How to Write a Blog Post

When I first started Trendline SEO, I thought blog writing was just about “getting something published.”

But after writing and optimizing hundreds of posts, I’ve learned that crafting a post people actually read and rank for takes more than good grammar.

Blogging is still one of the most effective content strategies in 2025 — but only if you know how to do it right.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the exact process I use to write high-quality, SEO-friendly blog posts from start to finish.

You’ll learn how to:

• Pick the right topic (and avoid writing into the void)
• Structure your post so people actually stay and scroll
• Write content that hits both readers and rankings

Quick Overview: The 10 Steps to Writing a Blog Post

Here’s the game plan before we dive in. These are the exact steps I use when writing blog content that ranks and actually gets read:

• Pick a relevant topic your audience cares about (and that you want to write)
• Do your research first so you’re not winging it mid-draft
• Write a headline that grabs clicks without sounding like clickbait
• Outline the post before writing to stay organized and efficient
• Draft with purpose using a clear voice and reader-first structure
• Format for readability with subheads, bullets, images, and short paragraphs
• Optimize for SEO without making it sound robotic
• Add a strong CTA so your reader knows what to do next
• Edit and proofread like someone else is reading it for the first time
• Promote the post so it doesn’t die on your blog with zero traffic

Stick to this process and your blog content won’t just sit there. It’ll work.

Step 1: Choose the Right Topic (and Reader)

This is where most blog posts go wrong before they even begin. Picking the wrong topic means no clicks, no rankings, and no engagement.

So before you open a blank doc, you need to get two things straight: who you're writing for and what they actually care about.

Here’s how I approach it:

First, I think about my ideal reader. Not just “marketers” or “business owners.” I get specific.

Are they beginners or advanced? Are they looking to solve a problem or just researching?

The tighter your focus, the easier it is to write content that connects.

Second, I run every topic idea through my content fit filter. It has to check these three boxes:

• Relevant to my audience
• Tied to a product, service, or goal I offer
• Something I actually want to write (because forced writing is obvious)

If it misses one, I move on.

I also keep a running idea bank in Notion where I store titles, audience questions, and content angles. That way, I’m never scrambling when it’s time to write.

What I Learned in Real Life

Early on, I blogged about whatever came to mind. Productivity hacks, random SEO news, even book reviews. It didn’t work.

The posts got zero traffic because there was no clear focus or intent. Once I narrowed my niche and started writing with a reader and purpose in mind, traffic and engagement climbed.

Don’t chase keywords just because they have volume. If the topic doesn’t serve your audience or fit your expertise, it’ll show. A high-volume keyword without relevance is just a waste of your time.

Step 2: Do Your Research Before Writing a Word

If you're skipping research and jumping straight into writing, you're setting yourself up for rewrites or a post that never ranks. That’s why I always start with keyword research.

Before I draft a single sentence, I make sure I understand three things:

1. What people are searching for
2. What other posts on the topic are doing
3. What unique angle or insight I can bring to the table

This helps me to know that I am going after something that actually has a chance to rank.

Start with Keyword Research

I’ll usually run a quick check using tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or even Google’s auto-suggest.

I’m not just looking for keywords with volume. I’m looking for the intent behind the search.

If someone types in “how to start a blog,” what are they really trying to figure out? The best posts meet that need head-on.

Pick a primary keyword or key question, then build your post around it. You don’t need to stuff it into every sentence. Just make sure the post clearly answers that search.

Let’s say I’m working on a gardening blog. I’ll open Ahrefs (my favorite keyword research tool) and plug in seed phrases like “container gardening,” “grow tomatoes,” or “balcony plants.”

Then I filter for keywords with solid volume but lower keyword difficulty.

A term like “how to grow tomatoes on a balcony” might show up with 500 monthly searches and a Keyword Difficulty of 10.

That’s a great target for a newer site. It solves a real problem, and it has enough specificity to create evergreen content that stands out.

However, one of the biggest mistakes I see people making chasing broad, high-volume terms like “SEO” or “gardening tips” thinking they’re gold.

But those terms are usually too competitive and too vague. You should start narrow and focus on winning small, then build from there.

Analyze the Competition

Next, I scan the top-ranking posts for that keyword. I want to know:

• What subtopics they cover
• What examples or data they include
• What’s missing that I could add

If every post says the same thing, I’ll find a way to say it better or go deeper.

Sometimes, it’s just about framing it differently or using better visuals. Other times, it’s finding a key angle they missed entirely.

