How to Create an Effective SEO Strategy in 2024

If you aim to improve your Google rankings, this guide is just what you need.

What Is an SEO Strategy?

An SEO strategy is a structured plan for creating, optimizing, and promoting content to enhance its visibility in search engine results, ultimately attracting more organic traffic. It encompasses various techniques, including keyword research, on-page optimization, technical SEO, and link building.

In simpler terms, an SEO strategy outlines the steps you take to increase your organic traffic.

Here’s how to create an SEO strategy for 2024:

Step #1: Create a List of Keywords

The first step in any effective SEO strategy is keyword research.

One of the best methods to discover the keywords your target audience is searching for is by using Google Suggest.

Start typing a keyword into Google’s search bar, and it will provide a list of suggestions:

These suggestions are excellent candidates for your SEO keywords since they originate directly from Google, indicating that people are actively searching for them.

Long-tail keywords tend to be less competitive than shorter terms. While long-tail keywords may have lower search volumes, they are generally easier to rank for.

I recommend generating a list of about 10 keywords by experimenting with various search terms. You can use keyword tools like Semrush or Ubersuggest to check the search volume and competition for these terms.

If you want to delve deeper into keyword research, consider watching this video.

Also Read:- Best SEO services in Atlanta for Small Business

Step #2: Analyze Google’s First Page

Now that you have a set of keywords, it’s time to investigate who currently ranks for them.

Simply enter one of your chosen keywords into Google and examine the top 10 results:

If you notice that the first-page results predominantly feature list posts for a particular topic, you may want to consider publishing a similar list post on your blog.

Step #3: Identify Your Competitors

For SEO competitor analysis, my go-to tool is Semrush. It simplifies the process and saves valuable time.

To begin, click on “Domain Overview” and enter your website’s URL:

Scroll down to find the “Main Organic Competitors” section.

These competitors are websites ranking for similar keywords and targeting a similar audience.

By clicking the “View all…” button, you can explore a comprehensive list of your competitors and gather valuable insights, such as shared keywords and their traffic levels.

The “Common Keywords” section indicates the total number of keywords you have in common with each competitor. If you find sites with many overlapping keywords, they should be considered your competitors.

By the end of this step, you should have identified at least 4-5 primary organic competitors.

Step #4: Create Something Unique or Superior

Next, it’s time to produce high-quality content.

When developing SEO content, you have two options:

Option #1: Create something unique.

Option #2: Improve upon existing content.

Sometimes it’s best to create something bigger and better, following the Skyscraper Technique. However, there are times when a completely different approach will help your content stand out.

For example, when I set out to write a piece on “Mobile SEO,” I found the first page filled with list posts, like “X Ways to Mobile Optimize Your Site.” Instead of creating a more extensive list post, I chose to publish an ultimate guide on mobile optimization, which garnered numerous shares and backlinks due to its uniqueness.

If you decide to improve upon existing content, aim for content that is ten times better than what’s already ranking. For instance, when I noticed that most articles about “SEO tools” only listed 10-20 tools, I created a list of 41 SEO tools, which now ranks in the top three for the keyword “SEO Tools.”

Step #5: Add a Hook

To boost your search engine rankings in 2024, securing backlinks is crucial.

Research shows that links are still strongly correlated with first-page Google rankings, making them a vital factor.

The key is to determine why people link to specific content in your niche—this is known as “The Hook.”

Once you identify that hook, incorporate it into your content.

For example, when I noticed a surge of bloggers writing about voice search, I saw that many linked to content rich in statistics and data. I decided to conduct a voice search study filled with compelling stats, resulting in over 5,600 backlinks, with more than 90% referencing specific statistics from my post.

Data is just one type of hook; ultimate guides can also serve as an effective hook. For instance, I published “Link Building: The Definitive Guide,” which has become a go-to resource that other bloggers reference.

Step #6: Optimize for On-Page SEO

This step focuses on optimizing your content for SEO.

There are numerous aspects of on-page SEO to consider, but here are three core techniques to prioritize in 2024:

• Internal Linking: This technique is still effective when executed correctly. Link high-authority pages to those needing more authority. For example, I linked from a high-authority page to my new guide on Google Search Console.
• Short, Keyword-Rich URLs: Analysis of 11.8 million Google search results indicates that shorter URLs generally perform better. Aim for URLs that are either just your keyword or your target keyword with one additional word.
• Semantic SEO: Enhance your content by including words related to your target keyword. Use Google Images and standard Google search to find related terms, then incorporate them into your content.

Step #7: Optimize for Search Intent

This is similar to the Skyscraper Technique 2.0.

For instance, I previously wrote a post about increasing website traffic, but it never ranked highly for that keyword. Upon analysis, I realized my content didn’t align with the search intent. Most ranking articles provided bite-sized tips, while mine outlined a high-level process.

To align my content with search intent, I transformed it into a list post, which helped it rank in the top three for my target keyword, resulting in a 70.43% increase in traffic.

Publishing content with search intent in mind from the beginning is advantageous. This approach helped my post, “The Ultimate SEO Audit,” rank well by addressing the needs of users seeking actionable strategies.

Step #8: Focus on Content Design

Content design is often overlooked but is crucial for successful content marketing.

You can have exceptional content, but if it’s poorly presented, it won’t gain traction.

That’s why I allocate a significant portion of my marketing budget to content design. For example, my definitive guides are designed from scratch using WordPress.

However, you don’t need a massive budget for effective content design. Here are four types of visual content that are easy to implement:

• Graphs and Charts: These help simplify complex data, making it easier for readers to understand. Including charts in your posts can also encourage backlinks.
• Screenshots and Pictures: Use screenshots to illustrate specific steps, ensuring they add value to your content. In non-technical niches, pictures can effectively convey concepts, as demonstrated by fitness bloggers showing proper exercise techniques.
• Blog Post Banners: While primarily aesthetic, banners can enhance the overall look of your post.
• Graphics and Visualizations: Visuals that illustrate concepts can help clarify complex ideas, making your content more accessible.

Step #9: Build Links to Your Page

Now, it’s time to actively build links to your content using three effective strategies:

• Broken Link Building: Identify broken links on relevant sites and suggest your content as a replacement. Be specific in your outreach to increase your chances of success.
• Competitor Analysis: Find sites ranking for your target keywords and analyze their backlinks. Aim to acquire similar links by identifying where your content would add value.
• Evangelist Method: Focus on promoting your content to influential bloggers in your niche without explicitly asking for links. By getting your content in front of the right people, you can secure organic shares.

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Step #10: Improve and Update Your Content

The Content Relaunch strategy can significantly boost organic traffic. When I updated my list of SEO techniques, I didn’t just repost the old content. Instead, I refreshed it by removing outdated screenshots, adding new strategies, and eliminating ineffective ones. This effort led to a 62.60% increase in organic traffic.

Now, I Want to Hear From You

That’s my 10-step SEO strategy for 2024.

Which strategy are you eager to try first? Are you considering updating older content or experimenting with broken link building?

Let me know by leaving a comment below!