How to Write Blog Posts That Rank on Google

If you're starting a blog and want people to actually find and read your posts, you need to know how to write content that ranks on Google. Ranking on search engines isn’t just about writing well, it’s about writing strategically. The good news is that you don’t have to be an SEO expert to start seeing results. In this beginner-friendly guide, you’ll learn how to write blog posts that show up in search results, attract readers, and bring traffic to your site.

If you’re just starting out, check out our Ultimate SEO Checklist for New Bloggers in 2025 for step-by-step tips that complement this guide.

Why Blog Post Ranking Matters

When your blog posts rank on Google, it means more people can discover your content organically. Organic traffic is free, targeted, and often converts better than traffic from social media ads or other paid sources. Ranking well can lead to:

More page views: The more your posts appear in search results, the more readers you get.
Email signups: People who find your content valuable are more likely to subscribe.
Affiliate sales: Targeted traffic can lead to clicks on affiliate links, generating commissions.
Product purchases: If you sell products or services, ranking on Google drives more sales without extra marketing spend.

If your posts don’t show up on the first page, it’s almost like they don’t exist, because most users never click past page one. This is why SEO-friendly blog posts are essential for growing your blog.

1. Start with the Right Keyword

The first step in writing a blog post that ranks is choosing the right keyword. A keyword is a term, phrase, or question people type into Google when looking for information. Choosing the right keyword ensures that your content matches what readers are actively searching for.

Tools for Keyword Research (Free):

Google Keyword Planner: Great for finding search volumes and related keywords.
Ubersuggest: Offers keyword ideas, competition scores, and search trends.
AnswerThePublic: Provides questions and phrases people are searching for around your topic.

Tip: Focus on low-competition, long-tail keywords. These are longer, more specific phrases that are easier to rank for and attract targeted readers.

Example: Instead of targeting “blogging,” a very competitive keyword, you could target “how to start a blog for free in 2025.” This is specific, actionable, and more likely to attract beginner bloggers.

If your goal is to monetize your blog, also explore affiliate opportunities. For instance, see 7 Best Affiliate Programs for New Bloggers in 2025 to find products and services relevant to your niche.

2. Write a Strong Headline

Your blog post title is the first thing people see in search results. A strong headline not only improves SEO but also encourages clicks.

Tips for Crafting Headlines:

Include your target keyword naturally.
Make it clear and actionable.
Keep it under 60 characters so it displays fully on Google.
Avoid vague or generic titles.

Examples of Good Titles:

How to Start a Blog for Free in 2025
Best SEO Tools for New Bloggers

Examples to Avoid:

My Blogging Journey
Stuff I Learned Today

Pro Tip: If you’re struggling with ideas, explore Top 10 Digital Side Hustles You Can Start with Zero Budget in 2025 to get inspiration for titles that attract readers.

3. Structure Your Post for Easy Reading

Google favors content that is easy to read and well-structured. Structuring your posts helps both search engines and human readers navigate your content easily.

How to Structure Your Post:

Introduction: Hook the reader and explain what they’ll learn.
Problem or Question: Identify a problem your readers are searching to solve.
Tips/Solutions: Break your advice into sections with headings (H2, H3) and bullet points.
Conclusion with a CTA: Summarize your post and guide readers to the next action.

Formatting Tips:

Use short paragraphs (2–4 sentences).
Include subheadings for readability.
Add bullet points or numbered lists.
Bold or italicize important points.
Include images, charts, or screenshots to illustrate concepts.

Example: In a post about KDP publishing, use images of book templates, Canva screenshots, and sample covers to make it visually appealing.

4. Use SEO Keywords Naturally

While keywords are important, keyword stuffing is penalized by Google. Use your keywords naturally in key areas:

Title
URL
Meta description
First 100 words of your post
Headings (where relevant)
Alt text for images

Tip: Write your content for humans first, Google second. Your goal is to help a real person solve a problem.

Example: If your keyword is “start a blog for free,” you could write:

“In this guide, you’ll learn how to start a blog for free in 2025, even if you have no technical skills.”

5. Add Internal Links

Internal links help Google crawl your site better and keep visitors engaged by guiding them to related content.

Examples of Internal Linking:

If your post mentions self-publishing, link to Beginner’s Guide to Making Your First $100 on Amazon KDP.
If discussing SEO mistakes, link to Top 5 SEO Mistakes New Bloggers Make and How to Fix Them.

Tip: Link to posts that are relevant and add value to the reader. This improves SEO and encourages longer sessions on your blog.

6. Use Free SEO Tools

You don’t need to spend money to improve your blog’s SEO. Some free tools can make a big difference:

Yoast SEO: Helps optimize posts for WordPress users.
Rank Math: Another WordPress SEO plugin that guides keyword placement.
Ubersuggest: Free plan provides keyword research and content ideas.
Grammarly: Ensures your writing is clean, professional, and error-free.

Example: Using Ubersuggest, you might discover a low-competition keyword like “best free blog planner 2025” and create a post targeting that phrase.

Want to grow traffic using visuals? Check How to Use Pinterest to Drive Blog Traffic for strategies to boost SEO indirectly.

7. Make It Mobile-Friendly

Most readers access blogs via smartphones. Google also prioritizes mobile-friendly sites in its search rankings.

Tips for Mobile Optimization:

Use responsive themes.
Keep paragraphs short.
Use legible fonts.
Ensure images scale correctly.
Test your site on multiple devices.

Example: If a post’s images are too large or the text is tiny on mobile, readers leave quickly, increasing bounce rate, which negatively affects rankings.

8. Add a Clear Call to Action (CTA)

Every blog post should guide readers to the next step. A clear CTA encourages engagement and improves metrics like time on site and conversions.

CTA Ideas:

Ask readers to comment with their thoughts.
Invite them to read another related post.
Encourage email sign-ups.
Suggest sharing on social media.

Example:

“If you found this helpful, check out our 5 Passive Income Ideas That Actually Work for Digital Creators next.”

Strong CTAs increase reader engagement and help Google see your content as valuable.

9. Keep Learning and Updating

SEO isn’t static. Google updates its algorithm frequently, so staying informed is crucial. Updating old posts can improve rankings and bring in new traffic.

Tips:

Review your posts quarterly.
Add new examples, updated stats, or internal links.
Optimize for new keywords.
Repurpose old content into new formats like infographics or videos.

Example: A 2023 post about blogging tools might get updated in 2025 with new tools, links, and screenshots. This refresh can improve rankings and attract readers searching for current information.

Conclusion

Writing blog posts that rank on Google doesn’t have to be complicated. Focus on:

Choosing the right keywords
Structuring content for readability
Providing real value to readers
Optimizing for SEO naturally

With consistency, patience, and continual learning, you’ll see your posts rise in search results, even as a beginner. Start writing, keep updating, and over time your blog can grow into a reliable source of traffic, email subscribers, and even income.

How to Write Blog Posts That Rank on Google – Even as a Beginner