SEO Made Practical: Simple Steps That Actually Move the Needle
Want your posts to stop hiding on page two? Start with clear search intent and a tidy on-page setup. SEO isn't magic — it's a set of actions you can repeat. Below are concrete steps you can apply today plus ChatGPT prompts that save time without losing accuracy.
Quick SEO checklist
Pick one keyword phrase per page and match user intent (informational, transactional, navigational). Use that phrase in the title tag, a headline, the URL slug, and naturally in the first 100 words. Keep title tags around 50–60 characters and meta descriptions around 120–155 characters so they don’t get cut off in results.
Structure content with H1 and H2 headings. Break long blocks into short paragraphs and use bullet lists for steps or takeaways. Aim for 800–1,500 words on comprehensive topics; shorter pages can rank if they satisfy intent precisely. Add internal links to related posts and one strong external source to back factual claims.
Optimize images: compress files, use descriptive filenames, and write concise alt text that includes the keyword when relevant. Improve load speed by lazy-loading images and minimizing heavy scripts. Mobile-first: check that buttons and text are readable on small screens.
ChatGPT prompts that save hours
ChatGPT can speed up repetitive SEO tasks. Use specific prompts that include your keyword, target audience, and tone. Examples that work:
"Write a 140-character meta description for [KEYWORD] aimed at small business owners that highlights speed and simplicity."
"Create a content outline for a 1,200-word article about [KEYWORD] with H2s, H3s, and three FAQ questions readers might ask."
"Rewrite this paragraph for clarity and SEO using the target phrase [KEYWORD] twice, keep voice friendly and active: [PASTE PARAGRAPH]."
Use ChatGPT to generate alt text, suggest internal links from a list of post titles, or draft A/B headline variants. Always run the AI output through a human check: verify facts, tweak for brand voice, and check keyword stuffing. AI helps with speed; you still own accuracy and judgment.
One extra tactic: create a short FAQ section targeting featured-snippet style queries. Find common questions in People Also Ask or search suggestions, then answer them clearly in 40–60 words. Those answers often win the snippet spot and drive clicks.
Finally, track performance. Use Search Console to see what queries bring impressions and clicks, then update underperforming pages by improving headings, adding fresh examples, or expanding sections readers care about. Small edits can lift a page significantly over weeks.
Follow these steps, use focused ChatGPT prompts, and keep measuring. You’ll spend less time guessing and more time improving pages that actually rank.