Let’s clear something up straight away: blogging isn’t dead.

It’s not outdated. It’s not just for foodies, fashionistas, or full-time content creators. And no, TikTok hasn’t “replaced” it.

In fact, blogging has quietly remained one of the most effective SEO strategies around—and in 2025, it’s still delivering real results for small businesses across the UK.

If you’re a small business owner wondering whether to invest time or money into blogging—this post is for you. We’ll walk through exactly why blogging still matters, how it supports your visibility on Google, and what it can do for your brand, your traffic, and your sales.

There’s even an FAQ at the bottom for quick answers to common questions.

What Is SEO, and Why Does It Matter?

Let’s start with the basics.

SEO stands for Search Engine Optimisation, which is just a fancy way of saying “helping your website show up on Google when people search for stuff you do.”

Here’s an example: let’s say you run a dog grooming salon in Leeds. When someone searches “best dog groomer in Leeds,” you want your website right there on page one.

Why? Because:

• 90%+ of all search traffic goes to the first page of results

• Most people never scroll past the top few links

• Ranking highly = more clicks = more customers

And unlike social media, which disappears after 24 hours, Google searches are happening all the time, by people actively looking for solutions. You’re getting in front of customers when they’re ready to act.

That’s where blogging comes in.

What Blogging Does for Your SEO in 2025

So, what exactly makes blogging such an SEO gem?

1. It Gives Google More to Work With

Think of your website as a book. If it only has three pages (home, about, contact), Google doesn’t have much content to index or show to searchers.

But a blog? Every new post is like adding a fresh chapter. More pages = more chances to show up in search results.

2. You Can Target Long-Tail Keywords

These are the specific, less competitive phrases people actually type into Google, like:

• “How to fix a leaky tap under the kitchen sink”

• “What’s the best coffee machine for a small café?”

• “How to stop condensation on windows in winter UK”

Blog posts let you target these ultra-specific searches. They may have fewer searches than broad terms like “coffee machine,” but they bring high-intent traffic—people actively looking for answers or to buy.

3. You Keep Your Website Fresh

Google loves fresh content. It tells the algorithm your site is alive, relevant, and trustworthy.

Updating your blog regularly is like waving at Google to say, “Hey, still here—come and take another look.”

Blogs Keep Visitors on Your Site Longer (Which Google Likes)

When someone clicks through to your blog and sticks around for a few minutes to read it, Google takes note.

This is called dwell time—and while it’s not a direct ranking factor, it’s a strong signal that your content is useful and engaging.

The longer someone stays, the better the impression your site makes.

And if your blog includes links to other helpful articles, products, or services? Even better. You're building a content journey that keeps people engaged with your brand.

Blogging Builds Trust and Authority

Let’s be honest—most people don’t buy the first time they visit your website.

They want to suss you out first. Make sure you're the real deal. Understand what you offer and how it helps them.

That’s where a blog can do a lot of heavy lifting.

By consistently publishing helpful, thoughtful content, you position yourself as someone who knows their stuff. Someone they can trust. Someone they feel good about buying from or working with.

In 2025, trust is more important than ever online. Blogging is one of the best ways to build that trust before the first conversation even happens.

Blog Posts Fuel Your Entire Marketing Strategy

Here’s the bit a lot of people miss:

A blog isn’t just a blog. It’s content that can be used everywhere.

Write one 1,500-word post and you can turn it into:

• A week’s worth of social media content

• A how-to video

• An Instagram Reel

• A LinkedIn article

• A tip in your email newsletter

• A mini ebook or download

• Talking points for a podcast or interview

And because blog content is evergreen, it keeps working for you long after it’s published. One blog you write in April could still be bringing in leads next Christmas.

Blogging Is Your Best Friend in a “Helpful Content” World

Google’s recent algorithm updates (especially the “Helpful Content Update”) have made one thing very clear:

Google prioritises content written for humans, not algorithms.

So forget keyword stuffing, or churning out bland, AI-written articles by the dozen.

