Best Practices for Writing Blog Posts for SEO

Best Practices for Writing Blog Posts for SEO

Writing a blog post is one thing. Writing one that helps your business show up in Google searches is another. The good news? You don’t need to be a tech wizard to make your posts SEO-friendly. With a few simple habits, you can help search engines (and your audience) find and love your content.

1. Start With a Clear Topic and Audience

Before you type a single word, ask yourself:

  • What question am I answering?

  • Who am I writing for?

Example:
Bad: “Healthy Living Tips” — too broad.
Better: “5 Simple Ways to Eat Healthier When You’re Busy” — specific, clear, and relevant.

2. Use Keywords Naturally

Keywords are the words or phrases people type into Google when looking for your topic. You don’t need to repeat them 20 times — just work them in naturally.

Example:
If your keyword is “Atlanta family dentist”, you might write:

“Looking for an Atlanta family dentist who makes visits stress-free? Here’s what to expect.”

Quick tips:

  • Use your main keyword in the title, first paragraph, and a heading.

  • Sprinkle related terms throughout.

3. Check the Monthly Search Volume Before You Start

It’s tempting to pick a keyword just because it sounds right, but if no one is typing it into Google, it won’t bring you traffic — no matter how good your post is. Monthly search volume tells you roughly how many times people search for that keyword in a given month.

Why it matters:
If a keyword has zero or very low search volume, it may not be worth optimizing around — unless you’re using it for a very specific, niche audience. On the other hand, keywords with huge search volume might be too competitive for a new blog to rank for.

How to check monthly search volume:

  • Google Keyword Planner (free with a Google Ads account)

  • Ubersuggest (free and paid versions)

  • Semrush, Ahrefs, or Moz (paid, with trial options)

Tip: Aim for keywords that have a healthy balance — enough monthly searches to be worthwhile, but not so competitive that you can’t break through.

Need help identifying the right keywords for your business? Our SEO services can do the research for you, helping you target terms people are actually searching for in your industry.

4. Write for Humans, Not Just Search Engines

Google rewards content that’s helpful and easy to read.

  • Use short sentences and paragraphs.

  • Break things up with headings.

  • Avoid jargon your audience wouldn’t use.

Example:
Instead of: “Our clinic offers comprehensive dental prophylaxis for patients across multiple age demographics.”
Say: “We provide thorough cleanings for patients of all ages.”

5. Use Headings to Organize Your Post

Headings (like the ones in this article) make it easier for readers to scan your content.

  • Use H2 for main points and H3 for sub-points.

  • Include keywords in some headings if it makes sense.

Example:
H2: “How to Choose an Atlanta Family Dentist”
H3: “Check Their Experience With Kids”

6. Add Internal and External Links

  • Internal links: Link to related articles on your own site.

  • External links: Link to trusted outside sources for credibility.

Example:
“In our guide to teeth whitening, we explain how different methods work.”

7. Use Images — and Describe Them

Images make your post more appealing. Search engines can’t “see” them, so use descriptive file names and alt text.

  • File name: atlanta-family-dentist-office.jpg

  • Alt text: “Reception area at an Atlanta family dentist’s office”

8. Write a Compelling Meta Description

A meta description is the short blurb that shows up under your page title in search results. Keep it under 160 characters and make it enticing.

Example:
"Discover 5 easy ways to eat healthier on busy days — without spending hours in the kitchen."

9. Keep It Fresh

Search engines love updated content. Review your posts every 6–12 months to make sure facts, links, and examples are still current.

10. End With a Call to Action

Tell your reader what to do next. This keeps them engaged and can turn visitors into customers.

Example:
“Ready to schedule your first visit? Book your appointment online today.”

11. Using ChatGPT to Help You Write? Here Are Some Prompts

ChatGPT can help you brainstorm, structure, and even draft blog content. The key is to give clear, detailed prompts.

Example keyword: “atlanta family dentist”
Goal: A 750-word blog post optimized for SEO, written in a friendly, reassuring tone for busy parents in Atlanta looking for dental care for their children.

Step 1: Ask for an Outline First

Prompt:
"Create an SEO-optimized outline for a 750-word blog post targeting the keyword ‘atlanta family dentist.’ The audience is busy parents in Atlanta looking for a trusted, family-friendly dentist. The tone should be friendly, professional, and reassuring. Include suggested headings and subheadings that use the keyword naturally."

Step 2: Have ChatGPT Write a Draft Based on the Outline

Prompt:
"Using the outline you provided, write a 750-word blog post optimized for the keyword ‘atlanta family dentist.’ Keep the tone friendly, professional, and reassuring. Use short paragraphs, clear language, and examples that appeal to parents. Make sure the keyword appears in the title, first paragraph, and at least one subheading."

Step 3: Refine the Tone and Style

If the first draft doesn’t sound quite right, ask ChatGPT to adjust.
Prompt:
"Rewrite this blog post to make it sound warmer and more conversational, like a trusted neighbor recommending their favorite dentist. Keep all SEO elements intact."

Step 4: Add SEO Extras

Prompt:
"Write a meta description under 160 characters for this blog post that includes the keyword ‘atlanta family dentist’ and encourages clicks."

Prompt:
"Suggest five alternate blog post titles that include the keyword ‘atlanta family dentist’ and would stand out in Google search results."

By giving specific instructions about audience, tone, length, and SEO requirements, you’ll get better results from ChatGPT — and your blog post will be easier to edit and publish.

Quick SEO Blog Writing Checklist

  • Pick one clear topic.

  • Use your keyword in the title, first paragraph, and a heading.

  • Check monthly search volume before committing to a keyword.

  • Write in plain language.

  • Break content into sections with headings.

  • Link to related pages on your site.

  • Add at least one relevant image with descriptive alt text.

  • Write an enticing meta description.

  • Keep your content up to date.

  • End with a call to action.

Bottom line: SEO isn’t about tricking search engines — it’s about helping your audience find valuable, relevant content. Focus on answering their questions clearly and completely, and search rankings will follow.