If you’re writing blog posts and want them to actually show up on Google, you’ve probably seen the same stale SEO advice a hundred times. “Just write great content.” Sure, but how do you know what “great” means for your topic? This guide is for people who want practical, hands-on ways to make their posts more visible—without spending hours on guesswork or getting lost in SEO jargon.
We’ll walk through exactly how to use Frase—a popular topic research and content optimization tool—to make your blog posts more likely to rank. Expect straight talk about what’s worth your time, what isn’t, and how to avoid common traps.
Step 1: Start with a Focused Topic
Before you open any tools, get clear on what you want your post to be about. Don’t try to cover “all about cats” in one go. Pick something focused, like “How to stop a cat from scratching furniture.” The more specific, the easier it is to actually compete in search.
Pro tip: If you’re chasing vague topics like “SEO tips,” you’ll be fighting uphill against big sites and generic advice. Drill down.
Step 2: Use Frase to Analyze the Top Results
Open up Frase and drop your main keyword or topic into the research tool. Frase will pull in the top search results for that keyword and break down what those pages are doing.
Here’s what to look for:
- Common subtopics: Frase shows what related topics and questions come up again and again. If every top result covers “cat deterrent sprays,” you probably should too.
- Content gaps: Are there angles or subtopics missing from the top results? That’s your chance to add value, not just copy what’s already there.
- Average article length: Don’t just assume longer is better. If top posts are 1,000 words, don’t pad yours to 3,000 just to “beat” them.
- People Also Ask: Frase pulls in real questions from Google’s “People Also Ask” box. These can be gold for subheadings or FAQ sections.
What to ignore: Don’t obsess over “keyword density” or try to jam every suggested phrase into your text. Google’s moved on from that.
Step 3: Build a Realistic Outline (Don’t Just Copy/Paste)
Frase can auto-generate an outline based on what top-ranking posts include. This is helpful, but don’t treat it as a magic recipe.
Here’s what works:
- Use the outline as a starting point, not a blueprint.
- Add your own spin. If you have experience or a unique take, highlight it.
- Prioritize clarity over complexity. A clear, direct post usually beats a “comprehensive” one that rambles.
What doesn’t work:
- Blindly copying the outline from the top result. Google doesn’t reward clones.
- Trying to cover every tiny subtopic just because Frase mentions it. Stay focused.
Step 4: Optimize Content as You Write (Not After)
Frase’s editor shows you what keywords and topics are commonly used in top posts—right alongside your draft. This is handy, but don’t let it turn your writing into a checklist exercise.
How to use the optimization suggestions:
- Cover the key subtopics naturally. If “cat deterrent spray” is in every top post, mention it if it fits—but don’t force it.
- Check your coverage: Use Frase’s topic score or “content brief” to see if you’ve missed anything important.
- Ignore “keyword stuffing” prompts: If the tool nags you to use a phrase you’ve already covered, move on.
Quick sanity check: Read your draft out loud. If it sounds like a robot wrote it, you’ve probably gone too far with optimization.
Step 5: Answer Real Questions, Not Just Keywords
Frase’s “Questions” tool is actually useful. It pulls in questions real people are asking about your topic. This is where you can score easy wins.
How to use this:
- Add an FAQ section at the end of your post, tackling 3-5 of the most relevant questions.
- Work answers to these questions into your main text when they fit.
- Use plain English. Don’t write answers that sound like a legal disclaimer.
What to skip: Don’t add questions just for length, or answer every random query—stick to what’s truly relevant.
Step 6: Compare Your Draft to the Competition
Frase lets you compare your draft to the top-ranking pages. This isn’t about copying; it’s about checking if you’re missing something obvious.
What to actually do here:
- Make sure you’ve covered the basics as well as (or better than) the competition.
- See if there’s a unique angle or section you can add—something the others didn’t think of.
- Don’t obsess over “out-optimizing” every competitor. Sometimes, being clearer and more useful is enough.
Step 7: Polish for Readability and Real People
SEO isn’t just about pleasing algorithms. If your post is hard to read, nobody’s sticking around.
Final pass checklist:
- Short paragraphs and sentences—no walls of text.
- Use headings to break things up.
- Add bullet points or numbered steps where it helps.
- Remove any jargon, fluff, or obvious filler.
Pro tip: Google pays attention to how people interact with your page. If they bounce right away, that’s a bad sign, no matter how “optimized” your keywords are.
A Few Things Frase Can’t Do (And What to Ignore)
Frase is a solid tool, but it’s not magic. Here’s what it won’t do for you:
- Original insights: If you have personal experience, go beyond what Frase surfaces. That’s what sets your post apart.
- Fact-checking: Don’t assume everything in the top results is accurate. Double-check anything you’re unsure about.
- Writing quality: The tool helps you cover topics, but it won’t fix boring or confusing writing.
What to ignore:
- Vanity scores. If Frase says your “content score” is 90% but your post still feels thin, trust your gut.
- Over-optimization. More isn’t always better. Aim for useful, not overloaded.
Keep It Simple, Ship It, and Iterate
No tool, Frase included, guarantees rankings. But if you use it to understand what people are looking for, fill in real gaps, and write clearly, you’ll be ahead of most bloggers. Don’t let “optimizing” become a never-ending project. Publish, see how it does, and tweak as you learn.
Good luck—and remember, Google rewards clarity and value, not just keyword checklists.