3 Steps to Build a Strong SEO and Content Strategy

ou probably want to rank on the first page of Google for your target keywords—and ideally in the top spot. That makes sense. Google still drives the majority of online search traffic, and most users never scroll past page one.

The challenge? There’s no shortcut to the top. Constant algorithm changes, Google Core Updates, and increasing competition mean SEO is an ongoing process—not a one-time task. Even with the right approach, top rankings can’t be guaranteed.

That’s why a well-planned SEO content marketing strategy is essential. Instead of chasing quick wins, the goal is to position your website as a trusted, reliable source that search engines want to show to users.

In this blog, we’ll break down three essential, content-focused steps to help you build an SEO strategy that gives you the best possible chance of ranking higher in search results.

What Is an SEO Content Marketing Strategy?

An SEO content marketing strategy is the process of researching, optimizing, and organizing your website content so it appears in search results when people are actively looking for answers.

Without a clear strategy, even well-written content can go unnoticed—buried deep in search engine results pages (SERPs) where your audience will never find it. A strong SEO content strategy ensures your content aligns with what users are searching for and how search engines evaluate relevance and quality.

How to Create Your SEO Content Marketing Strategy

1. Research and Target Relevant Keywords

Everything starts with keyword research. Begin by listing topics that matter most to your audience. Think about common questions customers ask, problems they’re trying to solve, and services or products you want to be found for.

Next, use those ideas to guide deeper research with tools like Semrush. Look for primary and secondary keywords that have solid search volume but manageable competition. Targeting less competitive, more specific keywords often leads to faster wins and higher-quality traffic.

Search intent is just as important as search volume. Ask yourself:

• Is the user looking for information?
• Are they comparing options?
• Are they ready to buy?

Understanding intent allows you to create content that matches what users actually want—making them more likely to click, engage, and convert.

2. Use Google’s EEAT Framework

Once you know what keywords to target, the next step is creating high-quality content around them. A proven approach is following Google’s E-E-A-T framework:
Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness.

While E-E-A-T isn’t a single ranking factor, it strongly influences how search engines evaluate content quality and credibility. Content that demonstrates real-world experience and expert insight is far more likely to perform well.

To strengthen E-E-A-T:

• Leverage subject-matter experts and real experience
• Focus on people-first content, not search engines
• Use visuals like images, videos, and infographics to improve clarity

Keyword placement also matters. Include primary keywords in page titles, H1s, meta descriptions, and image alt text. Use secondary keywords naturally throughout the body copy.

Structure your content with proper heading tags (H1, H2, H3) to improve readability and accessibility. One important rule: avoid keyword stuffing. Write naturally, prioritize clarity, and focus on value over forced optimization.

3. Organize Your Content Using Topic Clusters

One of the most effective ways to structure SEO content is with topic pillars and clusters.

A pillar page acts as a central hub that provides a broad overview of a main topic. Cluster pages then dive deeper into specific subtopics related to that pillar. Each cluster page links back to the pillar page, creating a clear content structure.

This approach helps search engines understand how your content is connected while also making it easier for users to navigate your site. Internal linking between related pages, services, or categories further strengthens SEO—so long as the links are relevant and useful.

Well-organized content improves crawlability, strengthens topical authority, and enhances the overall user experience.

Summary

Ranking on the first page of Google doesn’t happen overnight. But by targeting the right keywords, creating high-quality, people-first content, and organizing your site with a clear structure, you put your business on the right path for long-term SEO success.

At SEO Legends, we help businesses across the USA build and execute effective SEO and content strategies designed for sustainable growth. If you’re ready to improve your visibility and strengthen your online presence, reach out for a free SEO audit and take the first step toward better rankings.

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