How to Write an SEO Blog Post That Ranks on Google

Each blog post should target one specific keyword. Choose a keyword that:

• Has clear search intent (someone searching this wants information, not to buy)
• Has at least 50 to 200 monthly searches in Malaysia
• Has competition you can beat – search it on Google and if the first page is all government sites, Wikipedia and major multinationals, find a more specific variation
• Is relevant to your business – it should attract your target customer

Good examples for a Cybergate blog: “how to protect your business from ransomware Malaysia”, “Microsoft 365 vs Google Workspace for small business Malaysia”, “signs your business needs managed IT support”.

Search your target keyword on Google. Open and read the top 3 to 5 results. For each, note:

• What headings and topics they cover
• Approximately how long the article is
• What questions they answer (and what they miss)
• What type of content (how-to, list, comparison, opinion)
• What images or visuals they include

Your goal is to write a better, more complete, more useful version. Cover everything they cover, add what they missed, and make it more readable and accurate. This is called the Skyscraper technique.

Google uses headings to understand your content structure. Use:

• H1: Article title – include the target keyword. One H1 per post only.
• H2: Main sections. Include the target keyword in at least one H2. Use clear, descriptive headings that could stand alone as a question or topic.
• H3: Sub-sections within H2 sections.

Write your intro (first 100 to 150 words) to clearly state: what this article is about, who it is for, and what they will learn. Include the focus keyword in the first 100 words.

Write for your reader first, Google second:

• Use short paragraphs – 2 to 4 sentences maximum. Long paragraphs lose readers on mobile.
• Use bullet points and numbered lists for multi-part answers
• Include practical examples from Malaysian business contexts where relevant
• Use images with descriptive file names and alt text
• Include your keyword naturally in the first paragraph, in at least one H2, and 2 to 3 times in the body text – but never forced
• Answer the question completely – do not leave the reader needing to search again

After writing, open Rank Math in the WordPress editor:

• Focus Keyword: Set your target keyword
• SEO Title: Include keyword near the start, under 60 characters
• Meta Description: 140-160 characters, keyword included, clear value statement
• URL Slug: Short, keyword-based (e.g. /how-to-protect-business-ransomware-malaysia/)

Before publishing:

• Add 2 to 4 internal links to other relevant pages on your website. This helps Google understand site structure and keeps readers engaged. Example: a blog post about ransomware protection links to your Cybersecurity services page.
• Add 1 to 2 external links to authoritative sources (Microsoft documentation, MCMC, CyberSecurity Malaysia). External links to credible sources signal that your content is well-researched.
• Add a clear call to action at the end – contact us for a free assessment, read related article, request a quote.