AI Blogging: 6 Steps to Write Blogs That Rank

Writing articles has never been easier, thanks to AI.

As a content writer, I use AI daily to brainstorm ideas, craft outlines, and conduct research. It streamlines the entire content creation process.

However, there’s a common misconception that AI-written content doesn’t rank well or deliver value to readers.

And that’s true—if you use it the wrong way.

Relying solely on AI to write an article often results in generic, low-quality content that can hurt your SEO and fail to engage readers.

But here’s the thing: I’ve successfully written AI-assisted articles that rank high on search engines. My approach is different, and I’m about to share it with you.

Want to learn the right way to use AI for content creation? Read on. By the end, you’ll know the techniques I use, along with some effective prompts to get the best results with ai blogging.

Let’s dive in.

1. Choose the right keyword

Before you start writing, focus on selecting a keyword with ranking potential. This is essential if you want your blog to perform well on search engines.

Ask yourself: Are people actively searching for this keyword?

It can be tricky to figure this out on your own, but AI tools can help you streamline this process. Tools like Semrush offer insights into keyword trends, search volumes, and competition.

If you’re just starting out and don’t have a budget, free tools like Ubersuggest and Google Keyword Planner are great options for generating ideas. Keep in mind, though, that free tools have limited features compared to paid ones.

When researching keywords, focus on these key factors:

Search intent

Search intent refers to understanding the reason behind someone’s search query. It’s about figuring out whether they’re looking for information, trying to visit a specific website, or ready to take action like making a purchase. To better understand this, search intent can be divided into three main types:

• Informational Intent: The user wants to learn something (e.g., “how to bake a cake”).
• Navigational Intent: The user is looking for a specific website (e.g., “Facebook login”).
• Transactional Intent: The user is ready to take action, such as buying a product or service (e.g., “buy running shoes online”).

Search engines prioritize content that matches the user’s intent. For example, if someone searches for “best laptops under $1000,” they’re likely expecting a comparison or buying guide rather than an in-depth technical analysis. To rank well, make sure your content aligns with what the user expects when they type in a specific query.

Search volume

Search volume shows how many people search for a keyword in a month. Tools like Semrush or Google Keyword Planner provide these numbers, helping you gauge a keyword’s popularity.

A high search volume means more potential traffic. For instance, a keyword with 10,000 monthly searches has more reach than one with 50. However, high-volume keywords often come with tough competition, so balance popularity with other factors like keyword difficulty.

Keyword difficulty

Keyword difficulty measures how hard it is to rank for a keyword. Tools calculate this based on factors like the strength of top-ranking websites and their backlinks.

A high difficulty score means intense competition, which can be tough if you’re just starting out. For example, competing against well-established websites for a highly competitive keyword is rarely a good strategy. Instead, focus on low to medium-difficulty keywords. These have less competition but still attract relevant traffic, giving you a better chance to rank.

• Once you’ve chosen a keyword that aligns with intent, volume, and difficulty, you’ll have a strong foundation to create a blog post that performs well. Remember, effective keyword research is the first step toward building content that stands out.

Pro Tip: When starting out, focus on keywords with low competition but decent traffic. These give you a better chance of ranking and building momentum. Avoid high-volume keywords as they often pit you against established giants like Forbes, making it harder for your content to stand out.

2. Create a Content Brief

Once you have a keyword, the next step is to dive deeper into the topic. This is where many people make mistakes when using AI for writing a blog. 

They skip the research phase and rely on AI to generate the entire article from a simple prompt. The result? Generic, surface-level content that fails to stand out or rank.

Research takes time, but it’s essential if you want your content to provide real value. 

Here’s how you can streamline the process and use AI effectively to create a strong content brief.

Research your topic

Start by searching your keyword on Google. Open the top five ranking articles in new tabs. 

Carefully analyze these articles to identify patterns and content structures. Look for:

• Common sections: What topics are consistently covered across these articles?
• Content gaps: Are there important areas or questions they didn’t address?
• Unique angles: How can you offer a fresh perspective or more value to your audience?

Saving these articles for detailed analysis will give you a clear idea of what works and what’s missing in existing content.

Use AI to analyze and structure the content

AI shines when it comes to processing and organizing large amounts of information. After you’ve identified the top-ranking articles, save each one as a PDF. You can do this by pressing CTRL + P (or Command + P on Mac) and selecting “Save as PDF.”

Next, upload these PDFs into ChatGPT or another AI tool that supports document analysis. This allows you to quickly identify trends, gaps, and potential sections for your blog post.

Here’s a powerful prompt to guide your AI:

*“I’ve uploaded five articles about [your topic]. Please analyze them and provide a detailed summary of the following:

1. Key sections and common topics covered in all articles.
2. Gaps or unanswered questions not addressed by any article.
3. Suggestions for how I can add unique value to my blog post.
4. A potential content outline for a blog post that aligns with the keyword [your keyword] while addressing these gaps and offering more value.”*

This prompt helps you extract actionable insights from your research and ensures your content brief is tailored, informative, and unique.

