How to Write Blog Posts That Actually Rank

You write blog posts, but nobody sees them. No traffic. No rankings. Just...crickets. Here's how to write blog posts that rank and bring in real traffic.

SEO content writing process with keyword research, content planning, and optimization

Creating blog content that ranks well in search engines isn't just about writing great content—it's about understanding how search engines work and what your audience is actually searching for. After helping hundreds of businesses improve their content rankings, I've developed a proven system that consistently delivers results.

The Foundation: Keyword Research Done Right

Before you write a single word, you need to understand what your audience is searching for. But keyword research goes far beyond just finding high-volume keywords. Here's my step-by-step process:

Comparison of popular keyword research tools showing features and data metrics

1. Start with Seed Keywords

Begin with 3-5 broad topics related to your business. For example, if you're a fitness coach, your seed keywords might be "weight loss," "muscle building," "nutrition," "workout routines," and "fitness motivation."

2. Use the Right Tools

While there are many keyword research tools available, here are my top recommendations:

Google Keyword Planner - Free and directly from Google
Ahrefs - Best for competitive analysis
SEMrush - Great for finding content gaps
AnswerThePublic - Perfect for question-based keywords
Google Search Console - Shows what you already rank for

3. Focus on Search Intent

Understanding search intent is crucial. There are four main types of search intent:

Diagram showing the four types of search intent: informational, navigational, commercial, and transactional

Informational Intent

Users want to learn something

Example: "how to lose weight"

Navigational Intent

Users want to find a specific website

Example: "facebook login"

Commercial Intent

Users are researching before buying

Example: "best protein powder"

Transactional Intent

Users are ready to purchase

Example: "buy protein powder online"

Content Structure That Google Loves

The way you structure your content has a massive impact on how well it ranks. Here's how to create a structure that both Google and readers will love:

Visual example of proper content hierarchy with H1, H2, and H3 headings properly structured