Guide
Do proper keyword research (free tools only)
Find the exact phrases your customers are typing, without paying for SEMrush or Ahrefs.
List 10 seed topics
Write down 10 things a customer might Google before finding you. 'Wedding photographer', 'engagement photos', 'wedding venue', etc. Broad is fine at this stage.
Use Google auto-complete
Type each seed into Google (Incognito). Note every phrase auto-complete suggests. These are real, high-volume searches. Copy them into a spreadsheet.
Mine 'People also ask'
Search your seed keyword. The 'People also ask' box shows real questions. Click one, it reveals more. Each is a potential blog topic.
Check the bottom of the search page
'Related searches' at the very bottom shows Google's suggested variations. Add them to your list.
Sort by intent, not volume
'How to' = informational (attract). 'Best [X] near me' = buying (convert). 'Vs' = comparison (mid-funnel). Prioritise buying-intent keywords first, they turn into revenue faster.
Use Google Keyword Planner for volume
Free with any Google Ads account (no need to spend). Shows monthly search volume. Aim for keywords with 100 to 1000 monthly searches, competitive but winnable.
Pick 5 to 10 to target first
Not 100. Pick 5 to 10 buying-intent keywords, write one page for each. Track for 3 months in Search Console before adding more.
That’s the whole thing.
Keep going
What to read next
- 01
SEO Basics
Your first 7 days of SEO
The absolute basics to make Google understand and rank your website.
- 02
SEO Basics
Write your first SEO-friendly blog post
Structure and write a blog post that answers a real search query, and can rank.
- 03
SEO Basics
Local SEO, rank in your city
The specific tactics that make Google show your business to nearby customers.