Pro Tip: Use the Ahrefs Content Explorer to Spot Popular or Declining Topics

The Content Explorer is one of the most underrated keyword tools in the whole platform. I use it to see what kind of content is working well in a given niche and what’s starting to lose traction.

If I’m researching a topic like “balcony tomatoes,” I’ll plug that into Content Explorer, filter by English content in the last two or three years, and sort by backlinks or social shares.

That shows me what angles or formats have already proven to work. But I also use it to spot declining content.

If a top-performing post is starting to lose organic traffic, that’s a sign the info may be outdated. That can be a signal to either update your own content or go after the same keyword with something better and more current.

As you can see from our example, this topic was very popular at the height of the lockdowns when everybody was indoors, but tapered off with time. I'll want to do additional research to ensure this is still worth pursuing.

This tool is especially useful if you’re planning a content refresh or want to spot opportunities your competitors haven’t jumped on yet.

Once you've nailed your topic, the next critical step is making sure your content aligns perfectly with what searchers actually want.

Gather Your Proof Points

I’ll also collect any supporting data, quotes, or examples upfront. This makes the actual writing smoother and gives the content more weight.

Stats, case studies, and expert quotes all make a post more credible and shareable.

If I know I’m writing something long, I’ll often drop all my research into a rough outline file first. That way, I’m not digging around for links or numbers mid-draft.

What I Learned in Real Life

I used to just write based on what I thought readers wanted. Sometimes I got lucky. Most times, I missed the mark.

When I started basing my outlines on actual keyword data and competitor gaps, my posts started ranking faster and needed fewer edits.

Don’t assume your knowledge is enough. Even if you’re an expert, take the time to see what else is out there.

Otherwise, you risk repeating the same surface-level advice as everyone else. The research phase is what sets your content apart.

Step 3: Understand What Makes Content Rank in 2025

Once you’ve nailed your topic and aligned with search intent, the next step is understanding what Google actually rewards.

This is where most people get tripped up. They think ranking is all about keywords or word count. It’s not. Here’s what matters now.

Google Prioritizes People-First Content

If you take one thing from this tutorial, it should be this: write for humans first. Always.

Back in the day, you could get away with writing content that was technically about the keyword, but offered no real value.

That doesn’t work anymore. Google’s Helpful Content updates changed everything. The algorithm now filters out anything that feels shallow, repetitive, or clearly written to manipulate rankings.

What does people-first content look like? It’s content that:

• Solves the reader’s problem clearly
• Delivers original insight or firsthand experience
• Leaves the reader feeling like their question was fully answered

You don't need to overcomplicate this. At the end of the day, put yourself in your reader's shoes and look through their lens.

When I’m reviewing a draft, I ask myself: would I be proud to put my name on this? If someone found this post through search, would they leave satisfied or frustrated?

That gut check is more useful than any SEO checklist.

E-E-A-T Is Not Just a Buzzword

If you’ve been around SEO for a minute, you’ve probably heard of E-A-T. That stood for Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness.

But Google recently added another E to the front of that acronym: Experience. And it matters more than people realize.

Here’s how I apply it in practice:

• If I’ve done the thing I’m writing about, I make that clear
• If I reference a stat or technique, I link to the original source
• If I’ve seen clients struggle with something, I talk about it directly

This is especially important for competitive or sensitive YMYL topics like health, finance, or legal advice.

But I apply the same standard to everything I write. Trust keeps people reading. It also keeps your content in the rankings.

You don’t need formal credentials. You just need to show that you’ve done the work and know what you’re talking about.

Forget Word Count — Focus on Depth

One of the biggest myths in SEO is that long content always wins. Some people shoot for a fixed number, like 2,000 words, thinking it’s the sweet spot.

That approach misses the point.

What matters is how well you cover the topic. If it takes 900 words to deliver a great answer, that’s what you should write. If the topic needs more depth, take the time to do it right.

I’ve had shorter posts outrank bloated guides because they stayed focused and delivered what the reader needed. Quality beats quantity every time.

Backlinks and Freshness Still Matter

Content quality is the foundation, but there are two other things I always think about: backlinks and freshness.

Backlinks are still one of the strongest indicators of authority. If other sites link to your content, Google takes that seriously.

You don’t need hundreds of links. A few from trusted sites can be enough to move the needle, especially if the post already does a good job of matching intent.

Freshness is a signal too. Google wants to surface the most useful version of a page.

I’ve seen posts drop off after a year or two, not because the topic changed, but because the content started to feel stale.

Once I updated the post with better structure, newer examples, or updated stats, rankings usually recovered.

