How to get higher Google rankings in 2024
Once upon a time, adding a few keywords to a webpage was enough to secure a top ranking position in search engine results pages (SERPs).
I know, doesn’t that seem like a bit of a dream?
Clearly, SEO in 2024 is very different but if, like me, you enjoy a challenge and the thrill of working out a complex puzzle, today’s SEO landscape is also a bit of a dream come true.
But what exactly does SEO in 2024 look like? Let’s take a deep dive into five need-to-know insights that will help you stay ahead of the pack and boost your visibility online.
1. SEO is More Complex Than Ever Before
I know it sounds as though we’re starting on a bit of a downer here, but stay with me.
It might seem difficult to believe, but SEO in the 1990s was incredibly straightforward. Those days are long gone, and SEO is continuing to evolve and become even more complex every year.
You might not want to be reminded, but 2023 brought about a huge number of changes to the SEO landscape. Not only was 2023 the year that Google’s Search Generative Experience was announced, but Google’s response to ChatGPT arrived, AI generated content has increased exponentially, and new best practices for linking strategies were published.
And that really is only the tip of the iceberg.
But you survived, didn’t you? And I’m willing to bet that you learned a lot of lessons along the way and built up a whole new level of resiliency.
So, as we look ahead to the rest of 2024 remember that.
– It is critical to keep an eye on every algorithm update that is released
– You should expect to have to work even harder to successfully compete in SERPs
But I already know you’re up for the challenge.
2. Ignore Technical SEO At Your Peril!
It’s no secret that search is hugely competitive, but it will only become even more competitive throughout 2024. So, you need to know that every strategic move and tactic you employ counts.
There are always improvements and refinements to be made to your website. Not only will this allow you to enhance the experience you’re delivering to your audience, but it will also help you to maintain optimal levels of visibility in SERPs. Don’t forget, search engines want to direct their users to sites that will provide the best possible overall experience.
So, the reality is that it is no longer going to be enough to solely utilise on-page SEO tactics, such as meta information and keywords. Instead, you’re going to need to pay much more attention to your website’s backend in order to continue to deliver the refined experiences that users are seeking.
3. Costs Are Rising
Whether you’re doing your weekly grocery shop or you’re looking for a new broadband deal, you already know that prices are rising across the board. And businesses are also feeling the pinch.
Everything from building expenses to technology, transport and insurance is more expensive than it used to be, which is why businesses across all sectors are grappling with a significant increase in their costs.
Now, as a result, some businesses will struggle to retain top quality digital marketing talent, as the attention of those with the skills, knowledge and expertise businesses need right now will only be captured by an attractive salary, healthy benefits package, and flexibility.
So, you will need to think very carefully about how to ensure that your SEO budget stretches as far as possible without compromising on quality.
4. Your Content Strategy Should be Influenced by AI
Yes, you heard that right. Now is the time to start using AI to your advantage.
The fact of the matter is that AI has changed the content creation game, and failing to integrate it into your strategy will see you falling behind.
Now, this isn’t to say that all content created by AI is positive. In fact, there are many different ways to use AI incorrectly. But businesses that use AI in the right ways are already seeing the high quality content that it can produce.
Let’s take this opportunity to remind ourselves what Google has had to say about AI generated content.
Google has noted that its spam policies can be violated with poor AI generated content, particularly if it is generated with a view to manipulate ranking positions in SERPs. However, as AI technology has improved, Google has clarified its position and said that not all AI generated content is spam.
AI can be used to create helpful, valuable and informative content. However, it often cannot yet do this alone. So, for now, AI generated content is best when it is then analysed, fact-checked and edited by a professional copywriter and/or copy editor with the skills to ensure that it meets the expectations of search engines and discerning searchers.
5. Your Team Matters
There is simply no avoiding the fact that you need to invest in a strong team, with every member bringing something unique to the table. The big players in every sector have the budgets to hire the best of the best, and it is currently thought that throughout 2024, the digital marketing budgets of big corporations will increase by almost 10%.
Smaller businesses don’t have the same level of financial freedom, but this doesn’t mean that you can afford to cut corners. In fact, smaller companies actually have an edge here because they can be much more reactive and respond faster to new ideas and strategies.
Let’s also not forget that big businesses often aren’t utilising the best SEO strategies. So, I’m here to tell you that you should never assume that you can’t compete. Because you absolutely can. You just need to ensure that SEO remains one of your top priorities moving forward.
The Main Takeaway For SEO in 2024
The common theme connecting every point I’ve made here is the need for flexibility and adaptability. Now is not the time for rigidity or a reluctance to adapt and re-think. So, don’t be afraid to use your budget creatively and be prepared to change directions as and when new opportunities arise.