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Local Government
Updated March 2026

Blog Post Creation Template for Local Government

A procedure for researching, writing, editing, and publishing blog posts that attract organic traffic, engage the target audience, and support marketing and SEO objectives.

Purpose

To produce high-quality blog content that establishes thought leadership, drives organic search traffic, and supports lead generation by providing value to the target audience.

Scope

Covers the creation of all blog posts published on the organisation blog, from topic research through writing, editing, optimisation, and publication.

Prerequisites

  • Content calendar with planned blog topics and publication dates
  • Keyword research data for target topics
  • Brand voice and style guide
Compliance Note

Supports Local Government Act compliance, freedom of information requirements, and public accountability standards.

Step-by-Step Procedure

1

Research the Topic

Conduct thorough research on the blog topic, including keyword analysis, competitor content review, and source material gathering.

  • 1.1Review keyword research data for the target topic and related terms
  • 1.2Analyse top-ranking competitor content for the target keywords
  • 1.3Gather source materials, data points, and expert references
Content Writer
1 hour
Keyword Research Tool, Search Engine, Research Database
2

Create the Outline

Develop a structured outline for the blog post that organises the key points logically and supports SEO objectives.

  • 2.1Define the main heading and subheadings that target relevant keywords
  • 2.2Outline the key points and arguments for each section
  • 2.3Plan the introduction hook and conclusion with call to action
Content Writer
20 minutes
Writing Tool, Outline Template
3

Write the First Draft

Write the full blog post following the outline, brand voice guidelines, and SEO best practices.

  • 3.1Write the introduction with a compelling hook that addresses the reader need
  • 3.2Develop each section with valuable, well-researched content
  • 3.3Write a conclusion with a clear call to action
  • 3.4Naturally incorporate target and related keywords throughout
Content Writer
2 to 3 hours
Writing Tool, Content Management System
4

Edit and Optimise

Edit the draft for clarity, grammar, and brand voice. Optimise for SEO including headings, meta data, and internal linking.

  • 4.1Edit for grammar, clarity, readability, and brand voice
  • 4.2Optimise headings, meta title, and meta description for target keywords
  • 4.3Add relevant internal and external links
Editor
45 minutes
Grammar Checking Tool, SEO Tool
5

Add Visual Content

Select or create images, graphics, and other visual elements to enhance the blog post and improve engagement.

  • 5.1Select a featured image that represents the topic and meets brand guidelines
  • 5.2Add supporting images, charts, or infographics within the content
  • 5.3Write descriptive alt text for all images
Graphic Designer
30 minutes
Design Software, Image Library
6

Review and Approve

Submit the complete blog post for final review and approval before publication.

  • 6.1Submit the post for marketing manager review
  • 6.2Address any feedback and make final revisions
  • 6.3Obtain publication approval
Marketing Manager
20 minutes
Content Management System
7

Publish and Promote

Publish the blog post and execute the promotion plan to drive initial readership.

  • 7.1Publish the post in the content management system
  • 7.2Share across social media channels with platform-specific messaging
  • 7.3Include in the next email newsletter if applicable
Content Coordinator
20 minutes
Content Management System, Social Media Management Tool

Quality Checkpoints

Topic research includes keyword analysis and competitor review
Draft is edited for grammar, brand voice, and SEO optimisation
All images have descriptive alt text and meet brand guidelines

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Writing without conducting proper keyword research, missing organic traffic opportunities
Creating overly promotional content rather than providing genuine value to the reader
Not optimising meta titles and descriptions, reducing click-through from search results
Publishing without a promotion plan, resulting in low initial readership

Expected Outcomes

Organic Traffic Growth

Increase in organic search visits to the blog over time, indicating SEO effectiveness.

Average Time on Page

Average time visitors spend reading blog posts, measuring content engagement and quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do we measure blog post success?

Key metrics include organic traffic, time on page, bounce rate, social shares, backlinks, and conversions from the blog post call to action.

How often should we publish blog posts?

Publication frequency depends on resources and objectives. Consistency is key, whether that is weekly, fortnightly, or monthly. It is better to publish fewer high-quality posts than many low-quality ones.

How long should a blog post be?

Blog post length depends on the topic complexity and search intent. In-depth guides may be 1500 to 3000 words, while news or update posts may be 500 to 800 words. Focus on comprehensively covering the topic rather than hitting a specific word count.

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