into every sentence or turning your blog into a robotic wall of text. The best-ranking posts balance what Google wants and what real people want and enjoy reading. The good news is that you don’t have to choose between being strategic and showing your brand’s personality. Here’s how to write a blog post that will rank and sound like your brand:
Pick a Topic of Value
If you must choose one tip from this list, choose this one. Before you start typing, make sure your topic is something people actually want to read, and then be the best resource for whatever topic you choose on the internet. If no one is searching for “The Art of Organizing Your Spice Drawer by Color,” it’s not going to rank (no matter how passionate you are about paprika). To find the most talked about topics for your industry, start typing in Google and see what pops up. You can also type in “People Also Ask,” and Google will autocomplete the questions people are asking.
Use Keywords Naturally
Keywords matter, but how you use them matters even more. Instead of forcing “best digital marketing agency in Jacksonville, Florida” into every sentence, work it in naturally. Let’s use the example just mentioned. When the keyword is “best digital marketing agency in Jacksonville, Florida”, mix in related terms like:
- Web design and branding in Jacksonville, Florida
- Full-service marketing agencies in Florida
- Top digital marketing firms in Jacksonville
This makes your content feel smooth, not spammy.
Make it Easy to Read
Even if you’re providing the best overall content on the web, it will not rank if it is hard to read. No one likes to read a blog post that is strictly long paragraphs of text. Consider breaking up your next blog post with:
- Headings (H1, H2, H3): These will help readers and search engines.
- Bullet Points & Lists: Perfect for skimmers.
- Images & Visuals: A well-placed graphic can make a post way more engaging.
Add Links
A well-placed link makes your posts more valuable and boosts SEO. There are two kinds of links you need:
Internal Linking
This is the process of linking to your website’s pages and your related content. This keeps readers on your site constantly browsing. For example, check out our blog post to learn more about what internal linking is and how it can help with SEO. (wink, wink)
External Linking
Did you find a stat from a credible source that you want to link to? This is called external linking. Doing this shows Google you did your research and proves to Google that you are a credible source that is building trust.
Write a Strong Meta Description
This is something people often neglect or forget about completely. The meta description is the little preview text that shows up in search results. It should be at least 150 characters long, include your primary keywords and provide a reason to click. For example, a meta description for this blog might be: Want your blog post to rank on Google? This guide covers SEO-friendly blogging tips that can help you rank at that #1 spot. Read now!
Above all, write for people first. Google rewards valuable, engaging content, and if readers love it, rankings will follow.
