SEO Tips for Blogs: How I Write Posts That Rank and Convert
When I first started blogging, I assumed I needed excellent writing. I’d hit publish, expecting a flood of readers… but I got nothing.
That’s when I learned the hard truth: if you want people to find your blog, you need more than good ideas and a strategy. More specifically, you need solid SEO tips for blogs that work.
Over the past few years, I’ve refined a blog writing process that brings in traffic, ranks well on Google, and encourages readers to take action—whether joining a list, sharing a post, or checking out a product.
So if you’re a blogger, freelancer, or small business owner trying to grow your online presence, here are the exact steps I use. These tips are easy to apply even if you’re not an SEO expert (I wasn’t when I started).
Why You Need SEO Tips for Blogs That Work
Search engine optimisation (SEO) isn’t just for big companies or marketers—it’s a must-have for anyone creating content online. For blogs, good SEO helps:
Your posts show up in search results
You get consistent, organic traffic (even while you sleep)
You build trust and authority in your niche
You increase conversions over time
However, not all SEO advice is created equally. The key is to focus on simple, sustainable practices you can repeat for every blog post. Below are the ones I follow—they’ve made all the difference.
Step 1: Always Start With a Clear Goal (Not Just Keywords)
Before I write a word, I ask myself:
Who am I writing this for?
What problem does this blog post solve?
What do I want the reader to do after reading?
This keeps my content focused and intentional. For example, this post is written for people like you—those searching for SEO tips for blogs that are easy to follow and don’t require a full-time SEO team.
Having a clear goal also helps shape my content structure, keyword choices, and call-to-action later on.
Step 2: Use Tools to Guide (Not Control) Keyword Research
You don’t need to guess what people are searching for. You can find out exactly what they’re Googling—and then write content that answers those queries better than anyone else.
My go-to tools for keyword research:
Seobility: I use this to find keyword gaps, run SEO audits, and track my blog post rankings
AnswerThePublic: Great for discovering common questions around a topic
Ubersuggest / Keywords Everywhere: Quick checks for search volume and keyword difficulty
For each post, I focus on one primary keyword (e.g., SEO tips for blogs) and a few supporting ones like:
blog SEO strategy
How to optimise blog posts
blog SEO tools
I use these naturally in the title, headings, first paragraph, and meta description—but I never force them where they don’t belong.
*I am a Seobility affiliate partner, so if you click on the links for Seobility, I get some profit. But I only recommend products I have personally used!
Step 3: Structure Content So Humans (and Google) Can Read It
Once I’ve outlined the post, I format it as reader- and search-friendly. Here’s what that looks like:
Short paragraphs (2–3 lines)
Descriptive headings (H2s and H3s)
Bullet points or numbered lists
Internal links to related blog posts
Alt text on images with keywords, where relevant
A compelling meta description
Google rewards well-structured content because it’s easier to crawl, and real readers appreciate it because it’s easier to skim.
📝 Bonus SEO Tip for Blogs: Use your keyword in at least one subheading and once in the first 100 words. Google pays attention to both.
Step 4: Write in Your Natural Voice (But with a Purpose)
I used to write blog posts like essays. Now I write them like I’m talking to a friend.
I use simple language and contractions (like I’m doing here)
I speak directly to one reader
I add examples from my real experiences
I stay focused on one idea per section
This builds trust and encourages people to keep reading. It also increases “time on page”—a signal Google notices when ranking content.
Step 5: Always Include a Call-to-Action (CTA)
Your reader made it to the end. What should they do next?
Every blog post I write includes at least one call-to-action, such as:
Your CTA doesn’t need to be salesy—it just needs to be clear. Guide your reader, don’t leave them hanging.
Step 6: Track, Update, and Improve Over Time
SEO isn’t one-and-done. After publishing, I use these tools to monitor and improve performance:
Google Analytics: See how people find and interact with my posts
Google Search Console: Track clicks, impressions, and indexing issues
Seobility: Run SEO health checks and monitor rankings
If a post isn’t performing after a few months, I might:
Rewrite the headline or intro
Add new sections or visuals
Replace outdated links or stats
Improve keyword usage and add internal links
🛠️ Pro SEO tip for blogs: Refreshing old content can improve rankings faster than writing brand-new posts.
