Starting your first blog post can feel overwhelming. You want people to read it, share it, and find it on Google. That’s why SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is crucial.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to publish your first blog post with SEO in mind, so your content reaches the right audience.
Step 1: Choose a Clear Topic
Pick a topic that:
- Solves a problem
- Answers common questions
- Aligns with your audience’s interests
Tip: Use tools like AnswerThePublic or Google’s “People Also Ask” to find ideas people search for. Alternatively, Google Keywords is considered useful to check out interest trends in potential blog titles.
Step 2: Research Keywords
Keywords help search engines understand your post. Include:
- Primary keyword: The main focus of your post. Example: “How to publish a blog post”
- Secondary keywords: Supportive phrases like “SEO for beginners” or “writing tips for blogs”
Use keywords naturally in:
- Title
- Headings (H2/H3)
- First 100 words
- Meta description
Step 3: Create a Compelling Title
Your title should be:
- Short and readable (~50 characters)
- Actionable, like a how-to
- Include your main keyword
Example: “How to Publish Your First Blog Post With SEO”
Step 4: Write Readable Content
- Use short sentences (15–20 words)
- Include transition words (“first,” “next,” “for example”)
- Break text into subheadings and bullet points
- Keep paragraphs under 4 sentences
Tip: Flesch Reading Ease around 70–80 is ideal for most readers.
Step 5: Optimize On-Page SEO
- Meta description: Clear, <160 characters, includes main keyword
- Alt text for images: Describe the image with keywords
- Internal links: Link to other blog posts on your site
- External links: Use credible sources (not competitors)
Step 6: Add Images and Visuals
Images make your post more engaging. Use:
- Screenshots, charts, or infographics
- Unsplash free images: https://unsplash.com
- Alt text describing what the image shows
Step 7: Review and Publish
- Proofread for grammar and clarity
- Check keyword placement
- Preview on desktop and mobile
- Hit Publish
After publishing:
- Share on social media
- Submit to Google Search Console
- Monitor performance using Google Analytics
Key Takeaways
- Start with a clear topic and strong keywords
- Write readable content with short sentences
- Optimize meta description, headings, and images
- Promote your post after publishing
SEO Focus Words / Phrases:
- Publish first blog post
- Blog SEO tips
- Beginner blogging guide
- On-page SEO
- SEO for beginners
Photo credits:
Photo by Rashmi Shukla on Unsplash