Shrikant Portfolio

Tag: web development SEO

  • From Blank Space to Page One: Crafting SEO-Friendly Blogs

     

    Taylor once sang, “I’ll write your name.” For many businesses, the challenge is not writing itself but writing in a way that Google actually notices. You can spend hours filling up a blank page, but unless your content is optimized for search, it may never reach your audience.

    That is where SEO-friendly blogging comes in. Blogs are more than words on a page. They are powerful tools that bring consistent traffic, establish your expertise, and convert readers into clients.

    For context, I am Shrikant Bodke, a web developer and digital marketer with six years of experience helping brands in India and the UK climb Google rankings. I have worked on small business websites as well as enterprise SEO strategies, and one thing has always been clear: blogging done right is still one of the most reliable ways to rank on Google.

    Let us explore how you can take your blog from a blank space to page one.

    Why Blogs Still Matter in 2025

    Some people believe blogs are outdated in the age of reels, shorts, and AI-generated content. The truth is, blogs remain a central part of search. Here is why:

    • Blogs target long-tail keywords that people actually search for.
    • They position you as a trusted voice in your niche.
    • They create opportunities for internal linking across your site.
    • Blogs add a steady flow of content, which Google rewards.
    • They provide material you can repurpose for social media, newsletters, or videos.

    I have seen this play out in real projects. On one client site, we started publishing two long-form blogs every week. Within three months, traffic doubled. Even now, those same blogs bring in leads because they were built to last.

    If you want to understand how blogs connect to the bigger SEO picture, I recommend reading my post on building long-lasting Google rankings.

    And since AI is reshaping how we create, tools like ChatGPT are making it faster to brainstorm, outline, and draft. I wrote about this in AI in Web Development: Saving Time and Helping Us Focus on What Matters, where I explained how automation can free us to focus on strategy instead of repetitive tasks.

    Start With Keyword Research

    Strong blogs start with strong keywords. Do not just chase what looks popular. Go after what your audience is actually searching for.

    Here is a simple process:

    1. Brainstorm seed topics based on the problems your audience faces. For example, “Why is my site not ranking?” or “How do I make my WordPress site faster?”
    2. Use SEMrush, Ahrefs, or Ubersuggest to expand those ideas with search volume and competition data.
    3. Focus on search intent. If someone types “SEO blog examples”, they want to learn. If they type “hire SEO blog writer India”, they are ready to buy.
    4. Balance difficulty with opportunity. Competing with giants like HubSpot on generic keywords will not work. Focus on long-tail searches where you can stand out.

    📌 Example: Instead of only writing for content writing services, aim for best SEO blog writing services in India or how to optimize blogs for UK audiences.

    Craft Titles That Rank and Engage

    A blog title is your first impression. It determines if readers click or scroll past.

    • Place the primary keyword early in the title.
    • Keep it clear and direct.
    • Add a hook or benefit to make it stand out.

    Compare:
    ❌ “Writing That Shines”
    ✅ “How to Write SEO-Friendly Blogs That Rank on Google”

    Taylor’s song titles are short, simple, and memorable. Think of Love Story, Style, or Enchanted. That is exactly how your titles should feel.

    Structure Your Blog Like a Journey

    Nobody enjoys reading an unbroken wall of text. Both Google and readers prefer structured writing.

    Here is an effective blog format:

    • Introduction: Hook, context, and promise.
    • Body: Organized into clear H2s and H3s. Each section should answer one question.
    • Examples: Real-world cases or insights.
    • Conclusion: Wrap-up and call to action.

    Formatting tips:

    • Use short paragraphs.
    • Add bullet points and lists.
    • Include images with proper alt text.

    For more insights, visit Google Search Central’s guide on creating helpful content.

    Write for People First and Then Optimize for Google

    Write naturally first, then optimize after. Over-optimizing makes content unreadable and hurts trust.

    Best practices:

    • Place the main keyword within the first 100 words.
    • Use natural variations of the keyword throughout.
    • Add internal links to related posts like SEO and content writing services.
    • Reference trusted sources such as Search Engine Journal.
    • End with a clear call to action.

    👉 Example CTA: “Need help optimizing your blogs? Explore my content writing services and let us create content that ranks.”

    Why Long-Form Content Wins

    Short blogs can work for quick updates, but when it comes to ranking, long-form content almost always performs better.

    Reasons include:

    • They allow in-depth coverage of a topic.
    • Google sees them as more authoritative.
    • They naturally cover a wider range of related terms.
    • They earn backlinks because they are seen as valuable resources.

    Aim for 1200 to 1500 words for most blogs. For in-depth guides, going over 2000 words is fine.

    I have seen this in practice. When we expanded client blogs to over 1200 words, the bounce rate went down and time on page went up. Google noticed, and rankings improved.