Recap: My Simple SEO Blog Writing Process
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, here’s a quick recap of the most essential SEO tips for blogs that work for me:
Start with purpose: Know your reader and your goal
Use smart keyword tools: Seobility, AnswerThePublic, Google Search Console
Structure your post for humans + Google
Write like you talk—but edit like a pro
Include clear calls-to-action
Track, update, and improve
You don’t need to be an SEO expert to implement these steps. I learned them through trial and error and a lot of patience, and I’m still learning every time I publish.
Want to Boost Your Blog’s SEO Starting Today?
If you found these SEO tips for blogs helpful, you might love my free resources and services:
A one-page website can be sleek, fast, and highly focused—but when it comes to SEO, many people assume it’s harder to rank on Google with a single page. The good news? With the right strategy and a strong understanding of on-page SEO basics, it’s possible to get your one-page site seen.
In this guide, we’ll walk through actionable tips to improve your one-page SEO, how to structure your content effectively, and which tools can help you track your progress.
What Is One-Page SEO?
One-page SEO refers to optimising a single-page website to rank on search engines. Since you only have one URL to work with (typically your homepage), you need to be strategic about your content, keywords, headings, and internal linking structure (yes, even on one page).
This differs from multi-page websites, where each page can target a separate keyword. With one-page websites, everything happens in one long-scrolling layout. (Feeling lost? Check out my guide to SEO basics first.)
1. Start with On-Page SEO Basics
Before diving into advanced tweaks, make sure your on-page SEO basics are covered:
✅ Page Title and Meta Description
Write a clear, keyword-focused title tag (e.g. “Affordable Web Design | One-Page SEO Expert”)
Create a meta description that includes your target keyword (e.g. “We help small businesses improve one-page SEO with strategic design and content.”)
✅ Use H1, H2, and H3 Headings Wisely
Since you’re dealing with one page, structure is key. Use:
One H1 tag for your main topic
Multiple H2s to divide sections (e.g. About, Services, Contact)
H3s for bullets or FAQs within those sections
This helps both readability and search engine crawling.
✅ Optimise for Mobile and Speed
Google prioritises mobile-first design. A one-page website should load quickly, scroll smoothly, and adapt to all screen sizes. You can use tools like Seobility to test your mobile performance and speed.
2. Target Multiple Keywords with Section-Based SEO
Even if you have only one page, you can still rank for multiple related keywords by dividing your page into keyword-themed sections.
Example structure:
Hero section → Target your primary keyword (e.g. “web designer Singapore” or “one-page SEO expert”)
About section → Use secondary keywords (e.g. “freelance designer,” “small business web design”)
Services section → Use service-specific keywords (e.g. “on-page SEO basics,” “SEO content writing”)
FAQ section → Add long-tail phrases (e.g. “Is one-page SEO good for Google?”)
Each of these sections acts like a mini-landing page, helping Google understand your different content themes.
3. Add Internal Anchors and Navigation
Even though it’s one page, you can improve SEO and user experience using internal anchor links. These are links that jump to a specific part of the page, like:
<a href="#services">View Services</a>
Each section should have a matching ID:
<section id="services">...</section>
Why it helps:
Google treats anchors like internal links
Visitors stay longer and navigate more easily (better UX = better SEO)
Great for creating a sticky menu or button navigation
4. Use SEO Tools to Check Your Site
You only have one page, so every SEO detail matters.
Since Seobility offers a free version, it’s a great place to start if you’re new to one-page SEO.
5. Optimise Images and Alt Text
Your one-page site probably relies heavily on visuals. Don’t forget:
Compress images to keep the load time fast
Use descriptive alt text (e.g. “Small business homepage SEO audit illustration”)
Name image files with keywords (e.g. “seo-audit-one-page.jpg”)
These small details can simultaneously boost your search visibility and accessibility.
6. Add Social Proof and FAQ Content
Google loves fresh, user-relevant content—even if it’s short.
Add client testimonials or Google reviews to build trust
Write a short FAQ section with schema markup (if possible)
Include natural language questions (e.g. “Can a one-page website rank on Google?”)
This increases your content depth without adding new pages.
7. Keep It Fresh and Track Progress
SEO isn’t a one-and-done task—even for a single-page site. Update your copy seasonally, refresh your keywords, and check performance monthly using tools like Seobility’s SEO Checker.
