How to Write and Publish a Blog Post on Your Website (That People Actually Find and Read)

Starting a blog is easy.

But starting a blog that people actually find on Google, that answers their questions and earns their trust?

That’s where the real value is.

Here’s your full guide - from coming up with a blog topic, to writing it, optimising it for Google, and sharing it with your audience.

Step 1: Find a Topic Your Customers Actually Care About

Pick something your audience is actively searching for - not just what you want to talk about.

Topic Ideas by Business Type:

  • Dog Groomer:
    → “How Often Should I Get My Dog Groomed?”
    → “What to Do If Your Dog Hates the Groomer”

  • Personal Trainer:
    → “Beginner-Friendly Workouts You Can Do at Home”
    → “What to Eat Before and After the Gym”

  • Cafe Owner:
    → “Why Our Coffee Beans Are Locally Roasted”
    → “Best Times to Visit for a Quiet Cuppa”

  • Electrician:
    → “Why Your Fuse Box Keeps Tripping (and What to Check First)”
    → “How to Safely Change a Light Fitting”

  • Cake Baker in Eastleigh:
    → “5 Wedding Cake Trends for 2025”
    → “How to Choose the Right Cake Flavours for Your Guests”

These are all questions people actually type into Google - which means they’re perfect blog topics.

Tools to Help:

  • Google Autocomplete

  • People Also Ask

  • AnswerThePublic.com

  • Google Trends

  • Search Console (if you’ve already got your website set up)

Step 2: Write the Blog Post (With a Clear Structure)

A clear structure helps both Google and your readers. Use headers, break up the text, and get to the point.

Structure Template:

  1. Headline - Make it specific and search-friendly.
    e.g. “How to Keep Your Dog Calm During Grooming Appointments”

  2. Introduction - Set the scene. Why is this a common problem?

  3. Body Content - Use subheadings and bullet points.

    • Explain how to solve the issue

    • Link to other helpful posts or services

    • Add a personal tip or insight

  4. Call to Action (CTA) - Encourage the next step.
    e.g. “Want to book a stress-free groom for your dog? Get in touch here.”

Step 3: Add a Relevant Image

An image makes your post more engaging and helps it look good when shared on social media.

Example Sources:

  • Unsplash - Free, high-quality stock photos

  • Pexels - Another free stock site

  • Your Own Camera - Even better if you can

Examples:

  • Personal Trainer: A photo of someone doing a workout at home
    Alt Text: “Beginner doing home workout with no equipment”
    File Name: home-workout-beginner.jpg

  • Cafe Owner: A top-down shot of latte art
    Alt Text: “Latte with heart-shaped art on wooden table”
    File Name: latte-art-local-cafe.jpg

  • Dog Groomer: A happy dog post-groom
    Alt Text: “Golden retriever freshly groomed and smiling”
    File Name: happy-groomed-dog.jpg

Step 4: Do the SEO Bits Properly

Don’t skip this part - this is what helps people find your post.

Optimise These:

  • URL: Keep it short and include keywords
    e.g. yourwebsite.co.uk/how-to-calm-dog-for-grooming

  • SEO Title (Title Tag):
    e.g. “How to Calm Your Dog for a Grooming Appointment | Bark & Bubbles”

  • Meta Description:
    e.g. “Is your dog nervous at the groomer? Here are tips from a local groomer to help them stay calm.”

  • Excerpt (for your blog roll):
    e.g. “Tips from a local groomer on how to help your dog relax before their appointment.”

  • Categories & Tags:
    Category: Pet Care
    Tags: Dog Grooming, Nervous Dogs, Local Grooming Tips

Step 5: Add a Clear Call to Action

What should the reader do next?

Examples:

  • Dog Groomer: “Book your next appointment online in minutes.”

  • Personal Trainer: “Want a free beginner workout plan? Download it here.”

  • Cafe: “Come try our featured local roast - mention this blog and get 10% off!”

Step 6: Share It Online

Don’t wait for people to magically find your blog. Share it!

Facebook

  • Great for local reach

  • Post with a friendly summary and a link

  • Join local groups (if allowed) and share

Instagram

  • Screenshot the post or use a Canva graphic

  • Use Stories to highlight tips from the blog

  • Mention it in your profile link or say, “Full post on our website blog”

Email Newsletter

  • Include the blog title, first paragraph, and a “Read more” link

Step 7: Check Your Blog is Findable on Google (with Google Search Console)

You’ve written and published your blog post. Great! Now let’s make sure Google can actually see it.

Google Search Console is a free tool that helps you understand how your site appears in search results - and whether your new post is indexed (i.e. visible to Google).

How to Check If Your Post Is Indexed:

  1. Go to Google Search Console

  2. Paste your blog post URL into the top search bar

  3. Press Enter — it’ll show if the URL is on Google

  4. If not, click “Request Indexing”

This tells Google, “Hey, I’ve got something new - come take a look.”

Bonus: See Which Search Terms Bring People to Your Blog

Inside Search Console, click:

Performance → Search Results

You’ll see real search terms people used to find your site. Use this to:

  • See if your blog is attracting the right traffic

  • Get ideas for future blog topics

  • Tweak your headlines or content to better match what people are actually searching

🔍 Want more help with Google Search Console?
Read: Can People Find Your Website on Google? Here’s How to Check (Free Google Tool)


Need a blog post that actually helps your business get found online? I’ll write a clear, SEO-friendly post tailored to your audience and the searches you want to show up for - no fluff, no waffle, just content that works.

📧 Contact me today!


How long should a blog post be for a local business?

600–1,000 words is ideal. It’s enough to give real value without losing the reader.

Do I need to blog every week?

Not unless you have the time. Once or twice a month is perfect if it’s high quality.

What should I write about if I run out of ideas?

Ask your customers what they want to know. Or check what your competitors are writing about (and do it better).

Do blog posts really help with SEO?

Absolutely - especially when they answer questions people type into Google.

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