How to Turn Blog Posts Into Automated Marketing Powerhouses

Written By Imani Murrell

I've been refreshing some of my internal systems and realized how powerful a blog post can be when it's done right—not just for visibility, but for supporting automation, trust-building, and client education. This guide was originally created for a client, but I realized it could help other founders, freelancers, and marketers who want their content to actually do something.

I get it—blogging can feel a little outdated. Between TikTok trends, AI tools, and shrinking attention spans, you might be wondering, “Does anyone even read blog posts anymore?” And honestly? Only the good ones. The ones that are helpful, human, and connected to a bigger system. This guide is about how to make blogging feel worth it again—by showing you how each post can actually support your business, not just sit on your site collecting digital dust.

Here’s a simple, smart approach to blogging with purpose.

Why Blog?

You know you should be blogging—but do you understand exactly what it’s doing for your business?

Blogging isn’t just a box to check. When done well, it becomes one of your most powerful business tools. Here’s why:

  • Builds trust and educates: Blog content answers your audience’s questions before they even reach out. It shows that you’re an expert who genuinely wants to help.

  • Boosts discoverability: Search engines love fresh, keyword-rich content. Every blog is a chance to be found by new clients.

  • Helps clients make decisions: A blog post can be the nudge someone needs to take action—whether that’s booking, buying, or subscribing.

  • Supports your marketing automation: Blog content can be repurposed in welcome emails, educational sequences, seasonal campaigns, and reactivation flows.

  • Establishes authority: Consistent, thoughtful content positions your brand as a leader in your industry or local market.

In short: blogging builds visibility, trust, and momentum.

Should You Even Be Blogging? (A Gut Check)

If you're wondering whether blogging is still worth your time, ask yourself:

  • Do I have a clear audience and know what they need help with?

  • Do I already have (or want to build) email flows, automations, or offers this content can support?

  • Am I willing to create thoughtful content consistently (even monthly)?

  • Do I have a system for repurposing content across channels (email, IG, etc.)?

  • Do I want to be seen as a thought leader, educator, or go-to expert in my niche?

  • If you answered yes to at least 3 of these, blogging is probably a smart move for your brand.

SEO Best Practices for Blog Posts (2025 Edition)

1. Start with Strategy: Choose the Right Keywords

Use tools like:

  • Google Search Console – helps you monitor how your site appears in search results and which keywords people are using to find it.

  • Ubersuggest, AnswerThePublic – generate keyword ideas, questions, and content topics based on real search queries.

  • ChatGPT – a fast, creative way to brainstorm keyword variations or content angles around your topic.

Look for:

  • Primary keyword: the main thing your audience searches for

  • Secondary keywords: variations, questions, synonyms

  • Local terms: if you serve a specific geographic area

Example:
Topic: Booking a first consultation
Primary: "what to expect during a consultation"
Secondary: "how to prepare," "what questions to ask," "consultation process for [industry]"

Another Example:
Topic: Choosing a website builder
Primary: "best website builder for small business"
Secondary: "Wix vs Squarespace," "features to look for in a website platform," "how to choose a website builder"

2. Structure the Post Clearly

Use an easy-to-follow layout. As a general guide, your intro should be 1–2 short paragraphs, and the body should aim for 600–1,000 words depending on the depth of the topic:

  • H1 title: just one per post, with your main keyword

  • H2s and H3s: to break up the content

  • Intro: what they’ll get + keyword

  • Body: answer real questions, use examples, make it skimmable

  • Conclusion: soft CTA + internal links

3. On-Page SEO Elements

Before publishing, ensure your blog post checks off these essential on-page SEO elements. These technical details help search engines understand your content and improve your chances of ranking well.

  • Title Tag: 55–60 characters, includes keyword

  • Meta Description: 140–160 characters, compelling and clear

  • URL: Short and clean (e.g. /how-to-book)

  • Images: Use descriptive file names and keyword-rich alt text

  • Internal Links: Point to relevant services or past blog posts

  • External Links: Link to helpful, credible sources when needed

  • Mobile-Friendly: Make sure it reads well on phones

  • Readability: Grade 7–8 reading level is best for most audiences

4. Write for Humans First

  • Be helpful, not robotic

  • Speak your client’s language

  • Share real-world insights, tips, and expertise

5. Make It Engaging

  • End with a question

  • Invite readers to book, explore more, or subscribe

  • Link to resources, quizzes, downloads, or related services

6. Bonus: Local SEO Tips

  • Mention your city or neighbourhood in relevant posts

  • Embed a Google Map on your contact or service pages

  • Tie content to local events, seasonal concerns, or trends

7. Post-Publish Checklist

  • Share via your newsletter and social media

  • Add to your Google Business Profile

  • Ask trusted clients or partners to comment

  • Update regularly (even annually) with new CTAs, products, or tips

How Your Blog Supports Automation

Once your blog is live, it becomes a powerful tool within your marketing automation strategy.

For example:

  • A blog about first-time consultations can be linked in a welcome sequence to ease new clients into booking

  • A blog on seasonal self-care can power a quarterly email campaign

  • A blog addressing common objections (like fear, cost, or misinformation) can be used in re-engagement flows

  • A blog answering "what to expect" after a service can be embedded into post-appointment emails

  • A general how-to blog can support education and soft upsells without sounding salesy

Each blog should be crafted with automation in mind:

  • Where can this blog support someone’s decision-making journey?

  • How might we use it to educate, re-engage, or upsell—organically?

Wrapping It Up

Blogging in 2025 isn’t just about putting content out there—it’s about being intentional, strategic, and helpful. When done right, your blog becomes a bridge between visibility and trust, between interest and action.

Whether you’re writing your first post or refreshing your approach, this guide gives you the structure and clarity to turn your blog into a powerful part of your marketing strategy.

Pro tip: Before hitting publish, ask yourself:
“How will this blog support someone’s decision-making journey?”

If it does that—it’s doing its job.

Imani Murrell