The bottom line is this: content is not a one-and-done asset. You have to revisit and improve it if you want it to keep performing.

What About AI-Generated Content?

Google’s current stance is pretty simple: AI content is fine, as long as it’s actually helpful. They’ve moved away from saying content must be written by people. What they care about is quality, clarity, and trustworthiness.

That means using tools like ChatGPT or other AI writers isn’t a problem, but you still need to be the editor. AI can help with outlining or rough drafting, but it won’t replace your experience, your voice, or your ability to spot bad advice.

If you’re going to use AI in your process, treat it like a writing assistant, not an autopilot button.

Always fact-check the output, rewrite sections where needed, and make sure the final post reflects your real-world experience. That’s what builds trust. That’s what ranks.

Now that you understand Google's current preferences, it’s time to translate that into a clear, actionable structure.

Step 4: Write a Headline That Demands a Click

This is the make-or-break moment. If your headline doesn't hit, nobody’s reading the rest. You could write the best blog post on the internet, but if the title falls flat, it dies in silence.

So I treat headlines like a sales pitch. Quick, clear, and built around what the reader gets out of clicking.

My Go-To Headline Formulas

These aren’t gimmicks. They work because they set expectations and hook attention.

To boost the likelihood of clicks, your headline needs to clearly communicate two key elements:

• The Topic: Readers should immediately understand what your content is about.
• The Value: Readers should instantly see why the content matters or how it will help them.

My approach to headlines is straightforward and purposeful. Clarity beats cleverness every time.

• List posts: “10 Ways to Fix ___” or “7 Mistakes You’re Probably Making With ___”
• How-to posts: “How to ___ Without ___” or “How I ___ in 30 Days”
• Benefit-driven: “The Only Strategy That Grew My Traffic 120% in 6 Months”
• Question-based: “Is Blogging Still Worth It in 2025?”

Now let's take a look at the search results for "how to write a blog post" to give you a better idea of why I like to create titles this way:

As you can see, the most engaging titles that you're likely to click on are probably clear and engaging.

I've highlighted the titles that are great examples of this and then crossed out the ones that I thought were not clear enough.

I typically place the primary keyword at the front, making the topic instantly recognizable. Then, I finish with a clear indication of the benefit or value readers can expect.

Don't overthink this - create something that will be natural, organic, and helpful to readers.

Yes, your primary keyword should be in there if it fits. But never force it. A headline that’s stiff or awkward just to jam in a keyword won’t perform well with real people.

Instead, think reader-first. Then finesse it later for SEO once the core idea is solid.

Why I Write the Headline First (Then Rewrite It Later)

I always draft the headline before writing the post. It acts like a north star.

If I’m halfway through a draft and things feel messy, I look back at the headline and ask: am I delivering on this promise?

After the draft’s done, I often go back and improve it. Usually I tighten the language, swap out words for punchier ones, or test a different angle. The first draft of a headline is rarely the best version.

If I’m stuck, I’ll run the headline through a tool like CoSchedule’s Headline Analyzer. Not to follow it blindly, but just to gut-check tone and clarity.

What I Learned in Real Life

I once wrote an awesome piece on technical SEO. Full of detail. But I titled it “Understanding Technical SEO for Beginners.” It bombed.

I changed the headline to “How to Fix 7 Technical SEO Issues That Are Tanking Your Rankings” — and clicks tripled overnight.

That taught me real fast that the headline isn’t just decoration. It’s the bait.

Step 5: Build a Loose Outline Before Drafting

The next step is building a loose outline for the post. This step saves me hours every time I write.

It doesn’t have to be perfect or pretty, but having a simple outline before you start drafting makes everything smoother.

Think of your outline as a GPS for your post. It shows you where to start, where you're headed, and the stops along the way.

No rambling. No backtracking. Just a clean path from intro to CTA.

How I Build an Outline

I usually start with a few high-level sections — these often become my H2s.

Under each, I’ll add quick bullet points for what I want to cover. If something feels like a step or example, I drop it in right there.

For example, an outline might look like this:

• Intro: Hook, quick promise, who it’s for
• Step 1: Choose a topic: Audience fit, idea bank tip
• Step 2: Research: Keyword, competitor scan, proof gathering
• ... and so on through conclusion

That’s it. No fancy templates. Just a clear map I can follow.

When I skip this step, I always end up writing a longer first draft that needs serious editing. I lose the thread halfway through and wind up cutting or rewriting huge chunks.

But with a simple outline, I write faster and cleaner. I know what to say and when to stop saying it.

