I spent literally HOURS searching for a simple, step-by-step guide on how to write an SEO/Google-friendly blog post. With not too much technical jargon.

And… I didn’t find one.

So, I decided to put in the research and write it myself! 

From the perspective of someone who wants a simple process that tells you EXACTLY what to do.

But first, why put the effort into writing blog posts?

Simple: it’s the best way to get visitors who are searching on Google to land on your website. For free.

If you are going to put in the and effort to write content for your blog, take the time do it right.

So, here’s a step-by-step guide to writing a great blog post and get ideal clients landing on your website.

Step 1: Focus on a specific subject

When you write a blog post, the goal is to answer specific questions your ideal clients might be asking. Basically, understand what your clients might be looking for.

Let’s say you’re an executive coach. What are executives searching for online as it relates to your business? It could be:

• Skills: How to manage workplace conflict, how to be a better public speaker
• Mindset issues: How can I overcome impostor syndrome
• Emotional issues: How can I feel less stressed at work

Let’s say a marketing manager (your ideal client) wants to learn how to manage workplace conflicts more effectively.

So, instead of writing about coaching in general, you could write a blog post on conflict resolution in teams.

Keep this in mind: try to be specific about the topic you’ll write about. The broader you go, the more competition you’ll have and the harder it’ll be to show up on page 1.

Also, think about things in your ideal clients shoes. They’re not necessarily interested in learning about coaching subjects. But they do want tips and tools to solve specific problems they’re dealing with.

They could be typing into Google:

• How to manage conflict at workplace
• How to manage conflict as a leader

ACTION STEP: Write down 3 sentences (your key phrases) on a specific topic your ideal client might be typing into Google. Get into their shoes! At least 3/4 words long

Step 2: Check if people are actually searching for those phrases

You can go to a free keyword tool like Ahrefs keyword generator, and simply plug in your key phrase ideas.

You’ll want to check that people are actually searching for these key phrases.

Don’t worry if the monthly volume is low (say 40), because if your key phrase is really specific, then every one of those 40 people might be a good fit for your business.

ACTION STEP: Choose the key phrase you’re going to use for your blog post.

Step 3: Check out Google’s Page 1

Type your sentence from Step 2 into Google. Now check to see what content pops up. Look at the first 3 results. This is the kind of content you should be aiming for (and doing BETTER than!).

Look at the information the pages are serving up. Look at the kind of questions they are answering. Try to get as informed as possible about what Google is showing for that keyword. Focus on the posts that are NOT the paid ads, look at the ones just below these.

Do some good research into your topic, and make sure you’re answering almost everything someone might want to know.

Important: You should never copy someone else’s content. Always write things yourself, write from your own perspective and in your own tone of voice.

ACTION STEP: Look at the top 3 pages that appear on Google with your key phrase. Look at the type of content they have, what kids of questions the content is answering.

Step 4: Keep these tips in mind

There are a few key tips that will help you write a blog post that ranks well on Google.

Here are the most important ones:

• Write a short, catchy, informal title. Include your key phrase in it!
• Make your post long enough. At least 1000 words is what Google likes the most
• Use small paragraphs… Big blocks of text are a real turn-off! So make sure to keep your paragraphs SHORT, usually 3 to 4 sentences tops for each one. Use multiple headings to make the post scannable, and try to include your key phrase in them
• Use your key phrase in the first paragraph and throughout your copy. Remember, you’re writing for a human but also for Google! It should include as many repetitions of your key phrase as possible without sounding weird or robotic
• Include links to other posts. Make sure to link to other relevant posts you’ve created, and to content on other websites. This helps your visitors access more helpful information, and makes your blog post stronger in the eyes of Google
• Include your key phrase in your images’ names
• Add an SEO title and meta-description
• Optimize your post URL (slug) – these are the specific words that appear at the end of your www.mywebsite.com for your blog post. Include your key phrase and make it short

ACTION STEP: Go through this checklist to make sure you’re hitting most of the points.

And, last but not least, remember to actually get your post out there. As in, send an email to your list, share on Instagram, find Facebook or Linkedin groups that might find it interesting and share there too. If you’re active on Pinterest, create and share a pin about your post.

That’s it!!

Writing good blog posts is an amazing way to get interested people on your website for free. It’s worth your time and energy!

And definitely let me know if I can help out in any way! 🙂