Search engine optimization is an ever-evolving discipline. What worked well last year may not be as effective in 2024 as search engines continually update their algorithms to provide more relevant and higher quality search results. Here are 15 advanced SEO techniques and strategies to help your website rank better and drive more organic traffic in 2024.
Prioritize Topical Authority and E-E-A-T
In 2024, having topical authority and providing an excellent user experience will be more important than ever. Google’s helpful content update in 2022 signaled the increased focus on prioritizing expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness (E-A-T). Zsolt Varga of RankActive notes, “The key is to become a topical authority – create high-quality content that accurately addresses the searcher’s intent behind each query.”
Optimize for Passage Ranking
Passage ranking, which highlights and ranks relevant passages rather than entire pages, is gaining prominence. Optimize content by using clear headings, concise paragraphs, and semantically-related terms around your target keywords. This helps Google identify and surface the most pertinent sections.
Voice Search Optimization
By 2024, voice searches are projected to account for over 50% of all searches. Optimize for voice by using natural language, addressing common queries directly, and incorporating longtail keyword phrases that match how people speak.
Video Content and Optimization
Videos are incredibly engaging and will be critical for SEO in 2024. Produce high-quality videos, optimize titles/descriptions, use text transcripts, and submit video sitemaps. “Businesses who optimize their videos for Discovery will be ahead of the competition,” says Danielle Marsh of Googler.
Leverage Structured Data
Implement structured data markup like schema.org to help search engines better understand your content and surface richer results like featured snippets. This enhances visibility and click-through rates.
Page Experience Signals
Google’s page experience update looked at core web vitals like loading speed, interactivity, and visual stability. Providing an optimal user experience across devices will give you an edge in rankings.
Internal Linking Strategy
A smart internal linking structure guides users and search engines to your most important pages. Use descriptive anchor text, link contextually, consolidate link equity, and avoid orphaned pages.
Optimize for Google Discover
Google Discover is rapidly growing, driving over 800 million clicks per month. Ensure your content matches the types of high-quality evergreen articles that get displayed on Discover feeds.
Continuous Content Updates
“Regularly updating and refreshing content is key in 2024,” advises Brian Dean of Backlinko. Comprehensively rewriting and expanding outdated posts prevents keyword decays and rankings drops.
Leverage AI Content Writing Tools
AI writing tools like Jasper can help scale the production of high-quality content at a lower cost. But take care that AI-generated content is unique, accurate, engaging, and follows guidelines.
Advanced Link Building Tactics
While quality content is paramount, authoritative backlinks still move the needle. Employ advanced tactics like giveaways, ego baiting, PR/HARO outreach, unlinked brand mentions, and skyscraper techniques.
Master On-Page Optimization
Nail the fundamentals like optimizing titles, meta descriptions, headings, URL structure, image optimization, and internal linking. Knup’s Lars Londen states, “Getting on-page SEO right creates the foundation for success.”
Local SEO and GMB Optimization
For businesses with physical locations, nail local SEO by optimizing Google Business Profile listings, getting positive reviews, building local citations, and creating locally-targeted content.
Focus on Topic Clusters and Pillar Pages
Develop comprehensive pillar pages that cover broad topics, supported by related cluster pages targeting specific keywords. This demonstrates your subject matter expertise.
Keep Up With AI/ML Search Advancements
Search engines are leveraging AI and machine learning to better understand queries, content, and user intent. Adapt your SEO strategies as these technologies advance and impact ranking factors.
By implementing these cutting-edge techniques in 2024, you’ll be strongly positioned to increase your organic visibility and traffic from search. Consistently creating high-quality, helpful content optimized for user experience and search engine ranking signals will be the cornerstone of successful SEO.
