It’s never been easier to stay at the top of Google search engine results pages (SERPs), with algorithm updates being released on a regular basis.
Signing up for directories, exact match domains and keyword stuffing is over. SEO professionals must do everything possible to rank higher than their competitors.
You can do more work by engaging in aggressive link-building outreach or hiring a PR agency. But could these simple strategies give you an edge?
Tip #1: Post content when there is no one else.
Content is the king of content. This is true. You need quality content and regularly updated content to prove that you are proactive, not dormant.
It is not possible to have thin content, even with thousands or thousands of words. Instead, it must be relevant and answer industry questions.
Rosie Marie, Rosca Technologies CEO, says that posting content when nobody else is is a competitive advantage.
Google is both an algorithm and a computer. Not just a group of suitors who go through websites one-by-one.
Marie explains that Google crawls every day, or at most every few days. She stresses that it is difficult to pinpoint exactly when this happens. She says, “If you are able to post content at other times in the year or day, and Google decides that your site is worth indexing, who knows? This could give you a competitive edge.”
Marie mentions that her company has attempted to post content on weekends. This is easy if you use a content management software – as others are unlikely to.
“We also take advantage of UK bank holidays and the lazy week between Christmas & New Year’s. Google could pick up on our proactiveness and rank us higher than our competitors.” Do we not deserve to be ranked higher if this is true?
Tip #2 – Get impartial users to critique your website
It is often said that time on site is an indicator of SEO. After all, if users stay on your site for long periods and click through to different pages, it shows that your information is valuable. This is in contrast to someone who leaves your site after only 5 seconds.
Gavin Cooper, Claims Bible founder, says “You could ask partners and people from your industry to look at your site and give their feedback.”
He suggests that you start by posting on LinkedIn or Facebook, and tell your friends that your site has been redesigned or that you’ve launched a new company.
Some of the feedback might not be pleasant to hear. You will find many dedicated users who will look through pages and scroll through them. This is great for SEO, especially in the initial days of a website’s launch.
Cooper points out that businesses need to remember that a higher click through rate in Google’s search results can also help during the initial buzz surrounding a site’s launch.
He says, “For example, if your rank is 9 and you get more clicks than you do at position 3, or 4, that should also improve your ranking.” Similar ideas include sending out SMS messages and blast emails, or making an announcement on LinkedIn. But make sure to link to your website. Do not give LinkedIn traffic. Keep it for your own use!
Tip #3: Acquire links using simple sources
A great way to build links is to create data-driven content and then email it to others to get back links.
This is not only time-consuming, but also you don’t have control over the anchor text and links that point to you.
Luke Fitzpatrick (head of digital at Earned Media), says, “Our alternative method involves finding websites or blog posts that have already written articles on your topic, regardless of whether you talk about travel, health, finance or any other subject that has expert opinion.”
He says, “Our approach is to reach out to all the guides on pages two through ten and contact them to offer additional data to help ‘bulk-up’ their articles.”
“Understandably, many publishers were delighted to have more information in articles and were happy to provide a follow link back to refer to them. Link building succeeded!
Tip #4: Use link bait that has been proven successful
Although content is the king of the internet, we also know that links are what make the world go around. Some things work well as link bait, including being nominated for awards or featured in the press.
Richard Allan, Capital Bean’s co-founder, says, “But looking at competitors, it seems that there seem to be some lists which grab more attention than others.”
“Top lists, such as the best places to start a family, retire or do something else, attract more attention than other lists, especially if they’re filled with data.”
Allan suggests that businesses sponsor large organizations in the non-profit sector or the health industry. They often include a badge and link to their website. He says, “You can help a great cause also.”
“Another interesting one is to launch a scholarship program or essay writing contest – this can draw links from colleges and universities if it’s well positioned.”
Tip #5: Are you beginning to fall? Simple, refresh the content
If you are struggling to rank for big keywords, it is worth refreshing your content and replacing it by new information. You can also use other points that have been ranking well lately.
Google loves new content and it improves your indexability. Therefore, it is a good idea to make sure that your landing pages are updated every 6 months to provide this refresh.
These alternative SEO techniques could be the key to successful ranking. Search Engine Watch was the first to publish this article.
Leave a Reply