Blog writing is one of the best tools a small business can use to build trust, show off expertise, and improve search engine visibility – all without paying for ads. But staring at a blank page thinking, “What do I even write about?” is totally normal.
If you’ve been wondering how to write a blog that actually gets read – and ranks well in search engine results – you’re in the right place. Here’s a breakdown of how to create compelling, SEO-friendly blog posts that your audience and Google will love.
🎯 1. Start With a Purpose (and a Person)
Before writing anything, get clear on two things:
- Who are you writing for?
- What do you want them to take away?
Whether you’re a virtual assistant, creative freelancer, or small business owner, your blog should speak directly to your ideal client – the one you actually want to work with. Blogs aren’t just content; they’re connection.
🔑 2. Research SEO Keywords (Without the Overwhelm)
You don’t need to be an SEO wizard to make a difference. Start by using tools like:
- Google’s autocomplete (type a phrase and see what pops up)
- Ubersuggest or AnswerThePublic for free keyword ideas
- Look at competitors’ blog titles for inspiration
Try to include long-tail keywords like:
- “how to write a blog post for small business”
- “blog writing tips for virtual assistants”
- “SEO content ideas for service-based businesses”
Place your keywords naturally in:
- The blog title
- The meta description (your teaser)
- A couple of subheadings
- Within the first 100 words
- The image alt text (if using images)
- Your URL slug (e.g. /blog-writing-tips)
🧠 3. Structure is Everything
People skim online, so make it easy to follow.
Here’s a blog layout that works:
- Headline – clear and keyword-rich
- Intro – 2-3 lines that hook the reader
- Subheadings – break up your points with H2s and H3s
- Short paragraphs – 2-4 lines max
- Call to Action – tell them what to do next (read more, get in touch, download a freebie)
Top tip: Use bullet points, bold text, and spacing to make it readable.
✨ 4. Add Value, Not Just Words
Google loves helpful content. So do humans.
Avoid fluff. Instead, share:
- Step-by-step tips
- Real stories or examples
- Personal insights
- Actionable advice your reader can try today
The more useful your blog, the more likely people are to share or link to it – which improves your domain authority (Google loves that).
🔗 5. Link It Up (Internally and Externally)
Help Google understand your site better by:
- Linking to other relevant blog posts or service pages on your website
- Linking to credible external sources (just make sure they open in a new tab!)
This improves SEO and makes your content more trustworthy.
🧚♀️ 6. Be Yourself – Personality Matters
Especially for small business owners, your blog is a chance to sound like you. Let your voice shine through. People buy from people, and when your content reflects your personality, it builds rapport and trust before anyone even clicks “contact.”
📈 7. Don’t Forget the Call to Action (CTA)
End your blog with a gentle nudge:
- Invite them to comment or share
- Suggest another blog post to read next
- Point them to your services
- Offer a freebie, discovery call, or newsletter sign-up
Without a CTA, you risk writing a great post… that leads nowhere.
📌 Quick Recap: Blog Writing Tips for Better SEO
- Research keywords and use them naturally
- Structure your content for readability
- Offer real value – not just word count
- Link to relevant pages
- Show off your personality
- Include a clear CTA
💫 Ready to Start Blogging for Your Business?
Whether you’re DIY-ing your blog or thinking about outsourcing, remember this: consistency beats perfection. One helpful post a month can do wonders for your visibility over time.
Need help with content that’s full of heart and optimised for search?
✨ The Virtual Elf is here to help you write blog posts that feel like you and work like magic.
Find out about our other services here: Services
📩 Get in touch today to find out how we can help!
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