Recipe: Optimizing Blog Posts for Search

This recipe describes the complete workflow for creating a blog post optimized for search from start to finish — from keyword research to publishing.

Step 1: Keyword Research

Before you write a single word, decide what search query you want this post to rank for.

1. Think about what your target audience would type into Google when looking for the information you plan to cover
2. Use a keyword research tool (Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, Ahrefs, or SEMrush) to check search volume and competition
3. Choose a specific, long-tail keyword — “best running shoes for flat feet 2026” is better than “running shoes”
4. Verify that no other page on your site already targets the same keyword (to avoid keyword cannibalization)
5. Check Google’s search results for your keyword to understand what type of content is currently ranking (listicles, how-to guides, reviews)

Step 2: Create a Content Brief (PRO)

1. In your WordPress dashboard, go to SEO Forge > Content Brief
2. Enter your focus keyword
3. Click Generate Brief — the AI analyzes top-ranking pages for your keyword and provides:

– Recommended headings (H2s and H3s)

– Key points your content should cover

– Related keywords to include naturally

– Questions people are asking about this topic

1. Use the brief as an outline for your post

Step 3: Write the Content

1. Write your post following the brief’s outline
2. Include the focus keyword in the first paragraph
3. Use H2 and H3 headings to structure the content logically
4. Write at least the recommended word count — typically 1,500+ words for competitive keywords
5. Add images with descriptive alt text that relates to the content
6. Link to 2-3 authoritative external sources
7. Write naturally — do not force the keyword into every sentence

Step 4: On-Page SEO Optimization

1. In the SEO Forge box, enter your focus keyword
2. Write a custom SEO title:

– Keep it under 60 characters

– Make it compelling enough to click on in search results

1. Write a custom meta description:

– Keep it between 120 and 160 characters

– Add a call to action or value proposition

1. Check the SERP Preview to see how it will look in Google
2. Review the URL slug — make sure it includes the keyword and is short and readable

Step 5: Fix SEO Issues

1. Review the Issues list in the SEO Forge box
2. Start with high-impact items:

– Keyword density (too low or too high)

– Content length (if below threshold)

1. Work through medium-impact items:

– Internal links

– Heading structure

1. In PRO, use the AI Fix button for one-click resolution of each issue

Step 6: AI Content Optimization (PRO)

1. Click Optimize with AI in the SEO Forge box
2. The AI reviews your content and suggests:

– Places to add the keyword more naturally

– Missing subtopics that top-ranking pages cover

– Improvements to the introduction and conclusion

1. Review each suggestion and accept or dismiss it
2. Re-check your SEO score after applying changes

Step 7: Internal Linking

1. Check the Internal Links section in the SEO box
2. Review the suggested links — these are pages on your site related to your post’s keyword
3. Add 3-5 relevant internal links within your content
4. If you have many posts on similar topics, also go back to older posts and add links pointing to this new post

Step 8: Publish and Monitor

1. Do a final check that the SEO score is 80 or above (green)
2. Preview the post to make sure everything looks good on the front end
3. Click Publish
4. Share the URL on social media and check that the OG image and description appear correctly
5. After 2-4 weeks, check the post’s performance in SEO Forge > Search Console (PRO) to see how it is performing for your target keyword

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