    If you are interested in how AI is making it easier to create long-form content without losing quality, check out How AI Tools Are Transforming Software Development. While that article focuses on developers, the same lessons apply to content creators.

    Build Authority With Internal Links

    Internal linking is one of the simplest but most powerful SEO tactics. It connects content and spreads authority across your site.

    For example:

    Promote Your Blog After Publishing

    Publishing is just the beginning. Promotion is what brings readers in.

    Ways to promote:

    • Share on LinkedIn with key takeaways.
    • Post highlights on Instagram or Twitter.
    • Send the blog to your email subscribers.
    • Repurpose sections into videos or carousels.
    • Pitch it for backlinks on related sites.

    Taylor does not just release an album and stay quiet. She promotes across channels, builds anticipation, and engages her audience. That is exactly how you should treat your blogs.

    Conclusion: From Blank Space to Page One

    Turning a blank page into a blog that ranks requires effort, but the payoff is worth it. With the right keywords, engaging titles, thoughtful structure, and long-form depth, you can write blogs that both Google and your readers value.

    If you ever wonder whether blogging still matters, remember this: Google’s index is like Taylor’s discography. It grows every day, but only the work that resonates truly stands out.

    Your goal is to make sure your blog belongs in that playlist and that readers keep hitting replay.

  • You Belong With SEO: Making Sure Google Can’t Shake You Off

    When it comes to websites, getting noticed on Google is a little like trying to get Taylor Swift’s attention in a sold-out stadium. There are millions of voices, but only a few manage to stand out. That’s where SEO steps in. Search Engine Optimization isn’t just some techy buzzword; it’s the reason your site gets found instead of lost in the noise.

    Think of SEO as your “You Belong With Me” moment. Your website already has the talent, the story, the personality. It just needs the right spotlight so the world (and Google) can see it. You can explore more about my work and projects on the home page.

    Why SEO Matters More Than Ever

    In 2025, SEO isn’t optional. With AI-powered search engines, voice queries, and algorithm updates rolling out faster than surprise albums, websites need strong optimization to survive. A well-optimized site:

    • Brings in organic traffic without draining your ad budget
    • Builds credibility and trust with your audience
    • Keeps you visible when your competitors are trying to shake you off

    And let’s be honest, showing up on page 10 of Google is like releasing a secret single and not telling anyone. Nobody’s going to find it.

    The Core of Good SEO (Swiftie Edition)

    1. Keywords Are Your Love Story

    The right keywords connect you with the right audience. Don’t stuff them everywhere; weave them naturally into your content. Think of keywords as the chorus in a song – clear, memorable, and repeated at just the right time.

    If you’re new to keyword research, check out my blog on web development SEO strategy for a step-by-step guide.

    2. Website Speed All Too Well

    If your site loads like a 10-minute ballad, users will bounce before the first verse. Optimize images, use caching, and make sure your hosting is reliable. Google loves websites that move swiftly.

    Related read: Why Web Performance Matters and How You Can Make Your Site Faster & WebAssembly 2025 – Performance & UX

    3. Mobile First Magic

    Most of your visitors are on mobile, scrolling while waiting for coffee or commuting. If your site isn’t mobile-friendly, it’s game over. Your design should adapt seamlessly, like Taylor switching eras on stage.

    4. Content That Hits Different

    Great SEO isn’t only technical. It’s about creating content that feels authentic and connects with your audience at first glance. A strong first impression can change everything, and I explored this in Enchanted to Meet Your Website if you’d like to dive deeper. And if you’re curious about how tech is changing the game, my blog on AI tools in software development dives into how developers are using AI to work smarter.

    For inspiration on creative content, read Vibe Coding with AI in Web Development

    5. Links Are Your Opening Acts

    Internal links guide users deeper into your site, while backlinks from credible sources give you authority. Think of them like tour support acts. The bigger the name that links to you, the more credibility you gain.

    (Example: Check out Google’s own SEO Starter Guide for a solid foundation.)

    Keeping Up With The Algorithm

    Google updates its algorithm as often as Taylor changes setlists. Instead of stressing, focus on fundamentals: valuable content, technical performance, and user experience. Trends will shift, but a strong foundation will keep your site from disappearing into the crowd.

    Key Takeaway

    SEO isn’t about chasing trends or gaming the system. It’s about building a website that belongs at the top because it delivers real value. With the right strategy, Google won’t be able to shake you off. So whether you’re a startup, freelancer, or small business, remember this: your site deserves to be seen. Play the long game, keep optimizing, and make sure your digital stage is as strong as your story. If you’re curious about how I can help, take a look at my services and let’s build something that even Google can’t shake off.