In the ever-evolving landscape of SEO, we’ve gathered insights from six industry experts, including Senior Technical SEO Managers and CEOs, to uncover the often-missed elements that can propel your website’s rankings in 2024. From leveraging contextual internal links to optimizing for voice search queries, these professionals reveal their top strategies for giving your site the edge it needs.
- Leverage Contextual Internal Links
- Optimize Structured Data Markup
- Prioritize User Experience Optimization
- Focus on Seamless User Experience
- Consolidate Content Strategically
- Optimize for Voice Search Queries
Leverage Contextual Internal Links
I would easily say contextual internal links. Many of the sites I’ve worked on during my career either do not utilize them at all, or when they do, they’re not using the correct anchor texts.
There’s an obsession with backlinks, but if you get some quality contextual internal links to money pages, you can really move the needle and get some quick wins.
Best of all, it’s 100% in your control, so you don’t need to be reliant on external publishers or pay money for links. So, the next time before you say we need more backlinks, make sure you’re really nailing your on-page SEO.
Peter Rota, Senior Technical SEO Manager, Peter Rota SEO
Optimize Structured Data Markup
One often-overlooked aspect of SEO that can significantly boost website rankings in 2024 is the optimization of structured data, also known as schema markup. Structured data helps search engines better understand the content on your website, providing context that enhances the way your pages are displayed in search results.
By implementing schema markup, you can enable rich snippets—enhanced listings that include additional information like ratings, reviews, event dates, and other relevant details. These rich snippets not only make your listings more attractive and clickable but also improve your site’s relevance and authority in the eyes of search engines.
In 2024, search engines are increasingly prioritizing user experience and precise information delivery. Structured data plays a critical role in this by allowing search engines to quickly grasp the content of your pages and present it in a way that meets users’ needs more effectively. This, in turn, can lead to higher click-through rates, increased organic traffic, and improved overall rankings.
Leslie Gilmour, Founder, BeFound SEO
Prioritize User Experience Optimization
In my experience, an often-overlooked facet of SEO that could potentially skyrocket your website rankings in 2024 is user experience (UX) optimization. With search algorithms becoming smarter, they prioritize sites offering superior UX, including fast page-load times, easy navigation, and rich content. For instance, at Businessmap, by improving our website’s page-load speed by 20%, we observed a significant impact on our organic search visibility, traffic, and user engagement.
Moreover, focusing on Core Web Vitals, Google’s latest ranking factors aimed at enhancing the user experience, can offer a distinct edge. These factors focus on aspects like Largest Contentful Paint (LCP), First Input Delay (FID), and Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS). We took crucial steps toward improving these metrics and found ourselves ahead in the ranking race. Therefore, SEO in 2024, and even now, is not just about keyword optimization but creating a seamless and user-friendly experience for your visitors.
Pavel Naydenov, Head of Marketing, Businessmap
Focus on Seamless User Experience
One overlooked aspect of SEO that can significantly boost website rankings in 2024 is the importance of user experience. Search engines are increasingly prioritizing websites that provide a seamless and enjoyable experience for visitors. This includes fast loading times, mobile responsiveness, easy navigation, and high-quality content that keeps users engaged.
By focusing on improving the overall user experience of your website, you can not only increase your search engine rankings but also drive more organic traffic and conversions. So, don’t forget to prioritize user experience in your SEO strategy for 2024!
Alex Stasiak, CEO and Founder, Startup House
Consolidate Content Strategically
Content consolidation can significantly boost website rankings after the March 2024 Google Core Update. As the CEO of Dental SEO Expert, I have seen firsthand how this strategy can improve a website’s performance.
Last year, we worked with a dental clinic that had multiple pages covering similar topics. This redundancy confused search engines and diluted the site’s authority. We consolidated these pages into comprehensive, authoritative pieces. The result was a noticeable improvement in search rankings and user engagement.
To successfully consolidate content, start by auditing your website for overlapping topics. Identify which pages can be merged to create a single, stronger page. This helps with authority and improves your internal linking structure, making your site easier to navigate and index. Ensure the consolidated content is well-organized and relevant, focusing on user intent.
Ihor Lavrenenko, CEO, Dental SEO Expert
Optimize for Voice Search Queries
One often-overlooked aspect of SEO that can significantly boost website rankings in 2024 is optimizing for voice search. As more people use smart speakers and voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant, the way they search online is changing. Voice searches tend to be longer and more conversational than typed queries, and they often include questions or specific phrases.
To capitalize on this trend, businesses should focus on creating content that directly answers common questions related to their industry. For instance, including FAQ sections on your site or writing blog posts that address specific queries can help. Additionally, optimizing for local SEO is crucial because many voice searches are location-based.
Ensuring that your business information is accurate and up-to-date on Google My Business can make a big difference. By embracing these strategies, you can improve your chances of appearing in voice search results, thereby boosting your overall SEO performance.
Gabrielle Yap, Senior Editor, Carnivore Style
