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I've said it before and I'll say it a million times more—blogging for SEO is awesome! (In fact, I'm doing it right now!) And while it’s true that fresh, consistent content can help your website rank higher, here’s what they don’t always tell you about making it work: not all blogs are created equal.
If you’ve ever wondered why some blogs skyrocket to the top of Google while others barely make a ripple, this post is for you. Spoiler alert: It's all about the algorithm, baby!
Let's uncover the hidden secrets that will take your blogging for seo game to the next level.
Not all Blogs are Created Equal
There’s a common trap many businesses fall into: outsourcing their blogs to content mills. Sure, you can get dozens of blog posts written in a week, but the quality ALWAYS suffers. Search engines can detect low-quality, keyword-stuffed content and are less likely to reward it - and so can your customers by the way.
Plus Search engines are really smart. They don’t just look at keywords and backlinks; they consider your site’s reputation. Content that’s high in quality and trustworthiness is more likely to rank well.
So instead, focus on creating well-researched, well-written posts that provide real value to your audience, even if that means you have to produce less of it. When in doubt, remember the age-old adage Less is more!
Blogging for SEO is More Than Keywords
While keywords are important, blogging for SEO is about much more than just stuffing in as many keywords as possible. Here’s how to truly optimize your blog:
Link Building
Both internal and external links play a huge role in boosting SEO.
Internal links (like this one) help Google understand the structure of your site, while external links (like this one) to reputable sites improve your content’s authority.
Make sure you’re linking to other relevant posts on your site, and also consider reaching out to external sites for backlinks.
User Engagement Metrics
Google cares about how users interact with your blog. If people click through, read your post, and stay on your page for a while, it’s a sign that your content is valuable.
On the flip side, high bounce rates (when people leave quickly) can hurt your SEO. Keep your readers engaged by offering helpful, insightful content that encourages them to explore more of your site.
Visuals and Accessibility
Including images, infographics, and videos can improve the user experience and boost SEO.
But don’t forget about accessibility—use alt text for all images and make sure your content is accessible to a wider audience, including those with disabilities.
Not only does this help with SEO, but it ensures that everyone can engage with your content.
Pro tips from someone who does this for a living
There is no shortage of tips and tricks on how to improve your blogging practices for SEO. A lot of these tips are great, but if you read through a few of those lists, you'll notice the same tips come up over and over again.
Here are the tactics I use every day as someone who does this for a living, but I almost NEVER see them listed on any blogging site for SEO resources.
Targeting Long-Tail Keywords
One of the most powerful SEO strategies you can use is targeting long-tail keywords—those niche, highly specific search terms that tend to have less competition.
Short-Tail Keyword:“SEO”(Short tail keywords are typically broad and general, often resulting in high competition and less targeted traffic.)
Long-Tail Keyword:“How to improve SEO for small business websites”(Long tail keywords are more specific, targeting a narrower audience, which often leads to higher conversion rates since they cater to users with a particular need or query.)
Long-tail keywords attract more qualified traffic by addressing specific needs. While they may not generate huge traffic immediately, they bring in visitors who are more likely to convert into leads or customers - which is what matters afterall.
Avoid AI Pitfalls
With the rise of AI-generated content, it’s tempting to use bots to quickly churn out blog posts. However, this comes with risks. First, AI-generated content can lead to duplicate content penalties, which is HORRIBLE for your content. Second, it lacks originality, which is something search engines and users both appreciate.
Authentic, human-created content is always the way to go. Bonus points if you can show a little personality along the way. ;)
Don't be Afraid to Get Deep
Search engines are getting better at rewarding content that is comprehensive and meaningful. Surface-level blogs won’t cut it anymore. In fact, Google’s algorithm has evolved to prioritize in-depth, value-packed posts.
Don't believe me? Pretend you need to answer a question like "What paint sticks on metal?" or anything you want to know and look at how Google answers you.
Depending on your question the AI answer can stop you from ever needing to open an article. To combat this, be sure the questions you're answering are nuanced and not something AI can jump in an answer in 10 words or less.
Bottom line: If you want your blog to stand out, dive deep into topics, answer questions thoroughly, and provide real insights.
Final thoughts
The power to boost your rankings and attract the right audience is already in your hands. By implementing these smart strategies, you can start blogging with purpose, delivering value, and seeing real results - and escape the hamster wheel of ineffective content.
Convinced but know you don't have the time to tackle blogging for SEO yourself? We’ve got you covered with our done-for-you blog packages, perfectly optimized for SEO at just $60 per post.
Prefer a more hands-on approach? I offer bite-size consulting services for just $65 to guide you every step of the way.
You're running out of excuses. . . . .
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