The SEO landscape is constantly evolving. Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, experts predict several key trends and factors that will impact SEO optimization. In this article, we present some of the top recommendations to help you stay ahead of the curve in SEO strategies.
Bonus Section: Top SEO Optimization Tips for 2024
35. Use AI to Scale Content Creation
Content is at the core of many SEO strategies. Without valuable content, it's challenging for your website to appear in the search results your target audience is looking for.
With increasing pressure to produce content, some website owners are turning to AI tools like Shopify Magic, Jasper, or ChatGPT to boost efficiency.
AI can help create the first drafts of the following types of content:
Product descriptions
Blog post introductions
Page titles
Content outlines
However, there are a few caveats to consider. Noah Kain, the owner of Noah Kain Consulting, warns, “SEO professionals can use ChatGPT and other AI tools to improve efficiency, but I caution against over-relying on these tools for content creation.
“Brands that take the time to create unique and valuable content will stand out, rather than those who solely depend on AI-generated material.”
36. Diversify Content Formats
Search engines tend to favor websites that present information in a format that’s easy for users to digest. This doesn’t just apply to text. Google’s main search results pages include various content formats, such as images from Google Images and videos from YouTube.
For example, a search for “candle making” returns a range of content formats, from landing pages and blog posts to YouTube videos.
Ben Poulton, founder of Intellar, says, “You need to understand what content formats and media Google prefers for your keywords. Sometimes videos rank first; other times, there’s a heavy presence of images, text, or ads. This determines the type of content you should create.”
37. Collaborate with Influential Content Creators
To increase the credibility of search results, Google recently updated its algorithm. E-E-A-T, which stands for Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness, is a ranking factor that measures the trustworthiness of content creators.
You can enhance the credibility of your content by inviting third-party experts to contribute, such as:
Individuals with recognized qualifications (e.g., a dentist for a toothpaste-related site)
Influencers with a large following in a particular industry
Authors who have been published in reputable outlets
As Brian Hawkins, Marketing Manager at GhostBed, explains, “The content you create should be highly relevant to your topic and come from sources that search engines consider trustworthy.”
38. Improve User Experience
When building a website, remember that user experience and search optimization go hand in hand. As search technology evolves, these two factors are becoming increasingly intertwined, meaning the simplest way to please search engines is to satisfy their users.
Chris Shirlow, Director of Content and Email Marketing at 1SEO, says, “Descriptive metadata, proper keywords, and great copywriting can help, but you also need to consider user experience.
“You can integrate all these elements flawlessly. However, if your site loads slowly, has blurry images, or features a complicated checkout process, users will get frustrated and bounce.”
Utilize This SEO Optimization Checklist to Improve Rankings
While the way people use search engines continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: why people search. They search to discover new things or recall information they’ve previously encountered.
Providing searchers with what they’re looking for is the only timeless SEO strategy. Search engines, especially Google, reward websites that keep this principle in mind. Most of the tips from the SEO checklist above, such as fast-loading pages, engaging content and copy, and clear page and image descriptions, are all aimed at making life easier for searchers.
SEO Optimization FAQs
What is an SEO Optimization Checklist?
An SEO optimization checklist is an actionable list of steps that helps improve a website's search engine rankings.
How often should SEO optimization be done?
SEO optimization is an ongoing marketing process. Websites need to be constantly updated and optimized to meet search intent and demonstrate to Google that your site remains relevant. Additionally, the site needs to be optimized for the keywords your target audience is searching for.
What are the requirements for SEO optimization?
Responsive website design
Fast loading speed
Secure HTTPS domain
High-quality content
Display of authority
Can SEO optimization be done independently?
Yes. You can perform SEO optimization yourself using content management platforms like Shopify or WordPress, along with SEO plugins integrated into these platforms, making the process easier to manage.
How can a new website rank on Google?
Submit a sitemap to Google Search Console.
Create a Google Analytics account.
Produce high-quality content.
Build internal links.
Ensure the security of external links.
Use descriptive alt text for images.