The Blogging Game Has Changed (Again!)
If you’ve been blogging for a while, you know the landscape shifts constantly. What worked five years ago might not cut it today. Google’s algorithms evolve, people’s attention spans shrink, and the way we consume content keeps changing. But when we think about blogging in 2025, one thing remains true: following blogging best practices can ensure a well-crafted blog that still drives traffic, establishes authority and turns readers into loyal customers. Are you thinking about starting a blog?
The question is, what are the best practices right now? Let’s break it down so you can keep your blog fresh, engaging, and working for your business.
Writing for Humans, Optimize for Google
Once upon a time, stuffing your blog post with keywords was the golden ticket to ranking. Not anymore. Search engines have gotten smarter, and they favor content that genuinely helps people. This means your blog should be written with your audience in mind first and SEO second.
For blogging best practices, use natural language. Think about how your audience talks and what they’re searching for. Instead of forcing in awkward keywords, use phrases that sound like something someone would actually type into Google.
Google also loves well-structured content. That means using headings (like this one!), short paragraphs, and sentences that don’t require a PhD to understand. The easier it is to read, the better.
Blog Headlines That Stop the Scroll
Your headline is the first impression. If it’s boring, vague, or too complicated, your potential reader is gone before they even click. The best headlines are clear, and intriguing, and promise something valuable.
Think about what would make you click. Would you read “How to Write a Blog” or “The Secret to Writing Blogs That Actually Get Read”? The second one sparks curiosity and makes a promise. That’s what you’re aiming for.
The Power of Storytelling
People love stories. They connect with them, remember them, and engage with them far more than with plain facts or instructions. Even if you’re writing about something technical, weave in a narrative. Maybe it’s a personal experience, a client success story, or an example that brings your point to life.
Storytelling also makes your blog posts more relatable. It reminds your readers that there’s a real person behind the words, not just another faceless website churning out content.
Keep It Conversational
Your blog is not a research paper. It’s a conversation between you and your reader. Drop the overly formal language and write like you talk. A casual tone makes your content more enjoyable and easier to digest.
If you wouldn’t say it out loud to a client, don’t write it. And don’t be afraid to sprinkle in some personality—your readers aren’t here for a textbook; they’re here for you.
Length Matters (But Not the Way You Think)
Once, blogging best practices used to include short-form blogs ruled. Then, long-form content became the favorite. Now? It’s about balance. Google tends to favor longer, in-depth posts, but only if they’re actually interesting. No one wants to read 2,000 words of fluff.
Write as much as you need to cover your topic thoroughly, but keep it engaging. If that’s 800 words, great. If it’s 1,500 words, also great. The key is making sure every sentence earns its place.
Internal Links: The Secret to Keeping Readers Around
A blog post is rarely a one-and-done deal. You want readers to stick around, explore your site, and eventually convert into customers. One of the best ways to do that? Internal linking.
Link to other relevant blog posts or pages on your site where it makes sense. It’s good for SEO, helps with navigation, and keeps people engaged with your content longer. Plus, it subtly guides them toward taking action, whether that’s learning more about your services or signing up for your newsletter.
Images, GIFs, and Videos—Oh My!
A wall of text is intimidating. Break it up with visuals. Images, GIFs, and videos can add humor, demonstrate a point, or just give the reader’s eyes a break.
Videos are especially powerful right now. A short clip explaining a concept can boost engagement and even improve your ranking. And if you’re worried about production quality, don’t be—authenticity often trumps high production value.
The Call to Action: Blogs Don’t Leave Readers Hanging
Every blog post should have a purpose. Maybe you want readers to book a call, sign up for a newsletter, check out another blog, or follow you on social media. Whatever it is, tell them!
Your CTA doesn’t have to be pushy, but it should be clear. Something as simple as “Want more marketing tips? Subscribe to our newsletter” can work wonders.
Consistency: The Unsexy Secret to Success
One great blog post won’t move the needle if it’s your only one. Blogging best practices is a long game, and consistency is key. That doesn’t mean you have to post every day, but set a schedule and stick to it.
Google rewards fresh content, and your audience will start expecting new posts. Whether it’s once a week or twice a month, the goal is to keep showing up.
Promotion: Because Hitting ‘Publish’ Isn’t Enough
You could write the best blog post in the world, but if no one sees it, what’s the point? Don’t just hit publish and hope for the best—promote it.
Share it on social media. Send it to your email list. Turn it into an Instagram post, a LinkedIn article, or a tweet thread. Repurpose it into a video or a podcast. The more ways you can get your content in front of people, the better.
Blogging in 2025: What Really Matters
Blogging isn’t dead. Far from it. But the rules keep evolving. Right now, what matters most is writing content that’s valuable, engaging, and optimized without feeling robotic. If you’re not sure about how to start a blog, hire a professional web developer.
If you can tell a good story, connect with your audience, and stay consistent, your blog will do more than just exist—it’ll thrive. And if you need help with strategy, design, or making sure your blog actually works for your business, well, you know who to call. SunnValley can help you manage your content and blog.