What I Learned in Real Life

Back in the early days of my agency, I used to open a blank doc and just start typing. Sometimes it worked. Most times it didn’t.

Now I treat outlining like stretching before a workout. It takes 10 minutes, saves an hour, and prevents injury (or in this case, a messy post that needs major surgery later).

I also learned not to confuse outlining with scripting every sentence.

The goal isn’t to write your whole post upfront. It’s to give yourself a structure so you can stay focused while drafting.

Keep it loose and flexible and you'll be good to go.

Step 6: Draft with a Purpose (and Personality)

Now it’s time to actually write the thing. But here’s the key: don’t try to be perfect.

The goal of the first draft isn’t to nail it. It’s to get the story out, clearly and confidently.

I treat this stage like building the frame of a house. I’m not decorating the rooms yet. I just want the walls to stand up straight.

Start Strong: Your Intro Has One Job

If the first few lines don’t hook someone, they’re gone. I usually kick things off with a quick stat, a question, or a mini-story that gets right to the point.

Then I tell them exactly what the post will help them do and why it matters. Simple and direct.

Think of the intro as a promise. If they like what you’re promising, they’ll keep scrolling.

Write Like You Talk (But Tighter)

Along those same lines, write like you talk.

A good blog post feels like a conversation, not a lecture. I write like I’m talking to one specific person — someone who’s smart, curious, and busy.

That means:

• Short paragraphs (2 to 4 lines max)
• Clear sentences with natural rhythm
• No filler or jargon unless it adds real meaning

If a sentence feels clunky when I say it out loud, I rewrite it. If it doesn't sound like me, it shouldn't be on my site.

Use Reader Cues to Keep Engagement High

I like to sprinkle in questions the reader might be asking. Things like “But what if you don’t have data yet?” or “So how do you know if a topic is too broad?” Then I answer those questions right there.

This helps keep momentum and makes the post feel like a guided experience, not a wall of text.

What I Learned in Real Life

I used to try to get every sentence perfect before moving on. It slowed me down and made the writing stiff.

I learned to do a rough pass by writing just one sentence per paragraph — almost like building a scaffold. Then I’ll go back and flesh each one out.

That layering approach helps me avoid writer’s block. I’m never staring at a blank screen, just filling in the next piece.

Now I move fast on the first pass. The polish comes later. It’s more important to get all the ideas down while you’re in the zone.

Step 7: Make It Easy to Read and Easy to Scan

Even the most well-written blog post won’t hold attention if it looks like a wall of text.

Online readers are skimmers by default. They scan before they commit, especially on mobile, and if your post doesn’t guide them visually, they’re gone before the first paragraph is over.

Once I finish a draft, I immediately shift into layout mode. This is where I treat the post like a product — something that needs to look clean, feel easy, and help the reader move smoothly from section to section.

Break Up the Flow

The easiest way to make content digestible is by using headings that break your post into logical chunks.

I stick to H2s for big sections and H3s if I need to split things up further. These act like signposts that keep the reader oriented. I also try to work in the main keyword when it fits naturally, but never at the cost of clarity.

From there, I scan for spots where I can turn paragraphs into bullets or numbered steps. This helps break visual monotony and makes it easier to absorb grouped ideas quickly.

If I’m listing tools, tips, or questions, bullets are the move. If it’s a process or a sequence, I’ll use numbers.

Support With Visuals and Light Styling

When a screenshot or chart can explain something better than words, I use it.

The key is to only include images that actually support the content — not just ones that look nice. Each visual should do a job, and I always include alt text for accessibility and SEO.

I’ll also bold a few key phrases or lines that I want to stand out. If something deserves extra weight or emphasis, I may italicize it or use a callout box if the platform allows. But I keep the styling clean. Over-formatting is just as bad as none at all.

Check the Mobile Experience

A big chunk of your audience is reading on a phone, so I always preview how the post looks on mobile.

Long paragraphs that seem fine on desktop often turn into overwhelming blocks on smaller screens. I keep paragraphs short, spacing generous, and images sized appropriately.

I learned this the hard way.

One of my early blog posts had solid advice but zero formatting. No headings, no bullets, no images. Bounce rate was awful.

When I went back and gave it structure — with visuals, better spacing, and clear section breaks — engagement shot up. The content didn’t change, but the way people experienced it did.

So don’t treat formatting as a final polish. It’s part of how your content communicates. If it looks hard to read, most people won’t even try.

Step 8: Optimize for SEO Without Over-Optimizing

This is the part where a lot of bloggers either overdo it or ignore it completely.

