If you're not ranking with your keywords on the first page of Google, then we have bad news - your SEO tactics aren't working properly. And taking into account the fact that Google has nearly 87% of the search engine market, your website is more likely invisible to most users.
No one can deny the importance SEO provides to websites. SEO optimization is the only way forward if you want to create an online business or blog. However, it's not just black and white when it comes to it.
Google algorithms get significant updates every other month while SEO specialists try to stay in a loop with them. You must always analyze your performance and keep an eye on the market influencers if you want to guess how the algorithm works. But there's no need to worry - some proven SEO tactics work like a charm every time. Knowing and implementing them on your platform will surely take the burden off your shoulders.
We've gathered the best tactics that are everlasting and proven to help. Let's discuss each of them separately.
1. Target Long-tail Keywords
Long-tail keywords are an expended and more specific version of your existing keywords. Usually, the search volume of long-tail keywords is lower, but when used right, they can help a lot in ranking higher.
Long-tail keywords are also more distinct. Users use them to get more specific search results.
This shift in users' behavior has changed the Google algorithms, and now the long-term keywords are ranking comparably higher than the shorter ones. So make sure to use long-tail keywords to improve your rankings and align your content with search intent.
2. Align Your Content with Search Intent
As we mentioned above, aligning your content with the search intent is essential. But what is it? And how can you make sure that it works correctly?
Search intent is the purpose behind the search query of the user. When you understand how your users can search for you, you can satisfy their search queries and improve your user experience. Additionally, Google's top results always pass the search intent test.
Let's take an example for a better understanding. Imagine that you are a person who is giving roller-skating lessons. If you target your page with "roller skates" keywords, you may appear on search queries of users looking to buy roller skates. This means that you will waste your website's potential on users who aren't interested in you and increase your exit rate. That's why you must choose better keywords that align with their search intent. For example, you can choose keywords like "learn roller-skating" or "roller-skating lessons."
Always test and analyze your keywords. Don't be afraid to experiment, but choose keywords that describe your content accurately.
3. Use Your Keywords in The Headings
Headings are more influential than they get credited for. When you write a heading, you signal Google algorithms that they are valuable and vital. Additionally, you show that they satisfy the search intent of users.
Let's imagine you coach teams and want to write more about your tactics in your blog. You can use keywords like "ERP software" "team coach," or "employee engagement" in your headings. This way, Google will understand that your content is about employee satisfaction and team-building. So, if you place your keywords in your headers, you increase their chances of ranking your website higher. However, don't force your keywords if you think they don't fit into the context. Having no keywords is better than providing content that doesn't align with the user's search intent.
4. Create Internal Backlinks
The average time users spend on your website can highly impact the rankings of your website. The higher the time, the higher your orders can be. But how can you make your users stay longer on your platform?
Well, there are several tactics for this; however, those two work the best:
When you use internal links, you make your users stay on the website longer as they get more in deep into your site. The more connected your internal links are, the higher your chances of keeping users longer on your website.
Datis Mohsenipour, the VP Of Marketing & Sales of a corporate team building company, recommends carefully selecting the anchor texts you use for internal link building.
“The anchor text you use for internal link building is critical. Avoid linking from text like ‘click here’ or your blog post title. The anchor link you select should clearly signal which keywords you want a page to rank for.
So, if you’re linking to a blog post about ‘team bonding activities for work,’ and want to rank for that specific keyword - you should hyperlink that text alone.” explains Datis.
5. Create a Link-Building Plan
Backlinks are the driving force of SEO optimization. While our previous steps are devoted to improving your on-page SEO, link-building is directed to attracting backlinks from other websites.
Backlinks are also known as inbound links. If you manage to get a link from a more authoritative website, it can impact your Google rankings. Generally, the higher the website ranking and domain authority, the more difficult it is to get a link from them.
You have to create a severe link-building plan to find out how you can pursue them. Try to get in direct contact with website representatives and be active on social media to attract their attention. You can also try to present helpful infographics and statistics on your website that other websites can borrow from you.
Whatever tactic you choose, remember to constantly perform a backlink audit to ensure that you're on the right track and your backlinks aren't underperforming or overperforming.
6. Use Different Types of Media
Some tactics will always work better than others. And using different types of media is one of them. Various media types offer multiple advantages, and it's a shame not to use them.
When we say media, we don't only mean images. You can also use audio files, web animation, and video content. GIFs, ebooks, and a lot more. These media types are usually more entertaining than simple text.
Additionally, according to the last reports of Semrush, 41% of the market is focused on creating video and visual content instead of blogs. Audio is also on the rise, especially with the growing popularity of podcasts.
So make sure to include different media types to improve your SEO optimization.Having a good video content management system can help you to share videos with your audience.
As you know by now, there's no future for your website without good SEO optimization. Having a website that doesn't rank in the top 10 results is the same as having no website - it's invisible. As more marketers accept the importance of SEO practices, it's getting more difficult to rank higher in search results. However, some methods are proven to work for everyone. We've gathered the best ones that are as good in 2023 as they were a year before. Now all you have to do is to implement them in your strategy.
