Want to rank higher on Google in 2024? Continue reading! In this post, we will share the exact strategies that brought us the #1 position for highly competitive keywords like “SEO checklist” and “link-building tools.”
How Does Google Rank Pages?
However, Google uses not-so-simple algorithms to look at web pages based on how good, relevant, and able to answer the search intent they are. Although it is a complex process, the overall implementation of a comprehensive SEO strategy can get you great rankings.
Here are nine actionable steps toward getting your hopes on Google:
Step #1: Improve Your On-Site SEO
On-page SEO is one of the fastest ways to improve rankings. You can optimize your page in just as little time as a few minutes, and within days you may start seeing improvements.
Front-load your keyword: Your target keyword should be at the beginning of your title tag. For example, if “SEO copywriting” is your target keyword, that is where the title should start.
Create Long-Form Content: Our research shows that the average word count of a first page Google result is 1,447 words. This longer form content tends to rank higher because it fully and thoroughly covers your topic.
Naturally Include Keywords: Place your keywords throughout the page naturally, so you don’t make it look keyword-stuffed.
Step #2 Add LSI Keywords to Your Page
LSI keywords are related terms that enhance your main keyword topic. LSI keywords for “cold brew coffee” might include “iced coffee” and “coffee beans.” Use Google’s autocomplete feature to find these terms and use them naturally throughout your content.
Step #3: Keep an Eye on Your Technical SEO
Technical issues can send your rankings plummeting, so make sure that:
Your site is optimized for mobile.
Use tools such as PageSpeed Insights to keep your page speed high.
Google should be able to index your site. Run a report in Google Search Console under “Indexing” > “Pages.”
Use the Yoast SEO plugin-the default plugin that comes with WordPress–to make your site a little more SEO-friendly.
Step #4: Align Your Content to Search Intent
Search intent is the underlying purpose behind a user’s search query. Specifically, what RankBrain in Google’s algorithm is really good at is determining whether your content serves that purpose.
How to match search intent:
Determine what users are looking for when searching on your target keyword
Examine the top-ranking pages for that keyword to determine how they structure content
Tailor your content to match their expectations
Step #5: Lower Your Bounce Rate
Another thing Google watches closely is the “bounces” (they click away from your page and come back to the search results after looking at it for a fraction of a second). Here is how you can work on that:
Ensure that the most important information finds its place “above the fold.”
Make use of graphics, charts, images as well as video to make the content interesting.
Build a logical structure with headings so that navigation is easy for users to find what they are searching for.
Step #6: Find Even More Keywords to Target
By using Google Search Console, you may know which queries you already rank for but haven’t optimized. You may get more organic traffic without having to create new content, just by tweaking your content to focus on those keywords.
Step #7: Publishing High-Quality Content
Google likes the content that:
Brings value.
Encourages links.
Ways to create linkable content include:
Publishing long-form articles over 3,000 words.
Using data, statistics, which others can cite.
Creating infographics, other visually appealing elements.
Step #8: Generate Backlinks
To generate backlinks you must promote your content actively. Here are two tactics to try:
Broken Link Building: Using a tool such as Semrush find broken links on competitor pages and suggest your content as the replacement
Resource Pages: Find sites that collect resources related to your topic and ask for inclusion.
Step #9: Track and Monitor Your Result
Track your performance through Google Analytics and Google Search Console. Measure how well your optimizations are working by analyzing the organic traffic and your keyword rankings using those tools.
Now, by following these nine steps, you are on the right path toward ranking better on Google in 2024. By now, you’re aware that SEO is a game of patience; however, regular effort is important to show improvement.
For SEO professional help, Exaalgia provides professional SEO and digital marketing services for your website.
Ready to rank higher on Google? Contact us today!