If you’re anything like me, you scratch your head whenever something slightly complicated comes up. SEO – or Search Engine Optimisation – is like raising a baby. The moment you think you’ve mastered it, in swings sleep regressions; or in our case, an update from Google. But why is it necessary to master the top SEO techniques in 2024?
Simply put… if you don’t learn to master SEO, you will fall behind.
Understanding the Latest Google Algorithm Updates
SEO has always been a hard nut to crack, like a race that has a finish line that also keeps on running. In March 2024, the dreaded Google core update was released – and for many, this update hit their websites hard.
It’s important to understand what the core update is, and how to minimise the impact it can have on your website. The main focus of this update was Google’s way of stamping out AI-dominated content, and prioritising high-quality, user-centric content instead.
Now that generative AI has become more widely accessible, content that is written by real humans (like me, *cough cough*) has become a little lacking. And Google wanted to do something about this, so they did.
Google has confirmed that they were looking at reducing spammy content by over 40% with this update.
But rest assured, if you are already making quality, user-centric content, I wouldn’t worry.
“There’s nothing new or special that creators need to do for this update as long as they’ve been making satisfying content meant for people.”
Google
Hit by the Google 2024 core update? I’d do the following:
- Review your different traffic sources, as a drop-in organic search traffic suggests your site’s visibility in SERPs has gone down.
- Conduct a technical and content audit of your site. Use tools like Google Search Console to monitor performance and make necessary adjustments – and remember quality, user-centric content is key. In GSC, I’d look for any areas where there are big drops in traffic or impressions. Once you’ve located the page, see what needs fixing and why.
- If you’re using AI to write all of your content, I’d probably put that on the back burner for now. AI can still help you write or plan content, but don’t let it do all the work for you.
AI-Powered SEO: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence
Now that I’ve turned you off using AI, let me convince you that it can be used for some pretty effective results. Also, you couldn’t have a top SEO techniques list in 2024 without using the AI buzzword.
One of the biggest perks of using AI as one of your SEO techniques this year is its ability to streamline your workflow. Gone are the days of tinkering away at every possible factor as to why your results are dropping in SERPs.
Did you know, AI can now conduct comprehensive site audits for you. These audits can identify issues like broken links, and slow-loading pages, leaving you free time to chip away at other content that requires your expertise.
AI is also changing the SEO game for keyword research and targeting. As AI can analyse vast amounts of data quickly, it can also spot trending topics and uncover relevant and long-tail keyword opportunities too.
We’re also not the only ones to think of and incorporate AI into our workflow.
“Sixty-seven percent of businesses already use AI for content marketing and SEO, and 78% are satisfied with the results.”
Semrush
My biggest piece of advice; I’d recommend setting aside some time, drafting up a guideline of how you want to use AI for your SEO technique and strategy in 2024, and committing.
Backlinking and Link Building Strategies
Backlinking and link building – sounds complex, right? It’s like learning a dance that keeps changing its steps. But mastering it in 2024 is crucial for staying ahead in the SEO game.
Going down to its basics, backlinking is about getting other websites to link to yours. Think of each backlink as a thumbs up from one site to another. The more high-quality votes you have, the more trustworthy your site appears to Google (as well as others too). But it’s not just about quantity; quality backlinks are more important, by a long shot.
For SEO there are two important features that every business and content creator will have to learn to manage: on-site and off-site SEO.
On-site SEO is the process of making quality content that helps search engines understand what your content is about. Off-site, gets a little more complicated. It’s about proving to search engines that your content has value to other websites (and people), and the easiest way to do that is backlinking.
Backlinking also shows to search engines that your site is an authority in its field. Now, the question you’re probably wondering: how do you link build?
To break it down, there are 2 ways to link build:
- Someone found your content and decided to link build to you.
- You put your content in front of someone and they have decided to link build to you.
Not easy, right? My recommendation in the early stages, focus on making quality user-centric content by analysing search trends like Google Trends (and using Keyword Planner). Link building will happen with time.
Utilising Structured Data and Rich Snippets
Structured data and rich snippets are real game-changers for SEO, and one of my top SEO techniques to use in 2024. Utilising these tools can significantly enhance your website’s visibility and click-through rates by providing search engines with clear information about your content.
Plus, it’s pretty easy to implement once you understand the foundations.
What is Structured Data?
Structured data involves using a standardised format, typically in JSON-LD, to mark up information on your website. Don’t worry, the first time I read the word JSON-LD, I needed another coffee.
This markup helps search engines understand the context of your content. For example, you can use structured data to indicate details about a product, recipe, event, or review.
Benefits of Rich Snippets
Rich snippets are enhanced search results that display additional information between the URL and the description, making your listing on SERPs more attractive to a viewer. Implementing rich snippets can increase your click-through rate (CTR) because users can see relevant information at a glance, like a star rating for example.
How to Implement Structured Data
- Choose the Type of Data: Identify which type of structured data is relevant for your content, such as articles, reviews, products, or events.
- Use Schema Markup: Implement schema.org markup in JSON-LD format. I’d highly recommend using Google’s Structured Data Markup Helper to assist with this.
- Test Your Markup: Use Google’s Rich Results Test to ensure your structured data is correctly implemented and eligible for rich snippets.
By using structured data and rich snippets, you will be setting your site up for success by ensuring it stands out in people’s search results. When there are potentially thousands of search results for the same topic, you need to stand out.
Conclusion
Mastering the top SEO techniques for 2024 requires a strong understanding of Google’s constantly evolving landscape. The latest core update emphasises the importance of high-quality, user-centric content before anything else.
One of the most important pieces of advice I’ve been told is to envision what question your audience has when they read your content, and find out how to answer it. Base your SEO strategy around this, and quality content will follow.
Backlinking also remains a cornerstone of SEO success. Focus on building high-quality backlinks through guest posting, broken link building, and content marketing.
If you’re keen on using AI to optimise your workflow, I’d recommend using AI tools to help analyse and anticipate search trends to base your content on. Like I mentioned before, use AI to help you do your content – like a buddy or peer reviewer.
Don’t be that person who gets AI to write all their content. Google doesn’t like that.
Using structured data and rich snippets is another powerful strategy that I recommend. These tools help search engines better understand your content and present it in a more appealing way to users.
Incorporating these top SEO techniques for 2024 into your site will not only improve your website’s SEO performance but also enhance user experience and engagement (you’re welcome, *nudge nudge*).
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