Stop Obsessing Over Keywords—Start Building Strategy That Actually Works

We need to have a real conversation.

If you’re still asking, “What keywords should we target?”—you’re playing the wrong game. That question is a relic. A leftover from a time when search was mechanical and strategy meant gaming the system. But the system has changed. Google has changed. More importantly—people have changed.

And I’m going to be blunt: chasing keywords is not strategy. It's noise.

The Real Problem?

You're Starting at the Wrong Place.

When a potential client comes to us and says, “We need to rank for these five keywords,” I already know where the conversation’s headed. Because here’s the thing—keywords are a result, not a roadmap.

If your strategy starts with keywords, you’re already behind.

At LevelUp, we don’t start with “terms.” We start with people. What are they thinking about? What are they frustrated with? What do they Google at 2 AM when they can’t sleep because they’re drowning in work or bleeding leads or trying to grow a business without a clear path?

That’s where strategy begins. With problems. With questions. With intent.

Your Content Needs to Solve, Not Stuff

The old SEO playbook said: “Find a keyword. Write a blog around it. Repeat.” That’s why the internet is full of 600-word zombie posts saying the same thing in slightly different ways, sometimes with only one city or state difference in the entire content.

That doesn’t work anymore—and honestly, it never really did for the long game. Google knows when you’re faking it. Your audience knows when you're writing to please a robot.

What works now? Content that earns trust. That shows real expertise. That actually helps someone.

At LevelUp, we call it topic-first strategy. We find the core themes your audience cares about. We break them down into smart, human-centered questions. And then we build rich, useful content around those. Authority-building. Traffic-driving. Revenue-generating.

And yes—along the way, keywords happen. But they’re the byproduct, not the boss.

You Need A Content Engine. Not A Keyword List.

Real results come from building a system. One that maps your content to your customer journey. One that doesn’t just answer questions, but earns attention.

Here’s the plan we build for clients:

1. We get crystal clear on your audience.

2. We uncover the big questions they're asking (not just what, but why).

3. We design content that speaks directly to those needs—with depth, clarity, and authority.

When you do this right, your content performs. It ranks because it’s worth ranking. It converts because it actually helps people. And over time, Google takes notice—because it sees engagement, trust signals, and consistency.

That’s how you scale content. That’s how you win.

Stop Playing Small. Start Thinking Bigger.

This isn’t about gaming search engines. This is about leading conversations. Owning your space. Building a brand people trust.

So no, we’re not going to start with a keyword list. We’re going to start with your mission, your audience, and the expertise that sets you apart.

The best content strategy doesn’t chase clicks—it earns them.

And if you’re ready to stop playing SEO whack-a-mole and start building a content system that works long-term?

Let’s talk.

LevelUp is here to help you ditch outdated tactics and build a real strategy that grows your brand.
👉 Talk to us here