To succeed in SEO in 2024, it’s essential to focus on both technical and content aspects. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:
1. Conduct a Comprehensive SEO Audit
An SEO audit is the first step in understanding where your website stands and what needs improvement. This involves checking for:
- Broken links and 404 errors
- Site speed and performance issues
- Mobile usability
- On-page SEO elements (title tags, meta descriptions, headers)
- Backlink profile
Tools like Google Search Console, Ahrefs, and SEMrush can help you conduct a thorough audit. Identifying and fixing these issues can provide a solid foundation for further optimisation efforts.
If those sound like another language, don’t fret, we can help. We can create a full report of your website, so you know exactly where you’re starting from.
2. Focus on User Intent
Understanding user intent is critical for SEO success. When creating content, ask yourself what the user is looking for and how your content can provide the best answer. This involves categorising user intent into four types:
- Informational: The user is looking for information (e.g., “What is SEO?”)
- Navigational: The user is looking for a specific website (e.g., “OpenAI blog”)
- Transactional: The user is looking to make a purchase (e.g., “buy SEO tools”)
- Commercial investigation: The user is looking to compare products or services (e.g., “best SEO tools 2024”)
Aligning your content with these intents can help improve your rankings and provide a better user experience.
3. Optimise for Featured Snippets and Zero-Click Searches
Featured snippets and zero-click searches are becoming more common as Google strives to provide quick answers directly on the search results page. To optimise for these:
- Use structured data (schema markup)
- Create content that directly answers questions
- Use bullet points, numbered lists, and tables
By doing this, you increase the chances of your content being featured at the top of the search results, which can significantly boost your visibility.
4. Improve Core Web Vitals and Page Experience
Core Web Vitals is a set of metrics that measure real-world user experience for loading performance, interactivity, and visual stability. Improving these metrics involves:
- Optimising images and videos to reduce load times
- Minimising JavaScript and CSS
- Improving server response times
Additionally, ensure your website is mobile-friendly and provides a seamless experience across all devices. Tools like Google PageSpeed Insights can help identify areas for improvement.
5. Build High-Quality Backlinks
Backlinks remain a critical ranking factor in 2024. However, the emphasis is on quality over quantity. Focus on building backlinks from reputable sites in your industry. Here are some strategies:
- Guest blogging on authoritative sites
- Creating high-quality, shareable content
- Building relationships with influencers and industry experts
Avoid spammy link-building tactics that can result in penalties from search engines.
6. Leverage AI for Content Creation and SEO Automation
AI tools can help you streamline many SEO tasks, from content creation to keyword research. Tools like GPT-4 can help generate high-quality content ideas, while others like Clearscope and MarketMuse can assist in optimising your content for SEO.
Additionally, AI-powered tools can automate routine SEO tasks like monitoring rankings, tracking changes in competitors’ strategies, and identifying new backlink opportunities.
7. Monitor and Analyse Performance
Regularly monitoring and analysing your SEO performance is crucial for ongoing success. Use tools like Google Analytics, Search Console, and other SEO software to track:
- Keyword rankings
- Organic traffic
- Bounce rates and dwell time
- Conversion rates
Analysing this data can help you identify what’s working, what’s not, and where there’s room for improvement.
Round up!
SEO in 2024 is about more than just keywords and backlinks; it’s about understanding user intent, optimising for user experience, and staying ahead of algorithm updates. By focusing on high-quality content, improving technical aspects of your website, and leveraging the latest tools and technologies, you can enhance your SEO strategy and achieve long-term success.
Staying updated with the latest SEO trends and continuously refining your strategy will keep you ahead of the competition. Remember, SEO is a marathon, not a sprint—consistent effort and adaptation to changes are key to maintaining and improving your search rankings.
Need a hand? Let’s kickstart your SEO with an audit. Get in touch with Suki Marketing for an easygoing, no obligation (or any of that nonsense) chat.