Monitor:
Keyword rankings
Bounce rate
Mobile speed
Search impressions (via Google Search Console)
🚀 Ready to Improve Your One-Page SEO?
Optimising a one-page website requires strategy, not guesswork. If you’ve run an audit and feel overwhelmed by what to fix or are unsure where to start, I can help.
As an experienced SEO content writer and web designer, I’ve helped small business owners turn simple, one-page sites into powerful lead generators. While there are many tools, I recommend Seobility to audit and monitor SEO performance.
I’d love to work with you to improve the visibility, speed, and structure of your one-page site.
Shopify Website vs WordPress: Which Platform Works Best for You?
If you’re planning to launch your first online business, one of the most significant decisions you’ll make is choosing the right website platform. Two of the most popular options today are building a Shopify website or creating one with WordPress. Both platforms offer powerful features, but they cater to slightly different needs.
In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between a Shopify website and a WordPress site, compare ease of use, flexibility, costs, and who each platform suits best. Whether you’re browsing options yourself or looking at Shopify website designers for help, this article will help you decide which one works best for you.
(Disclaimer: Some of my links are affiliate links, which means clicking on them brings me a small amount of profit. But don’t worry – I only recommend what I have used.)
What is a Shopify Website?
A Shopify website is an all-in-one hosted solution that allows you to set up, manage, and grow an online store without needing technical skills. Shopify takes care of hosting, security, payment processing, and even website updates. All you need to do is create an account, pick a theme, and start adding products.
Shopify is built specifically for e-commerce, making it ideal if you intend to sell physical or digital products online. You also have access to a large marketplace of apps that can enhance your store’s functionality.
What is WordPress?
WordPress is a free, open-source content management system (CMS) that you can use to build any website, from a blog to a full e-commerce store. However, when comparing Shopify versus WordPress for e-commerce, it’s important to know that WordPress alone doesn’t handle e-commerce out of the box. You’ll need to install a plugin like WooCommerce to set up an online store.
WordPress offers unlimited flexibility, but it also requires you to manage your hosting, security, backups, and software updates—unless you pay for managed hosting plans.
Shopify Website vs WordPress: Key Differences
Feature
Shopify Website
WordPress (with WooCommerce)
Focus
E-commerce
Multi-purpose
Hosting
Included
Self-managed (choose your own)
Ease of Use
Fairly beginner friendly without coding experience
Slight learning curve
Flexibility
App-based customisation
Full code-level customisation
SEO Tools
Built-in basics
Advanced with plugins
Cost Structure
Subscription-based
Flexible, depending on choices
Support
Tailored support
Community forums
When comparing Shopify to WordPress, my take is that Shopify simplifies the entire process, while WordPress gives you more control but requires you to manage more technical elements. If you’re working with a website designer, ask for recommendations on which platform suits your long-term needs better.
When Should You Choose a Shopify Website?
Building a Shopify website is ideal if:
You want to launch quickly without learning complex web development skills.
Your primary focus is selling products online.
You want a worry-free solution that handles hosting, security, and technical maintenance.
You prefer to rely on professional Shopify website designers to set up a sleek store using customizable templates.
Many entrepreneurs love Shopify because they can launch in a weekend without needing any coding knowledge.
When Should You Choose WordPress?
Building on WordPress makes sense if:
You need a highly flexible website, such as one that combines a blog, membership area, and store.
You prefer full ownership and total design freedom.
You have technical experience or plan to hire developers.
You’re willing to manage hosting, security, and maintenance.
In my opinion, WordPress is a better fit for content-heavy websites that plan to scale beyond just selling products.
Average Cost of Website Design for Small Business
You should also consider the average cost of website design for small business owners when choosing between Shopify and WordPress.
DIY on Shopify is straightforward—you’ll pay a monthly subscription (starting around $29) and can purchase apps or themes if needed. If you hire Shopify website designers, costs can rise, but you’ll benefit from a professionally branded and optimised store.
DIY on WordPress may initially seem cheaper, especially if you’re tech-savvy. But once you factor in premium themes, hosting, SEO plugins, and your own time, the investment can grow.
Pros and Cons Summary
Shopify Website Pros
✅ It’s quick and easy to set up.
