Quick summary
I usually start with a question my clients are already asking, research it properly, write a well-structured blog post, use a keyword tool called MarketMuse to fill any gaps, then optimise the title, URL, and meta description before submitting it to Google Search Console. Every step has a purpose, and skipping one reduces the chances of the post ranking (quickly).
A lot of my clients ask me the same question: “How do you actually get a blog post to show up in Google?” It is a fair question. There is a lot of advice out there, and most of it either skips important steps or assumes you already know what things like “meta description” and “focus keyword” mean.
So here is exactly what I do, from choosing a topic to telling Google the post exists. No jargon, no shortcuts.
Step 1: Start with a real question
Every blog post I write starts with a question. Not a topic I have made up, but something a real person has actually asked me, a client, or is searching for online.
This matters because Google’s job is to match search queries with helpful answers. If your blog post answers a question that real people are typing into Google, you are already starting in the right place.
For example, a client who runs a plumbing business might ask me: “What should I put on my website to get more enquiries?” That is a real question, and it makes a great blog post topic.
Step 2: Research the topic properly
Before I write a single word, I research the topic. This means reading what is already ranking on Google for that question, understanding what those posts cover, and thinking about what I can add that is genuinely useful.
I am not looking to copy what is already out there. I am looking to understand what a reader needs to know, so I can write something that actually helps them.
Good research at this stage makes the writing much easier and the finished post much stronger.
Step 3: Write the blog post
Once I know the topic and what I want to cover, I write the post. Every post I write includes a TLDR section at the very top. TLDR stands for “Too Long, Didn’t Read.” It is a short summary of the whole post, so readers can immediately see whether this is what they are looking for.
The rest of the post is structured with clear headings, short paragraphs, and plain language. I write for real people first. If a post is helpful and easy to read, Google tends to agree with that assessment.
Step 4: I use MarketMuse to check for missing keywords
Once the post is drafted, I run it through a tool called MarketMuse. This analyses my post and tells me which related keywords and topics are missing compared to other posts that are already ranking well.
Think of it like a checklist. If I have written about how to choose a web designer but have not mentioned anything about budget, turnaround time, or portfolio reviews, Market Muse will flag those gaps.
I then go back through the post and weave those missing keywords in naturally. I never force them in awkwardly. If a keyword fits well in the main body of the post, I add it there. If it does not fit naturally, I create a FAQ section at the bottom of the post and answer it there instead. Sometimes, MarketMuse suggests keywords that have got nothing to do with the topic, and I simply leave them out.
This approach means the post covers the topic thoroughly, which is exactly what Google wants to see.
Step 5: Optimise the title, URL, and meta description
Once the content is in good shape, I move on to the technical side of SEO. This involves three things:
The headline (title): This is the main heading of the blog post. It appears in Google search results and at the top of the page. The main keyword or topic needs to appear here.
The URL: This is the web address of the post, for example business-image.co.uk/how-to-rank-on-google. The URL should be short, readable, and include the main topic. No random numbers or dates.
The meta description: This is the short summary that appears underneath your page title in Google search results. It does not directly affect rankings, but it does affect whether someone clicks on your result. I write these to be clear and relevant, not clever or vague.
I also set what is called a focus keyword in the WordPress plugin I use (Yoast SEO). This tells the plugin which keyword the post is targeting, so it can flag any issues with how the post is optimised.
Step 6: Add internal links
Before I hit publish, I go through the post and add internal links. These are links that point to other relevant pages on my own website. For example, if I mention SEO in a blog post about web design, I will link that word or phrase to my SEO services page. Internal links do two things: they help visitors find other useful content on your site, and they help Google understand how your pages relate to each other. A well-linked website is much easier for Google to crawl and make sense of, which supports your rankings across the board.
Step 7: Submit the post to Google Search Console
The final step is one that a lot of people skip, and it makes a real difference, especially for newer websites.
Once the post is published, I go into Google Search Console and submit the URL for indexing. This is essentially telling Google: “This page exists. Please come and look at it.”
Without this step, Google will still find the post eventually by crawling your site. But submitting it manually speeds up the process. For a new post you want to rank quickly, this matters.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take for a blog post to rank in Google?
It varies. A new website with little authority might wait three to six months to see results. An established site can sometimes rank within a few weeks. Consistency matters more than speed: publishing regularly and building up a library of helpful posts is what creates long-term results. I sometimes get a new blog post to rank within a matter of days, but that's mainly because I reguarly publish new posts on my website and Google "knows" that.
How long should a blog post be?
Long enough to answer the question properly, and no longer. Most posts I write fall somewhere between 800 and 1,500 words. If a topic needs more depth, I write more. I never pad a post out just to hit a word count.
Do I need to use Market Muse specifically?
No. There are other keyword research and content optimisation tools available, such as Surfer SEO or Clearscope. Market Muse is the one I use and trust. What matters is that you are checking your post covers the topic thoroughly, not just the obvious keywords.
What is a focus keyword?
A focus keyword is the main term or phrase you want the blog post to rank for in Google. For example, if I am writing a post about web design for plumbers, my focus keyword might be "web design for plumbers." Everything in the post, from the title to the URL to the content itself, should be relevant to that keyword.
Do I need Google Search Console to rank?
You do not need it to rank, but you do need it to understand how your posts are performing. Google Search Console shows you which keywords are bringing people to your site, which pages are getting clicks, and whether there are any technical issues Google has spotted. It is free, and every website owner should have it set up.
What is blog post indexing?
Indexing is the process by which Google reads your page and adds it to its database of web pages. Only indexed pages can appear in search results. When you submit a URL in Google Search Console, you are asking Google to index that page as quickly as possible.
Can I rank without doing keyword research?
You might rank for something by accident, but it is unlikely to be the terms that actually bring in customers. Keyword research makes sure you are writing about topics that real people are searching for, in the language they actually use. That is the difference between a blog post that sits unread and one that brings in enquiries.
What if I don't know anything about SEO?
The best thing you can do for your blog post is to answer customer questions. Really listen to your customers and answer their questions in detail. Never answer too many questions and topics in one blog post. Only work on one topic per blog post.
