I Tried 97 SEO Strategies… Here’s What Works RIGHT NOW in 2024

Summary

The video script addresses the challenges faced by SEO professionals due to Google's recent updates, which favor user-generated content and authoritative sites like Reddit and Forbes. It outlines a strategy for small website owners and bloggers to compete by targeting less competitive, low-risk keywords and building topical authority. The speaker shares personal experience of increasing organic traffic by 50% by pivoting to easier-to-rank content and emphasizes the importance of not solely relying on Google for SEO. The script also suggests leveraging other platforms like YouTube and Pinterest for different niches and encourages building an email list and creating one's own products for sustainable income.

Takeaways

• 😡 SEO professionals are upset with Google's recent updates, feeling that the changes are detrimental to content sites.
• 🔍 Google is prioritizing user-generated content and authoritative sources, which is a reaction to AI-generated content.
• 🚀 Small website owners and bloggers need to adapt by focusing on less competitive and lower-risk topics to stand out in SEO.
• 📈 The speaker managed to increase organic traffic by 50% by pivoting to less competitive keywords and strategies.
• 🔑 Finding keywords with low competition and high search volume is crucial for small blogs to rank higher in search results.
• 💡 The use of AI tools for content ideation is recommended, but not for writing, to help generate article ideas that can dominate Google for specific topics.
• ✍️ Content creation should involve adding a personal touch and expertise to provide unique value and avoid being labeled as unhelpful by Google's algorithms.
• 🏠 Building topical authority by focusing on a specific niche and creating a substantial amount of content around it is key for SEO success.
• 🛠️ If SEO isn't working, consider pivoting to other platforms like YouTube or LinkedIn, depending on the niche, to reach the target audience.
• 🌐 The importance of a professional website that showcases expertise, has clear navigation, and includes a way to contact the owner or business is highlighted.

Q & A

What is the main concern of people in the SEO world regarding Google's recent actions?

People in the SEO world are concerned that Google's recent actions are negatively impacting content sites, with some believing that Google is favoring user-generated content and authority sites like Reddit and Forbes, while deprioritizing smaller content creators.

How is Google responding to the rise of AI in content creation?

Google is making reactionary moves to AI by becoming more of a human answer platform, rewarding user-generated content and authority sites, which are seen as more trustworthy and less susceptible to AI-generated content.

What strategy is suggested for small website owners or individual bloggers to compete in the current SEO landscape?

Small website owners and individual bloggers are advised to focus on writing content that doesn't require authority and doesn't heavily rely on user-generated content. They should also consider targeting less competitive, lower-risk keywords and building topical authority in a specific niche.

How can content creators find less competitive keywords to rank for in 2024?

Content creators can find less competitive keywords by using SEO tools to search for ideas with low difficulty scores and high search volume. They should also look for keywords where low authority sites are ranking highly, indicating less competition.

What is the recommended approach for content sites to increase organic traffic during the current SEO challenges?

Content sites can increase organic traffic by pivoting their strategy to focus on easier-to-rank-for keywords, building topical authority, and creating content that adds unique value to the conversation, rather than just reiterating existing information.

Why is it important for small blogs to write content that doesn't require authority according to the transcript?

Writing content that doesn't require authority allows small blogs to compete more effectively in SEO, as Google is currently rewarding user-generated content and authority sites. This strategy levels the playing field for smaller blogs.

How can content creators ensure their website showcases expertise and provides value to visitors?

Content creators can ensure their website showcases expertise by writing articles that are rich in information and personal experience, using professional-looking web design, and creating pages that house their best content in an accessible and engaging format.

What is the significance of topical authority in the context of the discussed SEO strategy?

Topical authority is significant because it helps establish a website as a trusted source in a specific niche, making it more likely to rank higher in search results. Building topical authority involves creating a substantial amount of high-quality, relevant content focused on a particular area.

How does the transcript suggest using AI tools in the context of SEO strategy for 2024?

The transcript suggests using AI tools for ideation and content optimization, but not for the actual writing. Tools like Surfer can help identify semantic keywords and optimize content for a score that indicates good SEO without over-optimization.

What alternative platforms are recommended for content creators if SEO on Google is too competitive?

If SEO on Google is too competitive, the transcript recommends pivoting to platforms like YouTube for video content, LinkedIn for professional networking and newsletter strategies, or Pinterest for visual content, depending on the niche.