Writing blog posts is one thing. Writing SEO optimized blog posts that rank high on Google and bring traffic is another. If you want your blog to be seen by more people, you need to learn how to mix quality content with the right SEO strategies.

In this beginner-friendly guide, I’ll show you everything you need to know to write blog posts that rank.

1. Start With Keyword Research

Every SEO blog post starts with the right keywords.

  • Use free tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, or AnswerThePublic to find what people are searching for.
  • Focus on long-tail keywords (e.g., “best SEO plan for startups in Nigeria” instead of just “SEO”).
  • Pick keywords with good search volume but low to medium competition.

Always think like your audience. What words would they type on Google to find your blog?

2. Create a Catchy, SEO-Friendly Title

Your blog title is the first thing Google and readers notice.

  • Include your main keyword in the title.
  • Keep it under 60 characters so it doesn’t get cut off in search results.
  • Make it interesting to click. Example:
  • “SEO Content Writing: Beginners Guide to Rank on Google”

3. Write Compelling Meta Descriptions

A meta description is the short text that appears under your blog title on Google.

  • Use your keyword naturally.
  • Keep it between 150–160 characters.
  • Make it inviting to boost clicks.

Example:
“Learn how to write SEO optimized blog posts that rank on Google. Simple tips for beginners to grow traffic fast.”

4. Use Headings (H1, H2, H3) Properly

Search engines love well-structured content.

  • Use H1 for the main title (only one per post).
  • Use H2 for main sections.
  • Use H3 for sub-points under H2.

This makes your content easier to read and scan — both for people and search engines.

5. Write for Humans First, SEO Second

Google ranks content that provides value. Don’t just stuff keywords.

  • Write in simple English.
  • Use short paragraphs.
  • Add bullet points, lists, and examples.

Ask yourself: Will this blog help my readers solve a problem?

6. Optimize Images

Images make blogs engaging, but they also affect SEO.

  • Compress images to make your site faster.
  • Use alt text with keywords to describe images.
  • Example: Instead of “IMG123.jpg,” use “seo-blog-writing-tips.jpg.”

7. Internal and External Linking

Links help Google understand your content better.

  • Internal links: Link to other blogs on your site.
  • External links: Link to trusted websites for extra value.

Example: If you’re writing about SEO for startups, link to another post about keyword research.

8. Use Short and Clean URLs

Your blog post link (URL) should be simple and keyword-rich.

  • mywebsite.com/2025/09/seo-article-1234 (wrong)
  • mywebsite.com/seo-optimized-blog-posts (good)

9. Focus on Readability

Use tools like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor to make your blog easy to read.

  • Keep sentences short.
  • Avoid jargon.
  • Aim for a conversational tone.

10. Promote and Update Your Blog

SEO doesn’t stop at publishing.

  • Share your blog on social media.
  • Build backlinks by guest posting or collaborating.
  • Update old blog posts regularly with new information.

Conclusion

Writing SEO optimized blog posts is not just about keywords. It’s about helping your readers while making your content visible to Google.

To summarize:
– Start with keyword research
– Use catchy titles and meta descriptions
– Structure with headings
– Write for humans first
– Optimize images and links
– Keep updating your blog

Follow these steps, and your blog posts will have a much better chance of ranking high on Google.