Well the answer to your question is :
1. Content is the main thing you have to focus the number of words, the number of keywords you are using in the article, and the image you use for the article so it all matters
2. The keywords you are focusing on to rank as you said yes, you have to use them in the Titles, Meta descriptions, and the article's subheading also if possible. Because the keyword ratio is the effective factor to consider while getting visitors and the rankings.
3. Promote in Social media, and build external links it will help you to increase your rankings