Creating a content brief based on real data ensures your blog post aligns with search intent and provides more value than competing content. This step sets the foundation for writing an article that stands out, ranks well, and genuinely helps your audience.

Tell ChatGPT To Create An Outline

After that, you can now ask ChatGPT to create an outline based on the analysis it provides. Here’s the prompt I used to for that:

Double check the outline and tweak it based on what you prefer. If it’s good enough, you can now proceed to the next step, which is writing the draft.

3. Write the First Draft with AI

Writing your first draft with the help of AI can be a game-changer, but it’s essential to approach it with strategy and focus. Begin by crafting a strong introduction—this is your chance to grab your reader’s attention and convince them your content is worth their time. The introduction should resonate with your audience and immediately address their intent or problem.

Don’t worry about sounding perfect at this stage; simplicity is key. Most readers prefer straightforward, accessible language—aim for a 6th to 7th-grade reading level. Anything more complex can feel overwhelming, especially for broader audiences.

One effective way to frame your introduction is by using the Problem, Agitate, Solution (PAS) format. This timeless method not only engages readers but also builds a sense of urgency and sets up the solution you’ll provide in your content. If you’re unfamiliar with PAS, here’s a quick breakdown:

• Problem. Start by highlighting the issue your readers face. This shows empathy and grabs their attention.
• Agitate. Delve deeper into the problem, evoking an emotional connection. This step emphasizes why the issue matters and why it needs addressing now.
• Solution. Present your content as the answer to their problem, giving readers a reason to continue.

For example:

• Problem: “Struggling to start your blog and feel overwhelmed by technical jargon?”
• Agitate: “You’re not alone—many aspiring bloggers give up before they even begin, feeling lost in a sea of options.”
• Solution: “This guide simplifies the process into actionable steps, so you can launch your blog with confidence today.”

Leverage AI tools to flesh out this framework, but always review and refine the output to align with your voice and ensure it feels human and relatable.

Ensure High-Quality Content

To elevate your AI-generated drafts, focus on making the content engaging and valuable for your readers. Here’s how:

• Inject Personal Touches. Share anecdotes or real-life examples that your audience can relate to. This builds trust and makes your content memorable.. For instance, if you’re explaining how to choose a blog niche, share your own experience with trial and error in picking yours.
• Avoid Robotic Tone. Use conversational language to make your content feel approachable. Phrases like “you’re not alone” or “let’s explore this together” create a sense of connection. Replace generic phrases with lively, relatable expressions that mirror everyday conversations.
• Offer Human-Centric Solutions. Go beyond theory. Highlight practical steps readers can implement right away. Example: Instead of just saying, “Pick a niche,” guide them through brainstorming their interests or using tools like Google Trends to validate ideas.

4. Optimize Your Post for SEO

Now that you’ve got your AI draft polished, it’s time to make sure your blog post gets noticed. This is where SEO comes in. Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it sounds. Start by figuring out the main keywords for your topic—these are the words people are typing into Google when looking for answers. Use tools like SurferSEO to help you find these keywords and naturally sprinkle them into your title, headings, and throughout the post. Keep it simple and readable by using short paragraphs, bullet points, and clear subheadings.

Next, let’s talk about your meta description—that little snippet under your blog link in search results. It’s your first chance to grab attention, so use AI to write a quick and catchy one with your main keyword. SurferSEO can also guide you on how long your post should be, where to place keywords, and even suggest related terms to make your content better. With these steps, you’re not just writing a blog—you’re creating something people will actually find and want to read.

5. Edit and Refine with AI Tools

You already optimized the article with SurferSEO, it’s time to polish it up. The content you’ve written can be improved by using tools like Grammarly or Hemingway to check for grammar mistakes and improve readability. These tools can catch small errors you might miss and help simplify complex sentences, making your content clearer and easier to read. AI tools can also highlight overused words and suggest better alternatives, helping your writing flow more naturally.

Once the AI has done its job, don’t forget the human touch. Take some time to manually review your post to ensure it feels original and aligns with your voice. Look for any awkward phrasing, double-check facts, and make sure your ideas connect smoothly from one section to the next. This final pass ensures that while AI helps with efficiency, your post remains authentic and engaging for your readers.

6. Publish and Promote Your Blog

With your blog post polished and ready to go, it’s time to hit that publish button—but not before double-checking a few things. Ensure your formatting is clean, your headings are clear, and your SEO settings (like meta descriptions and alt text for images) are in place. A well-organized post makes it easier for readers to follow and for search engines to rank.

Once published, promotion is key to getting your blog in front of the right audience. Use AI tools to draft engaging social media captions and email newsletters tailored to your audience. AI can even help you figure out the best times to share your content for maximum visibility. The more strategic you are with your promotion, the more readers you’ll attract and the faster your blog will grow.

The Bottom-line

AI tools make blog writing faster, smarter, and more strategic, but they work best when combined with human creativity and critical thinking. Follow these steps to create content that ranks high, resonates with your audience, and delivers tangible value. Start experimenting with AI today and watch your blog’s performance soar!

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