The blogs that rank in 2025 are:

• Useful – they solve real problems or answer real questions

• Trustworthy – they reflect your expertise and experience

• Clear – they’re easy to read, scan, and understand

• Engaging – they reflect your brand voice and personality

A good blog helps both your readers and your SEO rankings. It’s a win-win.

How Often Should You Blog?

The golden rule is: be consistent.

If you can blog weekly, great. If fortnightly is more realistic, that’s fine too. The key is to publish regularly, so Google (and your readers) know your site isn’t gathering dust.

And if you're outsourcing your blog? Make sure you're working with someone who understands your voice, your audience, and how SEO really works in practice—not just in theory.

Does Blogging Still Work If You’re a Local Business?

Absolutely. In fact, blogging can give you a serious edge if you’re competing locally.

Let’s say you’re a driving instructor in Nottingham. You could write:

• “How to Pass Your Driving Test First Time in Nottingham”

• “Top 5 Mistakes New Drivers Make (and How to Avoid Them)”

• “What to Expect on Your Driving Test at Colwick Test Centre”

These posts are packed with local intent—and they position you as the go-to expert in your area.

Add internal links to your services, sprinkle in a few calls-to-action, and boom—you’ve got blog content that builds traffic and converts.

What About AI? Can It Write My Blogs?

AI tools have come a long way, and they’re useful—no doubt about it.

They can help with:

• Blog outlines

• Keyword suggestions

• Drafting intros and summaries

• Generating FAQs or title ideas

But they’re not magic.

AI still lacks human insight, nuance, and originality. It can’t capture your tone of voice, or explain why you, specifically, are the right choice for your customers.

And in 2025, Google is cracking down on generic, AI-written content. So if you’re going to use it, always add your own voice, stories, and expertise.

How to Write Blog Posts That Actually Work (and Rank)

Here’s a simple blog-writing framework you can follow:

Step 1: Pick a Topic Your Customers Care About

Think about questions they ask, problems they face, or things they search for online.

Step 2: Do Some Keyword Research

Tools like Google’s Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, or AnswerThePublic can help you find related terms and phrases.

Step 3: Write for Humans

Use plain language. Break up your content with subheadings, bullet points, and images. Keep it friendly and helpful.

Step 4: Optimise for SEO

• Include your main keyword in the title, URL, intro, and a couple of subheadings

• Add internal links to your products, services, or other posts

• Use alt text for images

• Don’t forget your meta description!

Step 5: Include a Call-to-Action

Tell your reader what to do next. Book a call. Get a quote. Sign up to your list. Make it easy!

FAQ: Blogging and SEO in 2025

1. Is blogging still worth it with all the new digital trends?

Absolutely. While platforms come and go, search engines are still where people go when they need something. Blogging helps you show up in those searches.

2. How long should my blog posts be?

Aim for 1,200–2,000 words if you're covering a topic in depth. But remember: quality beats quantity every time.

3. Can I write my blogs myself?

Yes, if you enjoy writing and have the time. But many business owners prefer to outsource to a content writer or SEO service so they can focus on running the business.

4. What’s the difference between blogging and website content?

Website content (like your homepage or services page) is static. Blogging is dynamic—it’s your ongoing conversation with customers and Google.

5. How do I measure if it’s working?

Use tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to track:

• Organic traffic (visitors from Google)

• Keyword rankings

• Time on page

• Conversions (enquiries, sales, signups)

6. Do I need images in my blog posts?

Yes! Images break up the text, support your points, and can help with SEO when optimised correctly.

Blogging Still Works—If You Work It

Blogging isn’t a quick fix. It’s a strategy.

It builds momentum, grows your visibility, and brings people to your business who might never have found you otherwise.

In 2025, the small businesses that blog consistently—and do it well—are the ones reaping the rewards:

• More traffic

• More trust

• More enquiries

• More sales

So if you’ve been on the fence about blogging, consider this your sign. Start small. Stay consistent. Focus on being helpful, and let the SEO follow.

And if writing isn’t your thing—or you’d rather leave the SEO to someone else—there are people (like us!) who can do it for you.

Need help creating blogs that actually get found on Google and convert visitors into customers?
We’d love to help. Get in touch for a free chat, no pressure.