✅ Shopify is designed for e-commerce.
✅ All hosting and security included.
✅ You get 24/7 customer support.
✅ No coding needed.
Shopify Website Cons
❌ The monthly fees can add up
❌ Limited customisation compared to WordPress,
❌ You are tied to Shopify’s system.
WordPress Pros
✅ Unlimited flexibility and customisation.
✅ No monthly platform fee (only hosting/domain costs)
No matter which platform you choose, understanding the average cost of website design for small businesses helps you make a more intelligent, more confident decision for your future growth.
Need a Shopify Website Built for Your Business?
As a certified Shopify Partner, I help small businesses launch beautiful, high-converting online stores — without the stress of building it yourself.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or need a redesign, I can design a Shopify website tailored to your brand and ready to grow with you.
When was the last time you looked at your homepage like a new visitor?
I think that for many digital creators, planners, and small business owners, the homepage often becomes an afterthought. But if you’re serious about growing your blog traffic, selling digital products, or getting approved for Google AdSense, homepage SEO writing is where it all starts.
Your homepage isn’t just a welcome mat — it’s the front door to your content, your store, and your brand.
Whether you’re targeting Instagram keywords, optimising for TikTok keywords, or choosing the right secondary keywords for your blog, your homepage is the place where those efforts need to connect. So let’s talk about it in this blog post today! I’ll also share some of my tips and tricks when writing for my own clients!
What Is Homepage SEO Writing?
Homepage SEO writing refers to the words and messaging you use on your homepage that help:
Visitors understand your offer
Search engines understand your content
You rank for relevant search phrases, like secondary keywords, Instagram keywords, or your niche topic
It includes:
Headline and subheadings
Welcome section or intro
Buttons or calls-to-action (CTAS)
Links to your blog, shop, or opt-in page
Done right, homepage SEO writing turns your homepage into a conversion machine and a powerful part of your marketing funnel. It’s a fulfilling part of my job when writing for clients because I love doing the in-dept research work!
Why It Matters More Than You Think
1. It Helps You Rank for Secondary Keywords
You might already be targeting secondary keywords in your blog or product listings. But if those words don’t appear on your homepage, you’re missing an opportunity.
Let’s say you’re targeting:
“digital planner for iPad”
“aesthetic productivity tools”
“weekly layout template”
These secondary keywords should show up on your homepage, especially in your:
Headline
Product descriptions
Blog intro links
Homepage SEO writing isn’t about stuffing keywords. It’s about aligning your messaging with what your visitors are already searching for.
2. Your Homepage Should Mirror Your Instagram Keywords
If you’re active on Instagram, you already know the power of short, searchable captions. Your followers find you through Instagram keywords like:
“GoodNotes templates”
“iPad planning aesthetic”
“digital planning for creatives”
Now ask yourself:
Do those same keywords appear on your homepage?
If they don’t, your SEO and homepage experience are out of sync. Mirror your most effective Instagram keywords directly on your homepage copy to:
Improve relevance
Reduce bounce rate
Increase discoverability through Google
3. TikTok Keywords Drive Intent — Your Homepage Should Catch It
Your TikTok content may already be bringing you traffic, but are your TikTok keywords working for you on your homepage?
Let’s say you have a TikTok that went viral with:
“Digital planner for busy mums”
“GoodNotes sticker hack”
“How I plan my week with iPad”
You need to reflect those exact TikTok keywords on your homepage headline, CTA buttons, or blog links. This creates a smooth handoff from content to conversion.
This is where homepage SEO writing becomes a smart strategy — your site is reinforcing the exact language people are using to find you. It also part of my strategy when writing for clients. How to insert keywords in a way that feels natural, without resorting to keyword stuffing.
How to Optimise Your Homepage in 3 Steps
🔹 Step 1: Use a Keyword-Driven Headline
Instead of “Welcome to My Site,” try:
“Plan your week beautifully with digital planners for iPad — designed for busy, creative women.”
Ensure this includes your most relevant TikTok keywords, Instagram keywords, and anysecondary keywords.
🔹 Step 2: Add 2–3 SEO Paragraphs (Below the Fold)
Most homepage builders let you add a short “about” or intro section.
