When I first started learning about keywords for bloggers, I honestly thought I’d need a diploma in SEO and a master’s in decoding Google’s brain. Everyone online made it sound like I had to map out a content strategy like I was planning a moon landing.
Me? Not quite there yet.
If you’re also in the “still growing” phase — whether you’re aiming for income, authority, or just people who actually read your stuff — keywords can help people find you. Simple as that.
This isn’t about turning you into an SEO expert.
It’s about showing you how to use keywords without wanting to scream into your keyboard.
So, what actually is a keyword?
Nothing fancy.
A keyword is just what someone types into Google when they’re trying to find something.
Think of it like this:
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Keyword: “Blog” → so broad it’s almost useless.
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Long-tail keyword: “how to start a blog for beginners in 2025” → much more useful.
Longer, more specific phrases = less competition, more chance of getting seen by the right people.
They’re basically your digital breadcrumbs that lead readers to your blog.
Why keywords matter (especially in the beginning)
Let’s say you’ve just started your blog. You’ve got 3 posts, 4 readers (you, your friend, and maybe someone who Googled the wrong thing), and a dream.
You don’t have an email list.
You’re not on page 1 of Google.
And social media? Hit and miss depending on whether the algorithm’s feeling generous.
This is where keywords help.
They tell search engines:
“Oi, this post is about starting a blog — send people here when they’re looking for that.”
You’re basically giving Google a signpost. And the more helpful, relevant, and clear your content is? The more likely Google is to send traffic your way.
If you’re learning about keywords for bloggers, it’s easy to feel like there’s a “right” way to do it — and a million wrong ones.
Where to stick your keywords (without sounding like a robot)
This is where people either give up or go full keyword-stuffing bonkers.
Here’s the human-friendly version:
Use your main keyword:
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In your blog post title
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In the first paragraph (early on, naturally)
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In at least one subheading
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In the image alt text (a short image description)
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In your meta description (the little summary that shows in search results)
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In the blog post URL (aka the “slug”)
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A few times in the body — but only where it makes sense
“Trying to force a keyword in every sentence is like seasoning your dinner with an entire tub of salt. Just… no.”
How to find keywords (without spending a penny)
Here’s what I use and recommend for beginners:
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Google Search bar — Start typing and see what it auto-suggests
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AnswerThePublic.com — Great for finding questions people are asking
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Google Trends — See what’s on the rise (or totally dead)
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Ubersuggest (free version) — Get keyword difficulty and alternatives
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Or just ask yourself: “What would I type into Google if I wanted to find this blog post?”
Don’t overcomplicate it.
Tools are helpful, but they’re not the boss of you.
💡 Bonus:
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and just want someone to show you what to do — step by step, no fluff, no hype — I highly recommend MAP, the program I use when I need clarity (and a nudge).
I found it after getting fed up with stitching together random YouTube advice that never actually helped — and after spending a fortune on course after course, getting nowhere.
Honestly, I was just spinning my wheels in a car park, going in circles with no exit in sight.
MAP gives you proper beginner-friendly guidance on how to build an online business, understand affiliate marketing, and get things set up without needing to be a tech wizard.
When to stop overthinking it and just press publish
This is important.
Keyword research is useful, yes. But if you let it slow you down, overcomplicate everything, or make you feel like you need to do six hours of prep before writing anything — bin it.
Your job is to:
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Write clearly
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Help your reader
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Use keywords where they naturally fit
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Keep going
That’s it.
“You’re not writing a dissertation for Google. You’re writing for real people who want clear answers.”
Learn the basics, use them gently, and move on.
One more thing…
One of my mentors has been in the game since 2006 and doesn’t even bother with SEO anymore — because they’ve already built their brand.
But for the rest of us? Until you’re known, or the money’s coming in, or people are seeking you out by name — SEO can do a bit of the heavy lifting for you.
It’s a helpful sidekick. That’s all. Use it, but don’t bow to it.
Quick Recap:
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Keywords are the words your readers are typing into Google — and using them right helps people find your blog without relying on social media.
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Use them in your title, intro, headings, alt text, URL, and meta
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Focus on long-tail phrases when you’re starting out
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Don’t obsess — just help the reader and move on
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Keep blogging — each post is another chance to be found
📥 Want a simple blog setup checklist to go with this?
Grab my free Blogging Starter Checklist — it shows you where to put your keywords and how to skip the fluff.
✍️Want no-fluff tips for building your online biz?
If this post gave you a lightbulb moment or a sigh of relief, you’re not alone — that’s exactly why I started sharing what I’ve learned.
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💬 Over to You:
What’s one thing you’ve always wondered (or worried) about when it comes to SEO or using keywords?
Drop it in the comments — I’m all ears and no judgment.
SHARE – If this made keywords feel a bit less scary, share it with someone else who’s been stuck Googling “what the hell is SEO” on repeat.
