Let’s face it, as a small business owner, you’re juggling a million things at once. Between managing your team, serving customers, and trying to remember where you left your coffee, the last thing you need is a complicated guide to blogging. But here’s the good news, creating blog articles that rank in Google doesn’t have to be rocket science. In fact, you can learn a lot from the pros—HubSpot and Ahrefs—who’ve mastered the art of ranking content.
So, grab your coffee (or tea, we don’t judge), and let’s break down the blog article formats that rank in Google and how you can use them to grow your small business website.
Quick Context: Who Are HubSpot and Ahrefs?
- HubSpot: A leading marketing platform that helps businesses grow through tools for SEO, content marketing, and customer relationship management (CRM). They’re known for their educational blogs and resources.
- Ahrefs: A powerful SEO toolset used by marketers to analyze websites, track rankings, and research keywords. They also publish highly actionable blogs about SEO and content marketing.
Why Blog Article Format Matters (Yes, Even for Small Businesses)
Think of your blog like your storefront. If it’s messy and hard to navigate, customers will leave. But if it’s clean, inviting, and easy to explore, they’ll stick around—and maybe even buy something. The same goes for your blog. A well-structured article,
- Keeps readers engaged (no snoozing allowed).
- Helps Google understand what your content is about.
- Makes you look like the rockstar business owner you are.
Ready to dive in? Let’s go!
1. Comprehensive, Long-Form Content (The “Everything but the Kitchen Sink” Format)
HubSpot and Ahrefs love long-form content—think 2,000+ words of pure value. These articles are like the Costco of blog posts, they’ve got everything you need in one place.
Why It Works for Small Businesses
- It shows Google you’re an authority on the topic.
- It answers all the questions your customers might have (no more “I’ll just Google it” moments).
Example for Small Businesses
Imagine you run a bakery. Instead of writing a short post like “How to Bake Bread,” you could create a “Ultimate Guide to Baking Artisan Bread at Home” that covers,
- Tools you need (spoiler, you don’t need a $500 stand mixer).
- Step-by-step instructions (with pics of your delicious creations).
- Troubleshooting tips (because we’ve all had a loaf turn into a brick).
Pro Tip Don’t just throw words on a page. Use subheadings, bullet points, and visuals to make it easy to read. And hey, if you can sneak in a joke about how your first loaf looked like a shoe, even better.
2. How-To Guides and Tutorials (The “Let Me Show You How It’s Done” Format)
How-to guides are the Swiss Army knives of blog content. They’re practical, actionable, and perfect for small businesses.
Why It Works for Small Businesses
- They target specific questions (e.g., “How to clean a coffee machine” if you run a café).
- They position you as the go-to expert in your niche.
Example for Small Businesses
Let’s say you own a pet grooming salon. Instead of a generic post like “Pet Grooming Tips,” you could write “How to Groom Your Dog at Home Without Losing Your Mind.” Include,
- A list of must-have tools (and where to buy them on a budget).
- Step-by-step instructions (with a warning about the dreaded “wet dog shake”).
- A funny anecdote about the time you groomed a particularly sassy poodle.
Pro Tip Add a video or infographic to make it even more helpful. Bonus points if your dog makes a cameo.
3. Listicles (The “Quick and Easy” Format)
Listicles are like the fast food of blogging—quick, satisfying, and everyone loves them. HubSpot and Ahrefs use them all the time, and for good reason.
Why It Works for Small Businesses
- They’re easy to read (perfect for busy customers).
- They’re highly shareable (hello, social media traffic).
Example for Small Businesses
If you run a fitness studio, you could write “7 Easy Stretches to Do at Your Desk (Because Sitting All Day Is Killing Your Back).” Include,
- A quick intro about why stretching matters.
- A numbered list with simple instructions (and maybe a GIF or two).
- A call-to-action inviting readers to try a free class.
Pro Tip Use a catchy headline like “X Ways to [Solve a Problem]” or “X Things You Need to Know About [Topic].” And don’t forget to add a dash of humor—like how one stretch might make you look like a pretzel.
4. Data-Driven and Original Research (The “Look How Smart I Am” Format)
Nothing says “I know my stuff” like original research. Even small businesses can use this format to stand out.
Why It Works for Small Businesses
- It builds trust and credibility.
- It attracts backlinks (which Google loves).
Example for Small Businesses
If you own a landscaping company, you could survey your customers and write “2024 Trends in Backyard Landscaping, What Homeowners Really Want.” Include,
- Stats from your survey (e.g., “75% of homeowners want low-maintenance gardens”).
- Insights and tips based on the data.
- A few before-and-after photos of your work.
Pro Tip Promote your research on social media and local forums. Who knows? You might even get featured in the local news.
5. Comparison Posts (The “Let’s Settle This Debate” Format)
Comparison posts are perfect for small businesses that want to help customers make informed decisions.
Why It Works for Small Businesses
- They target specific search queries (e.g., “X vs. Y”).
- They position you as an unbiased expert.
Example for Small Businesses
If you sell handmade candles, you could write “Soy vs. Beeswax Candles, Which Is Right for You?” Include,
- Pros and cons of each type.
- A recommendation based on different needs (e.g., eco-friendliness, burn time).
- A funny aside about how you once accidentally set off the smoke alarm testing candles.
Pro Tip Use a side-by-side comparison table to make it easy to read. And don’t be afraid to show your personality—customers love that.
6. Case Studies and Success Stories (The “Look What I Did” Format)
Case studies are like Yelp reviews on steroids. They show real-world results and build trust.
Why It Works for Small Businesses
- They prove you can deliver results.
- They’re highly persuasive (especially for service-based businesses).
Example for Small Businesses
If you’re a marketing consultant, you could write “How I Helped a Local Bakery Double Their Online Orders in 30 Days.” Include,
- The problem (e.g., low website traffic).
- The solution (your brilliant strategy).
- The results (with hard numbers).
Pro Tip Add testimonials from your client and a few visuals (like a screenshot of their Google Analytics). And hey, if the bakery sent you free cookies as a thank-you, feel free to mention that too.
7. FAQs and “What Is” Articles (The “Let Me Explain” Format)
These articles are perfect for answering common questions and targeting voice search.
Why It Works for Small Businesses
- They’re quick to write and highly useful.
- They often appear in featured snippets.
Example for Small Businesses
If you run a plumbing business, you could write “What Is a Tankless Water Heater? (And Is It Right for You?).” Include,
- A simple explanation.
- Pros and cons.
- A call-to-action to schedule a consultation.
Pro Tip Use schema markup to increase your chances of appearing in featured snippets. And throw in a joke about how tankless water heaters are like magic—but without the Hogwarts tuition.
Now its your Turn to Shine
Now that you know the blog article formats that rank in Google, it’s time to put them into action. Whether you’re writing a how-to guide, a listicle, or a case study, the key is to provide value and let your personality shine through. After all, your small business is unique—and your blog should be too.
So, what are you waiting for? Start writing, and watch your website climb the Google rankings. And if you need more tips, check out our guide on How to Create SEO-Friendly Blog Posts.
