Search engine optimization is a phrase that keeps on attracting attention—and there’s a reason. SEO is a crucial step before pressing “publish” on your blog post. It’s what puts you higher on Google’s ranking, making your blog one of the many to click on and continue reading.

If you don’t have a blog up and running already, then that’s step number one in this process, but once you have a handle on creating unique content, the next stage is learning to harness the power of SEO. Authentic blog posts are only one part of a thriving blog, so make sure you are getting the most out of your content creation with these search engine optimization tips.

1. Increase your word count

Short blog posts may take less time out of your busy day, but they don’t garner nearly as many results as those lengthier posts do. Spend some thought developing a stronger post with a higher word count (the goal should be 1,000-1,500 words), and you’re one step closer to achieving a better SEO score.

2. Select a strong keyword

Google’s Adwords Keyword Tool is a helpful tool in identifying keywords and staying on top of trends. But, bear in mind what your blog post is about, instead of plugging in every relevant keyword you can think of into your URL and description. By using a string of keywords, otherwise known as long-tail keywords, this can better optimize your content. This way, your blog appears to be more authentic to visitors. Think about your title, and the subject matter of your post, in order to effectively determine your long-tail keyword(s).

3. Be consistent

Maintaining an active blog is great not just for your business and to show your clients you are social media savvy, but it also benefits your SEO score. What industry events are happening in your area? Do you have strong testimonials from your clients that you could write about? Putting out consistent, thoughtful content is a fundamental aspect of improving your search engine ranking.

4. Use internal and external links

One of the biggest factors to mastering SEO is linking to external sources, as well as to other blog posts or resources on your website. Say you wrote a post about how to use social media to connect with leads. Link your social media outlets within the blog post, so your readers know to follow you, and any other prior blog posts that relate. If you use a social media statistic, link to the website where you found it. Focusing on building out your links on your blog is a crucial step to optimizing your ranking on Google.

5. Think about your audience

While key words matter, they aren’t the only thing important about SEO, or blogging, for that matter. Who is your key audience, and is your content tailored directly toward them? Think about that each time you go to draft content for your blog. Posts should be directly geared towards those daily or weekly visitors to your website. Search engine optimization is important, but the most important part of blogging is knowing who your audience is and molding your writing toward them. People don’t want to be thought of as robots, so aim to be personable and genuine with your content creation.

Blogging is crucial in today’s world, so make sure you’re taking advantage of all the internet has to offer by harnessing the power of search engine optimization.