You don’t need to turn your post into a robotic keyword dump. But if you want search engines to find and rank your content, there are a few things you need to get right.

Think of SEO as making your content easier to discover and understand, not tricking an algorithm.

Place Your Primary Keyword Naturally

The keyword you picked back in the research phase should show up in a few important places:

• In the headline
• In the intro, preferably in the first paragraph
• In one or two subheadings if it makes sense
• Sprinkled a few times throughout the body

But remember, if your keyword doesn’t fit naturally into a sentence, don’t force it. Google is smart enough to understand synonyms, phrasing variations, and context. Focus on clarity, not repetition.

Write a Clickable Meta Description

This shows up under your title in Google’s search results, so make it count. Keep it around 150 to 160 characters. Summarize what the post delivers and why it matters.

Try to include your keyword if it fits, but more importantly, make it compelling enough to get the click.

Example: “Learn how to write a blog post from start to finish using a proven 10-step method. Perfect for SEO, engagement, and conversion.”

Use a Clean, Descriptive URL

Keep your URL short and focused. Use words, not numbers or random strings. Something like:

yourdomain.com/write-better-blog-posts

Avoid filler words and avoid changing the URL later unless you absolutely have to. If you do, make sure to redirect the old one.

Link Internally and Externally

Link to other relevant posts or pages on your site. It helps readers dive deeper and tells search engines your content is part of a broader topic cluster.

Also include outbound links to credible external sources. Just make sure they open in a new tab so readers don’t leave your site entirely.

Use Headings and Alt Text Properly

Headings help organize your post for both readers and search engines. They should reflect the content that follows and include key terms when they fit naturally.

For images, always include descriptive alt text. This boosts accessibility and helps search engines understand what the image is about.

What I Learned in Real Life

I once published a killer guide that barely showed up in search. The content was solid, but I hadn’t optimized the basics: the URL was clunky, I had no meta description, and the post had zero internal links.

Once I cleaned that up and added structure, the rankings slowly climbed without touching the content itself.

Don’t stuff keywords. Don’t write for bots. And don’t get so deep into “optimizing” that you ruin the flow of your post.

If your content is helpful, clear, and properly structured, most of your SEO is already in place. The rest is just refinement.

Step 9: Wrap It Up with a Real CTA

You’ve delivered the goods. Now don’t just walk away.

Every blog post needs a conclusion that ties things together and points the reader toward what to do next. That final section is where you keep momentum going or lose it entirely.

Recap the Key Point, Not the Whole Post

I don’t rewrite every step I just covered. Instead, I bring it back to the main promise of the post.

Something like: “If you follow these steps, you’ll go from struggling to start a post to publishing content that gets read and ranked.”

One or two punchy lines is all it takes to remind the reader why they showed up and why it was worth it.

Add a Call to Action That Fits

Your CTA depends on what you want the reader to do. That could be:

• Leave a comment: Ask them a question or invite their take
• Share the post: Make it easy to spread the word
• Check out a related article: Link to something relevant
• Download something: A template, checklist, or resource
• Join your list: Offer value in exchange for their email

The best CTAs don’t feel like an ad. They feel like the logical next step.

For example, if this post was about writing blog content, a natural CTA might be:

“Want to see how I edit posts before they go live? Grab my editing checklist here.”

It’s helpful. It’s relevant. And it keeps the reader in your world.

What I Learned in Real Life

There was a time when I’d end posts with a generic “Thanks for reading.” This saw very little engagement.

However, once I started giving people something to do — even something simple like answering a question — comments, shares, and clicks went up fast.

This taught me to not just slap on a CTA that has nothing to do with a post. If someone just read 2,000 words on how to write a blog post, asking them to schedule a demo for your software feels like a bait and switch.

Keep it connected. Keep it human.

Step 10: Edit and Proofread Thoroughly

This is where good posts become great.

Once the draft is complete, the job isn’t over. Now it’s time to switch mindsets and go from writer to editor.

I treat editing as a completely separate task because it lets me see the piece the way a reader would - with fresh eyes and zero attachment to the sentences I thought were clever the first time around.

Ideally, I step away from the draft for a few hours or even overnight. That short break makes it easier to catch awkward phrasing, logic gaps, or anything that just doesn’t feel right.

When I come back, I’m not as close to the writing. I can spot weak sections, cut clutter, and tighten the flow without hesitation.

Edit for Clarity, Flow, and Efficiency

Once I’m back in the doc, I read through the post from start to finish. No skipping around.

