Let’s talk SEO—because if you’re blogging for your business, you want those posts to actually show up in search results, right?

UNPOPULAR OPINION: You don’t need to be an SEO expert to make your content work harder for you. With a few strategic tweaks, your blog can start attracting more of the right people and help grow your business.

Here at Studio West Design Co., we know blogging isn’t just about sharing thoughts—it’s about getting seen, building credibility, and bringing in new clients. So, let’s break it down step by step to help you maximize your blog posts for SEO, no jargon or tech-speak required.

Words are Key – KEYWORDS that is

SEO begins with understanding what your audience is actually searching for. Keywords are the words and phrases people type into Google when looking for something related to your business. Use free tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, or AnswerThePublic to find keywords with solid search volume but not too much competition. Once you’ve got a few, naturally include them in your blog title, headings, and throughout your post—but don’t overdo it. If it sounds forced, Google (and your readers) won’t like it.

Write For People, Google Will Follow

Your blog should be engaging and easy to read. Break up long paragraphs, use subheadings (H1, H2, H3), and make sure your content flows naturally. If your post is helpful and keeps readers on the page, Google will take notice. Think of it like having a conversation with your ideal client—clear, helpful, and straight to the point.

Make Your Title & Meta Description Work for You

Your blog title and meta description (the little blurb that appears under your title in search results) need to be clear and compelling. Keep your title under 60 characters and your meta description under 160 characters, and include your main keyword in both. This is your first impression on searchers—make it count!

Smart linking

Internal links (links to other pages on your site) help keep visitors engaged longer, while external links (links to reputable sources) show Google that your content is well-researched and trustworthy. Plus, linking to your own content can boost your SEO and keep readers exploring your site longer.

MOBILE FRIENDLY is important!

Most people are reading blogs on their phones, so if your site isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re missing out on traffic. Check that your fonts are readable, your images resize properly, and your site loads quickly—because if visitors get frustrated, they’ll bounce, and that’s bad for SEO.

Optimize Your Images

Big images slow down your site, which can hurt your ranking. Before uploading, resize and compress your images (TinyPNG is great for this). Also, rename your image files with descriptive keywords and add alt text (a short description of the image) to help search engines understand them.

Encourage Comments & Shares

Engagement matters! Google takes note when people comment on and share your posts. Add a clear call to action at the end—ask a question, invite readers to share, or encourage them to drop a comment. The more interaction, the better!

Create Fresh Content

SEO isn’t just about new posts—it’s also about keeping old content relevant. Go back and update older blog posts with new information, improved keywords, and fresh links. Google rewards fresh, updated content, so a little maintenance can go a long way.

Use an SEO Plugin for Easy Optimization

If your site is on WordPress, SEO plugins like Yoast or Rank Math can simplify things by giving you a checklist before you publish. These tools help you optimize without needing to be an expert.

Numbers ARE important

SEO isn’t a one-and-done thing. Use Google Analytics and Google Search Console to see which blog posts are driving traffic and adjust your strategy based on what’s working best.

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SEO might seem overwhelming, but it’s really just about small, smart improvements that add up over time. The more consistent you are, the better your blog will perform in search results.

If you need a little extra help optimizing your site, we can help! Reach out to us (or comment below), and let’s make your content work harder for you!