Use this space to:
Explain what you offer
Mention your niche and audience
Include at least one Instagram keyword and one secondary keyword
Example:
“At Plan With Jules, I help creatives, students, and mums stay organised with aesthetic digital planners designed for GoodNotes, Notability, and beyond. These templates reflect what my community searches for daily on TikTok and Instagram.”
🔹 Step 3: Link to Blog Posts That Use Secondary Keywords
If you’ve written blog posts like:
“How to Plan Your Week with an iPad”
“My Favourite GoodNotes Layouts”
Then make sure your homepage links to them. This internal linking helps with SEO and also supports Google AdSense approval.
Sample Layout: Homepage SEO Writing Block
Here’s a homepage structure that naturally uses all four keyword types:
Headline:
“Digital Planners for iPad and GoodNotes — Created for Creatives Who Crave Calm.”
Subheadline:
“Join thousands using these trending templates found through TikTok keywords and Instagram hacks.”
Text Section:
“If you’re here from TikTok or Instagram, you’re in the right place. I design aesthetic, functional planners optimised for the tools you already use. Every layout is built with purpose and backed by keyword research to help new users discover exactly what they need. Whether you’re searching for a minimalist iPad planner or productivity layout, these bundles reflect the exact secondary keywords my audience uses daily.”
CTA Button:
One of my pet peeves when writing for my clients is when they tell me they don’t want a call to action, because it’s just too ‘salesy’. But a call to action tells your reader what you want them to do with this new information. I always add a CTA, but if that is too much for you, try a CTA button like:
[ Download Your Free Sample ]
[ Shop All Planners ]
[ Read the Blog ]
Final Thoughts: Align Every Page With Your Audience’s Search Language
Homepage SEO writing is no longer optional. It’s the connective tissue between your blog, your social media, and your product shop.
By using TikTok keywords, Instagram keywords, and relevant secondary keywords, you’re not only improving SEO — you’re showing visitors they’re in the right place.
Think of your homepage as your elevator pitch — but dressed in SEO.
So if you haven’t updated your homepage copy in a while, it’s time to align it with how your audience finds you. What words work on TikTok and Instagram?
They belong on your homepage too.
Need Help Writing Your Homepage Copy?
If writing your homepage feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. Clear, strategic homepage copy takes more than just good grammar. It’s about understanding your audience, aligning with your brand, and guiding visitors to take action.
👉 Let me take it off your plate. I write homepage copy that reduces stress, improves SEO, and converts. Whether you’re a digital creator, freelancer, or small business owner, I’ll help you turn your homepage into a calm, clear experience that works hard for your business.
Contact Us📩 to get started — and let’s make your homepage your strongest asset.
(Disclaimer: affiliate links ahead. I only recommend what I use!)
Have you ever tried to buy something online, only to give up in frustration because the website was confusing, outdated, or impossible to navigate? You’re not alone—and chances are, your potential customers feel the same when they land on a poorly designed site.
Your website is your digital storefront. And yet, I see so many business owners who invest heavily in their physical shops, signage, or packaging, while completely neglecting their small business website. Whether you’re a freelancer, café owner, or creative entrepreneur, a professional and functional small business websiteis no longer optional—it’s a vital part of running your business in the digital age.
As a website designer, I’ve seen firsthand how a well-structured website can build trust, attract leads, and turn casual visitors into paying clients. But what does it really take to create a website for a small business that works? And how do you manage the cost to create a small business website without sacrificing quality?
In this post, I’ll walk you through the 10 must-haves every small business website needs to succeed, so you can build a site that works as hard as you do. I’ll also share the cost of creating a small business website at the end of this post, but if you want to jump ahead, I recommend my article on the 2025 website creation costs.
1. Clear Branding
Every small business website should instantly reflect your brand. That means consistent use of your logo, colours, fonts, and tone of voice. Strong branding builds familiarity and helps your business look more trustworthy and professional.
💡 Tip: Upload a favicon (that tiny logo in the browser tab) to boost brand recognition.
2. A Mobile-Friendly Design
Over 60% of traffic to a small business website comes from mobile devices. Your site must look good and function well on every screen size. A responsive design is a must when you create a website for a small business—don’t skip it.
💡 Test your site on both Android and iOS to catch layout issues early.
