Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) continues to evolve, and as we enter 2024, it’s critical to adapt to the latest trends and algorithm updates to ensure your website ranks well in search results. Whether you’re a small business, an e-commerce store, or a digital marketing agency, staying ahead with useful SEO strategies is the key to online success. Let’s dive into the most effective SEO practices for 2024.
1. Prioritise “Helpful Content”
Google’s algorithm updates in 2023 and 2024 have placed even greater emphasis on helpful content. Content designed to genuinely help users solve their problems or answer their queries will outperform content created solely for SEO purposes.
Tips for Creating Helpful Content:
- Address specific user needs rather than generic topics.
- Focus on long-tail keywords that match search intent.
- Use formats like how-to guides, FAQs, and in-depth tutorials to engage users.
- Incorporate real-life examples, case studies, and data-driven insights.
Example:
Instead of writing a generic post like “How to Choose a Skip Hire Company,” focus on something detailed like “5 Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Skip.”
2. Optimise for Voice Search
With the rise of voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant, voice search continues to grow. Voice search queries are often longer and more conversational, making it essential to optimise your content for these types of searches.
How to Optimise for Voice Search:
- Target natural language phrases and questions (e.g., “Where can I hire a skip near me?”).
- Structure content using FAQ sections.
- Use local SEO techniques (e.g., include city names, landmarks, or “near me” keywords).
- Focus on mobile optimisation since most voice searches occur on mobile devices.
3. E-E-A-T: Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness
Google’s E-E-A-T (Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) principles remain critical in 2024, particularly for Your Money or Your Life (YMYL) topics like health, finance, and legal advice.
How to Improve E-E-A-T:
- Include author bios on your website to establish credibility.
- Link to authoritative sources and use trusted data.
- Collect positive reviews and testimonials to boost trustworthiness.
- Regularly update content to ensure it’s accurate and current.
Pro Tip:
If you’re a business like WasteOnline or Harvey George, showcase your expertise by adding case studies, client testimonials, or certifications to your site.
4. Optimise for Core Web Vitals
Google’s Core Web Vitals are now a foundational part of SEO. These metrics measure the user experience on your website, including page load speed, interactivity, and visual stability.
Key Metrics:
- Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): Time taken to load the largest piece of content (should be under 2.5 seconds).
- First Input Delay (FID): Time taken for the site to respond to user interaction (should be under 100ms).
- Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS): Stability of page elements as it loads (should be under 0.1).
How to Improve Core Web Vitals:
- Use fast hosting providers.
- Compress images and enable lazy loading.
- Minify CSS, JavaScript, and HTML files.
- Implement a Content Delivery Network (CDN).
5. Embrace AI-Powered SEO
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the way we approach SEO. Tools like ChatGPT and Google Bard can assist with keyword research, content creation, and even technical audits.
How to Leverage AI in SEO:
- Use AI tools to generate content outlines and brainstorm keyword ideas.
- Automate tasks like meta tag generation and content summaries.
- Use AI-based tools like Surfer SEO or MarketMuse to optimise on-page SEO.
Example:
If you’re a furniture company like Harvey George, AI can help generate SEO-friendly product descriptions tailored to your audience.
6. Focus on Local SEO
Local search remains crucial, particularly for service-based businesses like WasteOnline. With updates to Google Business Profiles, optimising for local SEO can drive traffic and conversions.
Local SEO Checklist:
- Claim and optimise your Google Business Profile.
- Use local keywords like “skip hire in Sheffield” or “bespoke vanity units in Yorkshire.”
- Collect and respond to customer reviews on Google.
- Ensure your NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) is consistent across all platforms.
Pro Tip:
Regularly update your Google Business Profile with posts, promotions, and photos to stay active and visible.
7. Visual and Video SEO
In 2024, visual and video content continues to dominate user engagement. With the rise of platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, optimising visual and video content for search engines is more important than ever.
Video SEO Tips:
- Create short, engaging videos for YouTube and optimise the titles, tags, and descriptions with keywords.
- Add transcripts to make videos accessible and improve SEO.
- Use schema markup to help Google index your video content.
8. Optimise for Multi-Search
Google’s Multi-Search combines text and image searches, allowing users to refine results by combining queries. This trend is especially useful for e-commerce and visual-heavy industries like furniture and fashion.
How to Optimise for Multi-Search:
- Use alt tags and descriptive filenames for images.
- Create visually appealing product pages with detailed descriptions and high-quality photos.
- Implement structured data (schema) for images and products.
9. Keep Up with Algorithm Updates
Google rolled out multiple major core updates in 2023 and 2024, prioritising helpful content, E-E-A-T, and user experience. Staying informed about these updates and adjusting your SEO strategy accordingly is critical.
What to Do:
- Monitor your site’s performance using Google Analytics and Search Console.
- Use tools like Semrush or Ahrefs to track keyword rankings.
- Audit your site regularly for technical SEO issues like broken links or crawl errors.
10. Prioritise Mobile-First SEO
With most searches happening on mobile devices, optimising for mobile is no longer optional—it’s essential.
Mobile SEO Tips:
- Ensure your site is mobile-responsive.
- Use clickable buttons and easy-to-read fonts.
- Optimise for fast mobile load speeds.
Final Thoughts:
2024 is the year to focus on useful, people-first content, embrace AI-powered tools, and optimise your site for user experience and emerging trends like voice and multi-search. By prioritising these strategies, you’ll position your business to thrive in an increasingly competitive digital landscape.
If you’re ready to take your SEO efforts to the next level, start implementing these strategies today—or contact a professional to help you stay ahead!