If you’re a freelance health writer, you’ve probably been told to “just start a blog.” Maybe to show your skills, maybe to attract clients… or maybe because everyone else seems to have one.
And yes, a strategic health blog can build trust, support SEO, educate your audience, and drive actual sales. But if you’ve ever tried starting one, you know the reality feels more like this: a frustrating time suck.
You might also be stuck thinking:
- “What should I write about that’s not already out there?”
- “How do I prove I’m strategic, not just a good writer?”
- “Will anyone actually read this?”
That’s where this blog comes in. I’m sharing the same 3-point framework I use to plan blog content for health brands – and teach other freelancers how to pitch content that’s clear, purposeful, and SEO-aware.
This post will help you know how to start a health blog. You’ll be able to generate 3 solid blog ideas that show your strengths as a writer and strategist, without spinning your wheels or second-guessing every sentence.
The Usual Way People Start Health Blogs (And Why It Doesn’t Work)
You’ve probably seen the checklist:
👉 Choose a niche.
👉 Register a domain.
👉 Set up WordPress or Squarespace.
👉 Write something.
👉 Post it on social media.
And that’s where most health blogs start to fizzle out.
It’s not that those steps are wrong – they’re just incomplete. What’s often missing is a clear plan for what the blog is meant to achieve, who it’s for, and how it supports your wider goals.
- If you’re a health business, it might be about increasing visibility for your services or providing patient education that builds trust.
- If you’re a freelance writer, that goal might be building authority, showing off your voice, or attracting better clients.
Either way, starting with a vague idea like “I should probably have a blog” often leads to scattered content, inconsistent publishing, and a blog that doesn’t actually do anything for you.
I know this because I’ve been there – both as a freelancer trying to make my work stand out, and as a strategist helping clients turn underperforming blogs into real assets. I’ve seen what happens when blogging is just another item on the to-do list, and I’ve also seen the impact a clear, thoughtful content plan can have.
That’s why I created a framework that helps you come up with blog ideas that move the needle.
Let’s walk through it.
How to Start a Health Blog Based on My Content Idea Framework: The 3-Point Lens
When I work with clients, or support newer writers, this is the exact framework I use to develop blog ideas that aren’t just interesting, but intentional. I call it the 3-Point Content Lens, and it’s designed to help you gut-check whether a blog post idea is actually worth writing.
It works whether you’re a health business looking to grow your audience, or a writer aiming to showcase your skills and attract the right kind of work.
1. Audience Relevance
Who are you writing for – really?
Health blogs fall flat when they try to speak to “everyone.” Instead, your content should directly address a specific audience: patients, healthcare professionals, decision-makers, carers, or even peers in your field.
- Health businesses: Define your patient or buyer personas. What are they searching late at night? What do they wish someone would explain clearly? That’s your starting point.
- Writers: Pick one reader and build your blog idea around the real questions they might have. Reddit threads, Facebook groups, forums and inbox queries are all goldmines.
Just doing this step well will make your content ten times more relevant and useful.
2. Business Alignment
A blog post isn’t just a nice read – it’s a business asset.
Every post should support something: your services, your credibility, your mission, or a client journey.
- Health businesses: Don’t hit publish unless you can clearly answer, “How does this post support our goals?” It might be building trust, educating patients, or encouraging someone to take action.
- Writers: Think like a strategist. Ask, “What do I want the reader to do next?” or “Where does this sit in the client’s overall content plan?”
The strongest blog posts both inform and convert, quietly and with intention.
3. SEO Validation
Let’s be honest: brilliant writing doesn’t help if nobody sees it.
If you want consistent, organic traffic, your ideas need to match up with how people search. That’s where keyword research comes in.
You don’t need expensive tools to get started.
- Try: Google’s autocomplete, the “People Also Ask” box, Answer the Public, and AlsoAsked – all free and built on real user behaviour.
- Health businesses: Even a small investment in SEO strategy can significantly improve your visibility and authority.
- Writers: Basic SEO knowledge instantly makes you more valuable and more referable.
Sample Blog Topic Using the Framework
Here’s how the 3-Point Content Lens works in real life – using a health blog I wrote for Holland & Barrett: “Ultimate Guide to Starflower Oil: Potential Benefits, Uses, Side Effects”
This blog is a strong example of how to create a post that’s not only well-written, but also highly strategic.
1. Audience Relevance
This post is written for a specific group: health-conscious shoppers looking for natural supplements – especially women interested in hormone balance, skin health, or joint support. It answers the sort of questions people are already Googling – like “What is starflower oil good for?” and “Does borage oil help with hormones?”
2. Business Alignment
It links directly to Holland & Barrett’s product range, guiding readers towards capsules and oils sold on-site. But it does this with care – the tone is informative, not pushy, and helps readers make informed decisions. That balance builds trust and supports product sales.
3. SEO Validation
The topic is backed by real search demand – “starflower oil benefits”, “borage oil side effects”, and other long-tail phrases are frequently searched. The post structure reflects SEO best practice, with subheadings like “What is starflower oil?” and “Possible benefits” that align with common queries and support visibility in featured snippets.
How to Use the Framework to Start Your Blog Today
You don’t need a fancy website or a full editorial team to get started – but you do need a plan that respects your time and aligns with your goals.
Whether you’re a health brand or a freelance writer, here’s exactly how to get going:
1. Pick One Audience
Don’t try to please everyone. Choose one reader group and focus on what they actually want to know.
- Health brands: Start with your buyer or patient personas. Are they busy parents? First-time supplement buyers? People navigating a new diagnosis?
