Let’s be honest, most blog posts online never get read. They sit on a website, collect digital dust, and rarely bring in the traffic or leads that the writer hoped for. I know this because I’ve been there. I’ve written content that looked good on paper, but when I checked Google Analytics… zero.
The truth is, writing blog posts that actually rank on Google requires a mix of creativity and strategy. You can’t just write what you feel like writing; you need to understand what people are searching for, how Google decides what to rank, and how to make your content valuable enough to stand out.
In this article, I’ll share the step-by-step process I use (and recommend) to write blog posts that don’t just exist online but actually rank and attract readers in 2025.
- Start with Keyword Research (But Think Beyond Keywords)
Every successful blog post starts with understanding what your audience is looking for.
• Use tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Google Keyword Planner.
• Look for search intent: is the user trying to learn, compare, or buy?
• Don’t just chase high-volume keywords. Sometimes a lower-volume but high-intent keyword will bring better results.
👉 Example: Instead of writing on the very broad keyword “SEO,” target something like “SEO checklist for small businesses 2025.”
- Understand Search Intent
Google’s top priority is to satisfy the searcher. If you miss intent, you’ll never rank.
• Informational: The user wants to learn.
• Navigational: They’re looking for a specific brand/page.
• Transactional: They want to buy something.
If someone searches “best budget laptops 2025,” they don’t want a history of laptops—they want a list of options they can buy now.
- Craft a Strong Outline Before You Write
One mistake I used to make was jumping straight into writing. Big mistake.
Instead:
• Look at the top 5 Google results for your keyword.
• Identify what they cover and what they miss.
• Create an outline that is better, clearer, and more complete.
Your outline is like your roadmap—it keeps your article structured and on track.
- Write a Compelling Introduction
If your intro doesn’t grab attention, the rest doesn’t matter.
• Start with a relatable problem or story.
• Make the reader feel like you understand their struggle.
• Promise a clear solution in your article.
Example (like I did here): “Most blog posts never get read… but here’s how to fix that.”
- Use Headings and Formatting for Easy Reading
Nobody likes giant walls of text. Use:
• H2s and H3s to structure content.
• Bullet points and numbered lists.
• Bold key phrases for scanning.
This helps readers AND signals Google about the hierarchy of your content.
- Write for Humans First, Google Second
SEO is important, but don’t forget—humans are the ones reading.
• Avoid keyword stuffing.
• Use natural language.
• Add personality to your writing (stories, examples, metaphors).
Google’s algorithms in 2025 are smart enough to recognize natural, high-quality writing.
- Optimize Your Title and Meta Description
Your title tag and meta description are your first impression on Google.
• Keep the title under 60 characters.
• Add the main keyword naturally.
• Make the meta description engaging (150–160 characters).
👉 Example:
Title: How to Write Blog Posts That Rank on Google (2025 Guide)
Meta: Learn the proven steps to write blog posts that rank on Google in 2025. From keyword research to optimization—here’s your complete guide.
- Use Internal and External Links
• Link to your own related content (internal linking).
• Reference credible external sources (studies, guides, tools).
This shows Google your site has depth and trustworthiness.
- Add Visuals and Media
A blog post without visuals feels flat.
• Add images, charts, infographics, or short videos.
• Use descriptive alt text for SEO.
• Keep visuals lightweight so they don’t slow your site.
- Answer Related Questions (FAQ Style)
fatima saeedi, [8/17/2025 8:39 PM]
Look at Google’s “People also ask” box for your keyword.
Include those questions in your content and answer them in short, clear paragraphs. This increases your chance of appearing in featured snippets.
- Write Long Enough (But With Purpose)
There’s no magic word count, but 1,500–2,500 words is the sweet spot for most blog posts in 2025.
Why? Because long-form content usually covers the topic more thoroughly, which Google loves.
- Make It Engaging (Examples + Storytelling)
Don’t just state facts; bring them to life.
• Share a personal mistake.
• Show a before/after example.
• Include mini case studies.
This makes your article memorable and shareable.
- Optimize for Mobile and Speed
Most readers are on mobile. Test your blog post on different screen sizes.
• Use short paragraphs (2–3 lines max).
• Compress images.
• Check speed with Google PageSpeed Insights.
- Add a Strong Call-to-Action (CTA)
Don’t let readers leave without taking action.
• CTA examples: subscribe, share, read another post, or download a resource.
• Keep it natural, not pushy.
- Update and Refresh Your Content
Ranking on Google isn’t one-and-done.
Revisit your posts every 6–12 months to:
• Update outdated stats.
• Improve readability.
• Add new insights.
Fresh content signals to Google that your blog is active and trustworthy.
Conclusion
Writing blog posts that actually rank on Google isn’t about hacking the algorithm—it’s about understanding your audience and delivering value in a way that Google can recognize.
Here’s the recap:
• Start with research and intent.
• Structure your content for clarity.
• Write with personality, backed by optimization.
• Keep improving over time.
If you follow these steps, you won’t just publish blog posts—you’ll publish blog posts that get read, shared, and ranked.