I ask myself whether the content flows logically, whether the sections are balanced, and whether anything feels confusing or repetitive.

I’ll also read it out loud, which helps catch clunky sentences I’d never notice by scanning silently.

Most of my edits come down to cutting what’s not needed. Editing is really about subtraction and making sure every line earns its place.

I look for:

• Long or meandering sentences that could be split for clarity
• Fluff phrases like “in order to” or “due to the fact that”
• Redundant ideas that show up more than once
• Unnecessary filler that bloats the post without adding value

If it doesn’t serve the reader or support the main point, it goes.

Polish the Details and Check for Errors

Once the structure feels solid, I shift into cleanup mode.

I’ll run spellcheck, but I don’t rely on it blindly. Tools like Grammarly or Hemingway can help flag grammar issues or style hiccups, but I always trust my own read-through more than an algorithm.

I also double-check for formatting consistency.

Headings should follow a consistent style, bullet points should be clean and aligned, and links should work as expected.

I look out for tricky grammar issues like misused homophones or misplaced commas, especially in areas where the tone is more conversational.

Bring in a Fresh Perspective

If I have someone else available, I’ll ask them to read the post before it goes live. Whether it’s a colleague, another writer, or even a friend, fresh eyes always catch things I miss.

If I’m on a tight deadline and can’t get feedback, I’ll at least preview the post inside my CMS. Viewing it in its final format often surfaces visual issues that aren’t obvious in a text editor.

Once the editing is done, the process is nearly complete.

Step 11: Publish and Promote

You’ve written, formatted, and polished your post. Now it’s time to share it with the world.

Publishing is not the finish line. It’s the start of the promotion phase. Without distribution, even the best blog post will sit quietly on your site, doing nothing.

Final Checks Before You Hit Publish

Before anything goes live, I always preview the post in my CMS. I look for:

• Broken links or missing images
• Formatting issues on desktop and mobile
• Any leftover placeholder text or old notes

I also make sure the SEO basics are locked in. Title tag, meta description, clean URL, and featured image.

If your CMS supports social sharing previews (like Open Graph), make sure those are set too.

Pick the Right Time to Publish

Timing matters more than people think. For B2B audiences, mornings during the workweek usually perform better. For lifestyle or consumer content, evenings or weekends might be stronger.

The key is to test and track. I often look at my analytics to see when people open emails or engage on social, and I time my post drops around that.

Promote the Post Where It Makes Sense

I never publish a blog and just hope people find it. As soon as it’s live, I promote it in a few key places:

• Social media: Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook — but always with a message tailored to each platform
• Email: Either in the weekly newsletter or as a dedicated email if the post is high value
• Communities: Reddit, Facebook Groups, Slack channels, or forums where the topic is relevant

If I share in a community, I never drop the link cold. I always add context or a thought that sparks conversation.

Drive Post Engagement

Once the post is live, I do everything I can to keep the conversation going.

If someone comments, replies, or tags me, I make a point to respond. That kind of interaction builds trust, and it can also boost visibility by signaling engagement to the platforms.

I’ll often add a quick nudge at the end of the post like “Found this helpful? Share it with someone who’d benefit.”

I also make sure social sharing buttons are easy to find — especially on mobile — so readers don’t have to hunt for them.

And after all that, I track performance. I want to know where the traffic came from, how long people stuck around, and what actions they took next.

If something overperforms or underdelivers, I want to understand why.

What I Learned in Real Life

I used to think writing a great post was enough. It’s not.

Don’t hit publish and walk away. That’s like opening a restaurant and forgetting to put up a sign.

The posts that get read are the ones I promote intentionally. Sometimes I’ll even schedule a second wave of promotion a week later, or turn the post into a short video or thread to extend its reach.

If you want results, treat promotion like part of the writing process. Not an afterthought.

From Blank Page to Published Post

Writing a blog post that actually gets read isn't about being perfect. It's about following a process that works.

If you go through these ten steps — from picking the right topic to promoting your post with intention — you'll avoid the biggest traps most bloggers fall into.

You'll stop guessing and start publishing content that drives traffic, builds trust, and actually serves your business.

The more you do it, the faster and smoother the whole process becomes. You’ll build your own rhythm, find your voice, and know exactly what your audience wants from you.

Here’s what to do next: Pick one idea from your list or content bank. Start outlining it today. Even a rough draft is better than waiting for the “perfect time.”

Need help sharpening your blog strategy or want my personal blog post checklist? Reach out or drop a comment. Let’s make your next post your best one yet.