Step 1: Choose a Relevant Topic and Do Keyword Research
The first step in creating a blog post is to identify a topic that’s relevant to your audience and aligns with your brand’s mission. Conducting keyword research can help you identify high-traffic, low-competition keywords that you can use in your post.
Example: Let’s say you run a vegan food blog and want to write a post on vegan protein sources. Using a keyword research tool like Google Keyword Planner, you find that “vegan protein sources” has a high search volume and low competition.
Step 2: Create an Outline of the Post
An outline can help you organize your thoughts and ensure that your post has a logical flow of information.
Example: For the vegan protein sources post, your outline could look like this:
- Introduction: The importance of protein for vegans
- Section 1: Legume-based protein sources (e.g. lentils, chickpeas)
- Section 2: Nut-based protein sources (e.g. almonds, cashews)
- Section 3: Seed-based protein sources (e.g. chia seeds, pumpkin seeds)
- Section 4: Soy-based protein sources (e.g. tofu, tempeh)
- Conclusion: Recap of the best vegan protein sources
Step 3: Write a Compelling Headline
Your headline should include the primary keyword and be attention-grabbing to entice readers to click on your post.
Example: “10 Vegan Protein Sources to Fuel Your Plant-Based Lifestyle”
Step 4: Craft an Engaging Introduction
Your introduction should provide context for the post and hook the reader’s interest.
Example: “As a vegan, getting enough protein can be a challenge. But fear not, plant-based eaters! We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 vegan protein sources to help you fuel your active lifestyle and stay healthy.”
Step 5: Use Subheadings to Break up the Post
Subheadings can improve readability and make it easier for readers to skim your post.
Example: Using the outline from step 2, you might have subheadings like:
- Legume-based protein sources
- Lentils
- Chickpeas
- Nut-based protein sources
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Seed-based protein sources
- Chia seeds
- Pumpkin seeds
- Soy-based protein sources
- Tofu
- Tempeh
Step 6: Incorporate the Primary Keyword and Related Keywords
Use the primary keyword and related keywords throughout the post, but avoid overusing them.
Example: In the “Legume-based protein sources” section, you might include sentences like “Lentils are a versatile and affordable vegan protein source” and “Chickpeas are rich in protein and fiber, making them a filling and nutritious addition to any meal.”
Step 7: Include High-Quality, Relevant Images and Videos
Images and videos can enhance the post’s visual appeal and engagement.
Example: You might include photos of different vegan protein sources, as well as a video demonstrating how to make a tofu scramble.
Step 8: Provide Value to the Reader
Your post should deliver comprehensive, informative content that addresses your audience’s pain points.
Example: In each section, provide details on the protein content, nutritional benefits, and recipe ideas for each vegan protein source.
Step 9: Use Internal and External Links
Use internal links to add context and provide additional resources, and external links to increase the post’s authority.
Example: You might link to other posts on your blog that are relevant to vegan protein, as
Step 10: Optimize the post’s meta title and description, URL structure, and alt tags to improve its search engine ranking.
Step 11: Proofread the post for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors, and ensure it adheres to your brand’s tone and style.
Step 12: Promote the post on social media and other relevant channels to drive traffic and build backlinks.