How to Write Blog Posts That Get Found by Google, ChatGPT, and Real Readers
Blogging isn’t just about Google anymore. With AI tools answering questions instantly, your content needs to rank in search and get picked up by AI. This SEO + AEO template helps you do both—so your blog gets seen, cited, and shared.
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) gets you found on search engines through keywords, strong headlines, and clear structure.
AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) helps your content surface in AI responses by answering questions clearly, using conversational formatting, and building credibility.
By writing with both in mind, you reach real readers and increase your chances of being highlighted by AI. This template walks you through how to do both—step by step—so your blog stands out in search results and AI summaries alike.
TL;DR: Get Found by Search and AI
This post shares a step-by-step blog template to help your content rank on Google (SEO) and get cited by AI tools like ChatGPT (AEO).
- Use a clear, keyword-focused title
- Add a summary box near the top
- Start with a strong hook
- Break into structured, actionable sections
- Include visuals or real-world examples
- End with a clear call to action
A Quick Note on Emojis
This post uses a few emojis—something I don’t usually do. Why?
✅ They highlight key takeaways
🧠 They convey tone (tips, warnings, etc.)
👀 They improve scanability on mobile
For a longer post like this, they work. I tested the post with and without them, and found that the emojis made it easier to skim, especially on smaller screens.
🟨 1. Start with a Clear, Searchable Title
Your blog title still matters. Use it to:
Target a real search query (use Google autocomplete or AnswerThePublic)
Be clear, not clever, so the audience instantly knows what the content is about, what problem it solves, or what value it delivers
Include a main keyword early on so search engines and humans understand what the content is about
Example:
✅ How to Use the SIFT Method to Evaluate Online Information
🚫 Don’t Get Fooled Again: Teaching Kids About Fake News
🧠 2. Add a TL;DR or “Key Takeaways” Box
Put a summary box right after the title with quick bullet points or a 2–3 sentence recap. This allows:
AI to easily “understand” your content
Readers to get immediate value
Search previews and snippets to pull clean summaries
💡Pro tip: Use simple language and highlight verbs. These summaries often get featured in Google or AI tool outputs.
✍️ 3. Write a Hook That Shows Relevance + Authority
In the introduction:
Address a problem your audience cares about
Show that you get it or have experience with it
Preview what your post will offer
This part builds trust and expertise, which are two qualities AI systems prioritize when surfacing content.
🧩 4. Break Down the Core Content into Actionable Sections
Use clear H2 headers and keep paragraphs short (2–4 lines max). Focus each section around:
A tip or strategy
A prompt or example
A real-world application
💡 Pro tip: Use bullet points, prompts, templates, or visuals whenever possible—these are easily extracted and cited by AI tools.
🖼️ 5. Include Visuals or Templates
Don’t just write—show. Add:
Infographics
Screenshots or student examples
Downloadable PDFs, Google Docs, or Canva templates
Visuals make your post more engaging and harder for AI to fully replicate, keeping people coming back to your site.
🧠 6. End with a Clear Call to Action (CTA)
After your conclusion, invite readers to:
Download something
Subscribe to your list
Try a strategy and comment
Share the post with colleagues
💡 Pro Tip: A strong CTA increases engagement and conversions, and signals to AI that your post has intent and value.
🔍 7. Don’t Skip the Meta Tags
If your platform allows it (like WordPress with Yoast or Squarespace), add custom meta titles and descriptions.
Meta Title: Keep it under 60 characters. Focused, clear, and keyword-rich.
Meta Description: 1–2 sentences summarizing the value of the post. Include keywords naturally. Max ~160 characters.
📌 Final Tips for Success
Update regularly. AI and SEO are evolving fast. Keep your evergreen posts (content that remains relevant over an extended period) fresh.
Interlink your posts. Link to related blogs to increase authority and dwell time.
Be a thought partner. The more you offer unique insights (not just summaries), the more valuable your content becomes to both readers and AI engines.