If you want your blog to appear on the first page of Google, you need to write SEO-friendly content. Google ranks blog posts based on various factors like keyword optimization, readability, user engagement, and backlinks.
In this guide, we will explore step-by-step how to write blog posts that rank on Google.
1. Find the Right Keywords
Why Keywords Matter?
Keywords help Google understand your content and match it with user searches. Finding the right keywords increases your chances of ranking higher.
How to Find Keywords?
Use free tools like:
- Google Keyword Planner – Find high-search-volume keywords
- Ubersuggest – Get keyword difficulty and competitor analysis
- AnswerThePublic – Find question-based keywords
- Google Autocomplete – Discover trending search terms
Pro Tip:
- Use long-tail keywords (e.g., “Best SEO tools for Indian bloggers”)
- Find keywords with low competition and high search volume
- Add LSI keywords (related words) to improve SEO
2. Write a Catchy Blog Title
Your title should be SEO-friendly and click-worthy.
Best Practices for Blog Titles:
- Include your main keyword (e.g., “How to Rank #1 on Google”)
- Keep it under 60 characters for better visibility
- Use numbers (e.g., “10 Proven Tips to Increase Blog Traffic”)
- Add power words (e.g., “Ultimate Guide”, “Secrets”, “Easy”)
3. Create an SEO-Friendly URL
A clean and short URL improves your ranking.
Example:
✅ yourblog.com/seo-tips-for-bloggers (SEO-friendly) ❌ yourblog.com/1234xyz (Not SEO-friendly)
4. Write High-Quality, Engaging Content
Google prefers blogs that provide value to users. Here’s how you can write great content:
A. Write for Your Audience
- Understand what your readers want
- Solve their problems with actionable tips
- Keep the language simple and conversational
B. Use Proper Formatting
- Use short paragraphs (2-3 lines max)
- Add headings (H2, H3, H4) to improve readability
- Highlight important words using bold and bullet points
C. Add Visuals
- Use images, infographics, and videos to make content engaging
- Optimize images with alt text (Google reads alt text for SEO)
- Use free tools like Canva to create visuals
5. Optimize Your Blog for SEO
On-Page SEO Checklist:
✅ Add your main keyword in the first 100 words ✅ Use LSI keywords naturally in the content ✅ Include keywords in headings (H1, H2, H3) ✅ Write a meta description (150-160 characters) with keywords ✅ Use internal and external links
6. Improve Blog Readability
Google prefers easy-to-read content. Follow these tips:
- Use short sentences and simple words
- Write in active voice
- Use transition words (e.g., “However”, “Therefore”)
- Check readability with Hemingway Editor
7. Use Internal and External Links
Internal Linking
- Link to your old blog posts (boosts SEO and page views)
- Example: “Check out our Beginner’s Guide to SEO“
External Linking
- Link to high-authority sites (e.g., Google, Wikipedia, Moz)
- Avoid linking to spammy or low-quality websites
8. Optimize for Mobile & Speed
Most users browse blogs on mobile devices, so your website should be mobile-friendly.
How to Optimize:
- Use a responsive theme (if on WordPress, try Astra or GeneratePress)
- Check mobile-friendliness with Google Mobile Test
- Improve loading speed using LiteSpeed Cache plugin
- Compress images with TinyPNG
9. Get Backlinks for Higher Rankings
Backlinks (links from other websites to yours) increase Google trust and ranking.
How to Get Backlinks?
- Write guest posts on other blogs
- Submit blogs to Quora, Medium, and LinkedIn
- Reach out to bloggers for link exchange
- Use HARO (Help a Reporter Out) to get backlinks from news sites
10. Promote Your Blog on Social Media
Google considers social signals (shares, likes, and comments) for ranking.
Best Platforms for Blog Promotion:
- Facebook & Instagram: Share on relevant groups and pages
- Twitter: Tweet your blog link with hashtags
- Pinterest: Create pins (great for niche blogs like food, fashion, travel)
- LinkedIn: Share business or tech blogs
11. Update Old Blog Posts
Google loves fresh content. Regularly updating old posts improves rankings.
How to Update?
- Add new information and examples
- Update old stats and images
- Improve content readability and SEO
12. Use Google Search Console & Analytics
These free tools help track your blog’s performance.
Google Search Console
- Submit your blog for indexing
- Find which keywords are ranking
- Fix SEO issues
Google Analytics
- Track your website traffic
- See which posts get the most views
- Understand audience behavior
Conclusion
Writing SEO-friendly blog posts takes effort, but following these 12 proven steps will help you rank on Google. Focus on high-quality content, keyword research, on-page SEO, and backlinks to boost your rankings.
Quick Recap:
✅ Find low-competition keywords ✅ Write an SEO-friendly title and URL ✅ Create engaging, high-quality content ✅ Optimize for on-page SEO and mobile speed ✅ Get backlinks and promote on social media ✅ Update old posts regularly
Follow these steps, and you’ll see your blog ranking higher on Google in no time! 🚀