If you have ever asked yourself what makes a great blog post, writing for humans first and Google, Bing, and LLMs second, is the key to standing out. You want content that resonates with real people while also pleasing the search algorithms. In other words, you need to craft text that is both helpful to readers, easy to absorb, valuable and authentic, while still being easy for search engines to understand. Sound like a tall order? It’s not as tricky as it sounds. Let’s break it down together.

Balancing Search Priorities with Providing Value to People

Your blog is talking to two audiences at once. On one side, you have actual readers seeking valuable insights. On the other, search engines look for relevance and structure. According to the Google Search SEO Starter Guide, clear organization and genuine content improve your pages’ visibility in search results.

• Humans want specific answers, quick tips, and engaging stories
• Google wants proper formatting, quality outbound links, and natural keyword usage

Striking the right balance between both is how you get the best of both worlds. For a deeper look at broader strategies, you might check out our Guide to Online Content Creation & Strategy.

Choose Engaging Topics

Finding the right topics helps you connect with your readers’ needs. Researching their pain points and the keywords they search for can guide you toward subject matter that sparks real interest. The Side Blogger  recommends understanding what readers are curious about before typing the first word.

• Ask your audience: What challenges do they face?
• Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or SEMrush to spot valuable keywords
• Chat with people (online or offline) to discover trending questions and concerns

An engaging topic also draws attention from search engines when you incorporate relevant terms naturally. If you are not sure how often to post, try reading our guide about How Often Should You Post New Content? to keep your blog fresh and active – a factor that appeals to both people and search engines.

Format For Readability

A block of text can scare people away. Readers appreciate short paragraphs, bullet points, and easy navigation. Well-structured formatting also tells Google that your content is scannable and user-friendly. According to Victorious, thoughtful use of headings, subheadings, and visuals keep visitors engaged for longer periods.

Use Headings And Subheadings

Headings act like signposts, guiding readers through your blog post step by step. When you chunk your content into logical segments, you make it simpler for people to skim. Adding subheadings every few paragraphs also gives search engines more signals about the topics you cover.

Add Visual Elements

Images and graphics help break up text so your content looks more inviting. As Boostability points out, pictures can make complex ideas more approachable. If it fits your message, include screenshots, charts, or short videos for an extra bit of engagement. Of course, there are various generative AI tools and free image libraries that can be utilized to assist in this regard, but original photos and diagrams are even better, if it’s feasible and practical to incorporate these.

Balance Keywords Naturally

Keywords let Google identify what your post is about, but cramming them in randomly (known as keyword stuffing) can hurt your ranking. HubSpot notes that blog posts around 2,100-2,400 words often perform well, but relevance still outranks length. Your main priority is clarity, not word count.

• Mention your keyword in the first few paragraphs to establish context
• Sprinkle related terms throughout the post, but keep the flow conversational
• Use synonyms and varied language so your blog sounds genuine

If you want more ideas on blending authenticity with smart automation, check out How to Use AI for Smarter Content Creation.

Encourage Action

Your blog post should offer more than just information. It should prompt readers to take some kind of next step, whether it is buying a product, signing up for a list, or simply leaving a comment. That encourages interactivity, and helps to transform your content into part of your lead generation pipeline.

Clearly define what you want your audience to do. Place calls to action in plain sight and use casual, direct language like “Try it now,” or “Download your free guide.” This helps with monetization, builds your email list, or boosts engagement on your site.

Key Takeaways

A great blog post starts with a solid topic that matters to your readers, then adds clear formatting for easy scanning, and uses keywords in a way that still feels human. When you craft content that people actually enjoy, search engines naturally take notice. Your blog will gain visibility, drive more traffic, and ultimately help you reach your money-making goals.

Like anything else, practice makes perfect. Why not brainstorm three blog post ideas today and see which one feels most exciting? By paying attention to your audience’s questions, choosing relevant search terms, and formatting your post for clarity, you will be well on your way to creating blog content that is both reader-friendly and Google-approved. Good luck!