Top 10 Things to Know Before You Write Your First Blog
(Especially If You Care About Marketing & SEO)
So, you’re thinking about writing your first blog. Maybe you've been told it helps with SEO. Maybe you’ve got something important to say. Or perhaps you're just tired of relying only on social media.
Whatever your reason, before you pour your heart out onto the page, here are 10 essential things you need to know if you want your blog to actually help grow your business.
1. Your Blog Isn’t a Journal. It’s a Tool.
This is the number one mistake I see. A blog post isn’t about what you want to say—it’s about what your ideal customer needs to hear. Think: What questions are they Googling at 11 pm? What problems are they trying to solve? Your blog should meet them right there.
Ask yourself: “Would someone I don’t know find this helpful, or is this just a personal update?”
2. Know Your Keywords, Before You Write a Single Word
SEO starts before you write. Take 10 minutes to research what people are searching for related to your product, service, or expertise. Tools like Google Trends, Ubersuggest, or even just the Google search bar (hello, autofill!) can help.
Example: Instead of writing “My Thoughts on Painting,” go with “How to Choose Colors for Abstract Paintings” or “Beginner’s Guide to Painting with Acrylics.”
3. Start With a Clear Structure
Every blog needs a skeleton. A simple outline helps keep your thoughts organized and makes your blog easier to read (and rank). Use:
A strong headline
An intro that sets up the problem
Sections with clear headers (H2s, H3s)
A call to action at the end
Bonus: Google and AI tools scan for headings to understand what your blog is about—make them count.
4. Write for Humans First, Google Second
Yes, SEO matters—but your reader matters more. Write in a natural, conversational voice. Explain things simply. Use bullet points, bold text, or visuals to make reading easier.
If a 7th grader wouldn’t understand your blog, simplify it. People skim!
5. Don’t Overstuff Keywords: Use Them Intentionally
The old-school SEO trick of jamming keywords everywhere? That’s a fast track to sounding robotic (and getting penalized). Instead, use your keywords in:
The headline
The URL
Your subheadings (where it makes sense)
Naturally throughout the post
Your image alt text
Tip: Google cares more about helpfulness now than keyword count.
6. Meta Descriptions Matter (Even If They Don’t Rank)
The meta description is the little blurb that shows up in search results. It doesn’t affect rankings directly, but it does influence whether someone clicks. Make it clear, compelling, and include your main keyword.
Think of it as your blog’s 1-line elevator pitch.
7. Images Help More Than You Think
People love visual content—and so does Google. Add at least one image with descriptive alt text. Bonus points if it’s original (not stock).
If you’re an artist, creative, or product-based business: show your work in progress, behind the scenes, or the final product.
8. Your First Blog Won’t Go Viral—And That’s Okay
Blogging is a long game. SEO takes time. Most blog posts take 3–6 months to really start ranking, and that’s after consistent effort. But every helpful post adds up and builds your digital footprint.
It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being helpful and showing up consistently.
9. Every Blog Should Have a Purpose
Why are you writing this post? Is it to:
Bring in new customers?
Educate your audience?
Sell a product?
Show your expertise?
Make that purpose clear, and include a call to action (CTA) that matches—like “Download my free checklist,” “Shop the new collection,” or “Book a consultation.”
10. Update Old Blogs Regularly
One of the best-kept secrets of SEO? Google loves freshness. Revisit older posts every 6–12 months. Add new links, update any outdated info, and improve clarity or formatting.
This gives your blog a second life without writing something brand new.
Final Thought:
Your blog isn’t just content, it’s currency. It builds trust, authority, and long-term traffic if done right. So before you hit “publish,” make sure your post is helpful, searchable, and aligned with your goals.
Need help planning your first blog or choosing the right keywords?
I help creative small businesses make simple marketing plays that actually move the needle. Contact me if you want to work together one one-on-one.