- Freelance writers: Choose a dream client – menopause clinic, gut health brand, digital health app — and check what their audience is Googling.
My Top Tip: Check Reddit, FAQs, or even the “People Also Ask” section in Google for insight into real concerns.
2. Set a Clear Purpose
Every blog post should do something – not just exist.
Ask yourself: Do I want to build trust, attract traffic, support sales, or educate?
- Health brands: Link each post to a business goal. If your site feels thin on certain topics or you need better lead generation, your blog can help fill the gaps.
- Freelancers: Think like a strategist. What would the client want this blog to achieve — drive bookings, explain a product, prep readers before a sales call?
3. Validate the Topic with SEO
Even a few minutes of keyword research can make a big difference.
- Use tools like Google Autocomplete, AnswerThePublic, AlsoAsked, or Google Trends.
- Focus on phrases with clear intent: e.g. “best supplements for perimenopause” is more effective than just “menopause”.
- Look for long-tail keywords — they’re easier to rank for and often more relevant.
4. Write with Simplicity + Strategy
Structure and clarity matter just as much as style.
- Use headings, short paragraphs, and language your audience actually uses.
- Link to useful internal pages or products — without sounding like a sales pitch.
- Always end with a clear next step: comment, download, book, or share.
✏️ Map 3 Blog Ideas in Under 30 Minutes: Mini Worksheet
If you’re ready to start (or restart) your health blog, this simple exercise will help you brainstorm three high-impact blog ideas using the 3-Point Content Lens. Just grab a notepad or journal and write down three blog ideas based on this structure:
Blog Idea #1: <your title idea>
- Audience: <define the audience>
- Business Goal: <define your business goal, what you’re trying to achieve with this post>
- Search Intent / Keyword Focus:<define the search intent and targeted keyword for the post>
Your next steps to start a health blog today:
- Brainstorm 3 blog ideas using the framework above.
- Build a light editorial calendar — one post per month is a strong start.
- Health brands: Use this framework to brief your content writer (or hire one).
- Freelance writers: Use your new blog posts as warm-up pitches or portfolio samples.
If you want to see the power of health blogging in action, check out my related post on how healthcare blogs are transforming patient education, where I show how the right blog strategy can directly improve public health, trust, and digital engagement.
Final Thoughts: Health Blogging Isn’t Just Writing – It’s Strategy
Your health blog isn’t just a place to “post something.” It’s a tool – for trust, traffic, education, and even sales. But only if it’s built with intention.
Here’s my core takeaway to help you start a health blog:
✅ Start with your audience’s real questions
✅ Make every blog serve a clear purpose
✅ Validate your topics with SEO
✅ Write clearly, structure smartly, and always lead with value
Even one good post a month can make a difference if it’s strategic.
If you want help planning or writing content that actually moves the needle, contact me – I’d love to support you.
For monthly tools, tips, and templates to help you show up and stay sharp:
👉 Join The Monthly Dose: tailor-made for freelance medical writers, with a useful template delivered every month
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FAQ: Real Questions About Starting a Health Blog (With My Honest Answers)
Will a blog really help us generate leads or drive sales?
Yes — but only if it’s strategic. Your blog should serve your business, not just fill space. When done right, blog posts can support SEO, educate your audience, answer objections, and lead naturally into conversions.
What if we already have blog content — but it’s not performing?
Then it’s time for a content audit. A lot of underperforming blogs are too broad, too thin, or not aligned with actual search behaviour. Sometimes, it’s not the topic — it’s how it’s framed, structured, or optimised. Look at how well your blog connects with your ideal customer’s questions — not just what you want to say as a brand.
Can we write about supplements or health conditions without regulatory issues?
Yes — with care. You can create high-quality content that’s compliant with ASA, MHRA, and EFSA guidelines. That means no medical claims unless supported by approved wording, and a clear distinction between information and advice.
We’re not a ‘content-first’ company — is blogging still worth the effort?
Definitely. You don’t have to be a media brand to benefit from content. One well-written blog post can answer common questions, support your SEO, and give your sales team something valuable to share.
What if we don’t have the team to write consistently?
That’s fine — start small. One blog a month is a strong foundation. And if you need support, that’s where freelance writers like me come in. I can help plan your content calendar, write high-quality posts, and build a strategy that fits your bandwidth.
Whether you want ghostwriting, editing, or help briefing your internal writer — I’ve done all of that, and I’m happy to meet you where you are.
How do I write a health blog post?
Start with your audience’s real questions. Use clear, friendly language, and always cite reliable sources — especially in health. You’re not here to impress, you’re here to help. My view is to write like you’re explaining something to someone you care about.
Is there still room for new health blogs in 2025?
Definitely — but only if you’re adding something fresh and unique, which cannot be generated by AI. Generic listicles aren’t cutting it anymore. Find your niche, be specific, and write with purpose. And honestly? Your voice might be exactly what someone out there needs.
What is the best health blog?
Here are some trusted, high-impact examples that demonstrate E‑E‑A‑T done really well:
- Healthline: Top-tier medically reviewed content with transparent author and editing info.
- WebMD: Clinically accurate with expert quotes and clear sourcing.
- Cleveland Clinic: Uses Q&A formats and expert input to simplify complex questions.
- Psychology Today: Grounded in therapists’ experience, making emotional health relatable.
My post, “8 Inspiring Health Blog Examples That Set the Standard for High‑Quality, SEO‑Friendly Content”, pulled eight standout health blogs and broke down how they are nailing E‑E‑A‑T (Experience, Expertise, Authority, Trust) while delivering helpful, SEO-smart content. I hope these examples can inspire you!