3. A Compelling Homepage
When someone lands on your homepage, they should instantly understand who you are and what you offer. Include:
A headline that communicates your value
A short intro about your business
A call-to-action (CTA) that guides them to their next step
This is the most important page to get right when you create a website for a small business.
💡 Think: “What do I want a visitor to do within 5 seconds of arriving?”
4. Easy Navigation
Your website should be easy to explore. A clean, well-organised menu with 5–7 items is ideal. Use dropdowns if needed, but avoid overwhelming your visitor. When planning the cost to create a small business website, make room for smart design and usability.
💡 Sticky headers (menus that stay visible as you scroll) can improve the user experience.
5. Service or Product Pages That Convert
Each product or service deserves its page. These should clearly explain the benefits, answer common questions, and include a CTA like “Book Now” or “Buy Now.” When you create a website for a small business, these are the pages that drive revenue.
💡 Use bullet points and subheadings to make your copy easy to scan.
6. Visible Contact Information
Make it easy for people to reach you. Your small business website should have:
A contact form
Your email
Phone number
Social links
Physical address and embedded map (if you’re location-based)
💡 Always repeat your contact info in the footer—many users look there instinctively.
7. Trust Signals
A good small business website inspires confidence. Include:
Testimonials from happy clients
Client logos or brand partners
Media features or certifications
A privacy policy and terms of service
💡 Use real photos of yourself, your team, or your work—not just stock images.
8. Fast Load Speed
A slow site can drive visitors away. When estimating the cost of creating a small business website, remember that quality hosting plays a significant role. Fast loading keeps users engaged and improves your SEO ranking.
💡 I recommend Hostinger for its speed, value, and friendliness for beginners.
9. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
Good SEO makes your small business website easier to find. Make sure to:
Use keywords like “create website for small business” and “cost to create a small business website”
Optimise titles, meta descriptions, and image alt text
Link internally between related pages
💡 Using WordPress? Install SEO plugins like AIOSEO or Yoast to help with on-page optimisation. You can also make use of my free SEO audit to see if your small business website is on the right track!
10. Clear Calls-to-Action (CTA)
Each page should guide the visitor towards one key action: scheduling a call, making a purchase, or signing up. A small business website without strong CTAS often loses leads.
💡 Use action verbs like “Start,” “Book,” “Buy,” or “Get” to make your CTA clear and clickable.
Together, they keep the cost to create a small business website low while giving you complete control and scalability.
Also, a quick summary to highlight the cost of creating a website for a small business. Apart from web hosting services, you also have to pay for other services such as a professional email or an elegant-looking theme (if you use WordPress). The cost of time to search for services you would use can be very high. If you have zero web design experience, I don’t recommend doing it yourself. You might end up spending more than you expect. Hiring someone who knows what they are doing and can recommend you services will save you time, even if it costs slightly more than what you budgeted. As a guideline, I would say to budget about US$500 to hire someone, and perhaps about the same if you want to create your own website. However, the cost of creating your website will be higher because you’ll waste precious time figuring out things like web hosting, domain names, SEO, and even how to write good content. Those are hours that are not quantifiable at all!
Final Thoughts
Creating a great small business website doesn’t have to be overwhelming—or expensive. Focus on these 10 essential features and choose the right tools from the start. Whether you’re just starting or looking to improve what you already have, it’s entirely possible to create a website for small business success on a budget. If you are working with someone, be honest and share your expectations. A professional web designer will be able to recommend suitable platforms and work within your budget.
Need help launching or revamping your site?
Contact me at hello@writedesignproductions.com,and I’ll guide you through setting up your small business website using Hostinger or WordPress.
About Me
I’m a website creator who helps small businesses build clean, high-converting websites using platforms like Hostinger, WordPress, and Shopify. With a strong background in SEO and content writing, I don’t just design websites—I craft digital experiences that rank, convert, and grow with your business. Whether you need a brand-new site or an SEO refresh, I’ve got you covered from strategy to launch.
About WDS: Hi, I'm Jules. I’m a website creator who helps small businesses build clean, high-converting websites using platforms like Hostinger, WordPress, and Shopify. With a strong background in SEO and content writing, I don’t just design websites—I craft digital experiences that rank, convert, and grow with your business. Whether you need a brand-new site or an SEO refresh, I’ve got you covered from strategy to launch.
