Blog SEO Basics: Get Your Site Seen on Google
To rank on Google and attract organic traffic, you need on-page SEO, technical SEO, and content optimization. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make your blog posts discoverable.
Step 1: Keyword Research (Find What People Search For)
Use free tools: Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, or AnswerThePublic.
Target long-tail keywords (e.g., “best running shoes for flat feet” instead of just “running shoes”).
Check search intent – Are people looking for info, reviews, or products?
Step 2: On-Page SEO (Optimize Your Blog Post)
Title Tag (SEO Title)
Include your main keyword near the front.
Keep it under 60 characters (e.g., “10 Best Budget Laptops for Students (2024 Guide)”).
URL Structure
Short, readable, and keyword-rich (e.g., /best-budget-laptops).
Headers (H1, H2, H3…)
Use H1 for the title, H2 for main sections, and H3 for subsections.
Include keywords naturally (e.g., “How to Choose a Budget Laptop”).
Content Quality
Answer the query fully (Google rewards in-depth content).
Use short paragraphs, bullet points, and images for readability.
Internal links – Link to related posts on your site.
External links – Cite authoritative sources (e.g., Forbes, Wikipedia).
Meta Description
A 160-character summary under the title in search results.
Include your keyword and a call-to-action (e.g., “Discover the best budget laptops for students in 2024. Compare specs, prices, and more!”).
Step 3: Technical SEO (Make Google Crawl Your Site Easily)
Mobile-friendly design (Google prioritizes mobile-first indexing).
Fast loading speed (use GTmetrix or PageSpeed Insights).
Fix broken links (check with Screaming Frog).
Use HTTPS (secure your site with SSL).
XML sitemap (submit to Google Search Console).
Step 4: Off-Page SEO (Boost Authority & Backlinks)
Guest posting (write for other blogs with a link back to yours).
Social sharing (promote on Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest).
Forum engagement (answer questions on Reddit/Quora with a helpful link).
Backlinks from high-authority sites (earn mentions from reputable sources).