The writers whose blog posts rank are not necessarily the best writers. They're the ones who follow a system: research the SERP before writing, outline before drafting, write in simple language, optimize for keywords and links, and edit ruthlessly. They don't rely on talent; they follow a repeatable process. This post covers the 12 habits that separate ranking bloggers from the rest.
The 12 blog writing habits that work
1. Research the SERP before you write
Don't write until you've analyzed the top 10 results for your keyword.
What to look for:
- What headings do they use?
- What word count do they target?
- What questions do they answer?
- What do they get wrong (your opportunity)?
Tool: Frase or manual research
Time: 10 minutes per post
This single step will improve your ranking more than any other habit. You're writing with the SERP context instead of guessing.
2. Write an outline before drafting
Don't open a blank document and start writing. Outline first.
Outline structure:
I. Main keyword and why it matters
II. First sub-topic (H2)
A. Point 1
B. Point 2
C. Link to related post
III. Second sub-topic (H2)
A. Point 1
B. Point 2
IV. Etc.
V. Conclusion
Why: Outlining forces you to organize your thoughts before writing. You'll write faster, write clearer, and produce fewer revisions.
Tool: Google Docs, Notion, or AI outline generator (Claude)
Time: 20-30 minutes per post
3. Include your keyword in the first 100 words
Your main keyword should appear naturally in your H1 and in the introduction.
Good: H1 includes "blog writing," intro mentions "blog writing tips" once naturally.
Bad: Main keyword doesn't appear until the third section.
Google reads left to right, and the first 100 words are weighted more heavily. Don't bury your keyword.
4. Write for grade 8 reading level
Simpler writing is more powerful and ranks better.
Complex: "The implementation of strategic keyword placement methodologies necessitates a comprehensive understanding of search algorithm dynamics."
Simple: "To rank, you need to include your keyword in the title and first paragraph."
Tool: Hemingway Editor (free or paid) grades your readability level.
Rule: Use short sentences (under 15 words). Use common words instead of fancy alternatives. Explain jargon when you use it.
5. Use bullet points and numbered lists
People scan blogs; they don't read every word.
Without lists:
"There are several factors to consider when writing a blog. First, you need a keyword. Second, you need an outline. Third, you need to research the SERP."
With lists:
Here are three steps to writing a blog:
- Pick a keyword
- Outline your points
- Research the SERP
The same content is easier to scan with lists.
6. Internal link naturally (3-7 per post)
Link to related posts on your site when it fits naturally.
Bad practice: "I've written more about blog writing. Click here for more tips." (Generic link)
Good practice: "As we covered in our post on blog title, the outline step saves time." (Specific, contextual)
Don't force links. Link when the reader would benefit from seeing the related content.
7. Link to authoritative sources (2-5 per post)
Citing sources increases credibility with readers and Google.
What to link to:
- Original research (not an article summarizing research)
- Credible publications and databases
- Primary sources when possible
- Author sites (not link farms or thin content)
Bad: Linking to "SEO tips roundup" #42 that summarizes other people's advice
Good: Linking to Ahrefs' original traffic study or Google's own documentation
8. Write short paragraphs (3-5 sentences max)
Long paragraphs intimidate readers and are harder to scan.
Bad (long paragraph):
"There are many different types of blog posts you can write, including how-to posts, listicle posts, comparison posts, opinion pieces, news, and round-ups. Each type serves a different purpose and appeals to different readers. How-to posts help readers solve a problem. Listicle posts give readers a quick overview of multiple options. Comparison posts help readers choose between options. Understanding your audience and what they need will help you pick the right type."
Good (short paragraphs):
"There are many types of blog posts:
How-to posts: Help readers solve a problem.
Listicle posts: Give a quick overview of options.
Comparison posts: Help readers choose between options.
Pick the format that matches your audience's need."
9. Use subheadings (H2, H3) to break up content
Readers scan for headings. Good headings act as guideposts.
Bad:
[3,000 words under a single H2]
Good:
H2: Blog Writing Tips
H3: Research the SERP first
H3: Write an outline
H3: Keep paragraphs short
H3: Edit ruthlessly
10. Edit ruthlessly (cut 10-20%)
First drafts are always too long.
Editing pass 1: Cut vague sections, remove repetition, delete tangents.
Editing pass 2: Tighten sentences, cut filler words (really, very, just, actually).
Editing pass 3: Read aloud to catch awkward phrasing.
Target: Cut 10-20% of the draft. You'll often be surprised at what you don't need.
11. Include data and examples
Vague claims don't convince readers. Data and examples do.
Vague: "Blog posts with keywords rank better."
Better: "Blog posts that include the target keyword in the first 100 words rank, on average, two positions higher than posts that don't."
Use original research when possible, cite sources, include screenshots or case studies.
12. Optimize for your featured snippet
If there's a featured snippet in the SERP, optimize your post to win it.
Featured snippet types:
- Paragraph: 40-60 word summary of the question
- List: 5-10 item bulleted or numbered list
- Table: Data comparison
- Video: YouTube embed
How to optimize: Match the format of the featured snippet, answer the question specifically, use proper heading hierarchy.
The writing workflow that works
- Research (10 min): SERP analysis, keyword, outline
- Draft (30-45 min): Write from outline, include links, don't edit while writing
- Edit (15-20 min): Cut 10-20%, tighten prose, check for typos
- Publish (10 min): Add metadata, featured image, schedule
Total: 1-1.5 hours per post
Verdict
Blog writing tips don't matter if you don't have a system. The writers who rank follow these 12 habits:
- Research the SERP
- Outline before writing
- Include your keyword early
- Write simply
- Use lists and bullets
- Internal link naturally
- Cite authoritative sources
- Use short paragraphs
- Use subheadings
- Edit ruthlessly
- Include data
- Optimize for featured snippets
Use this list as your checklist for every post. After three posts, these habits will be automatic.
Want help following these tips?
Outshipper builds these habits into every post: SERP research, outline, clear writing, internal links, and SEO optimization.
Free plan: 3 posts/month, up to 1,000 words, no card. Pro: $19/month (currently 50% off at $9.50/mo) with 200,000 words.
