17 Advanced SEO Techniques

Ever wondered how some websites magically appear at the top of your search results? Well, get ready to uncover the secrets! In this guide, we’re diving into 17 advanced SEO techniques—think of them as the special spells that make your website stand out and get noticed by everyone online. Whether you’re a tech whiz or just starting, these tricks will turn your website into a star in the vast digital universe. Let’s make your online presence shine!

The Actionable Steps for Ranking on Google

Rank for “Journalist Keywords”

One way to do that is by making sure your content ranks well for “journalist keywords.” Now, this might sound a bit technical, but let me break it down.

Imagine the internet as a massive library, and search engines like Google are the librarians. When someone types something into the search bar, the librarians want to show them the most relevant books (or in our case, articles). These relevant articles are determined by certain words or phrases—those are the “keywords.”

So, when we say “rank for journalist keywords,” we mean making sure that your articles show up near the top of the librarian’s list when people are searching for things related to journalism. It’s like putting your work on the best shelves in the library, where everyone can easily find it.

To achieve this, you might use specific words or phrases related to journalism in your articles. This way, when someone types, let’s say, “investigative journalism stories” into the search bar, your articles have a better chance of being right there at the top.

Use Animated Images to Improve Time On Site

Let’s talk about making your website more interesting without getting too technical. Imagine your website is like a cozy coffee shop. You want people to stay, enjoy their time, and maybe order another cup of coffee (or, in this case, read more articles).

Now, think of animated images as the cool artwork on the walls. They catch your eye and make the whole place more lively. On a website, these are moving pictures, like GIFs or short animations. When visitors see these, it’s like discovering a little surprise in your coffee shop—a bit of extra fun.

Now, here’s the trick: people tend to stick around in a place that’s enjoyable. So, by having these animated images on your website, you’re making it a more pleasant experience for your visitors. They’re likely to spend more time browsing through your articles, just like someone enjoying the atmosphere of a coffee shop might stay longer.

Create Content Hubs

A Content Hub is like a central spot in each neighborhood where you gather all the cool stuff related to a specific topic. It’s the go-to place for anyone interested in that particular theme. So, let’s say you’re into cooking; your Cooking Content Hub would have all your delicious recipes, cooking tips, and maybe even some food stories.

Why do you want these hubs? Well, just like in a city, it makes things easier to find. If someone is really into desserts, they can head straight to your Dessert Content Hub and get everything sweet in one place. It’s like having a favorite corner store for each thing you love.

Plus, when search engines (think of them as the city guides) see that you’ve organized your content neatly into these hubs, they think, “Wow, this must be a great place to find cooking tips!” So, not only does it help your visitors, but it also makes search engines love your site more.

Target Comparison Keywords

Think of the internet as a massive shopping mall, and your website is one of the shops. Now, imagine people walking around looking for the best deals, comparing products, trying to figure out what suits them the most.

Now, comparison keywords are like signs in your shop window that say, “Our Products vs. Others.” They highlight the features, prices, and benefits of what you offer compared to what others have. It’s like saying, “Hey, if you’re thinking about this type of thing, we’ve got something great, and here’s why it’s better than the rest.”

So, if someone is searching for “best budget cameras,” and you have a shop that sells cameras, you’d want to make sure your website has content that compares your cameras to others in terms of price, features, and quality.

Why? Because when people are making decisions, especially about buying stuff, they love having all the information in one place. They want to know why they should pick your shop over the one next door.

Use Dynamic Parameters for Pagination

Imagine you’re reading a really long story online, and instead of having the whole thing on one page, it’s split into multiple pages. Pagination is like turning the pages of a book, right? But now, let’s make it more interesting with dynamic parameters.

Dynamic parameters are like magical bookmarks that help you jump straight to the part of the story you want to read. So, let’s say you’re on page 1 of an article, and it’s about cats. If you click a button saying “Next,” usually, you’d go to page 2 for more cat stuff.

Now, add dynamic parameters, and it’s like having super-specific buttons. You could have buttons like “Next Cat Story,” “Next Dog Story,” or “Next Pet Adoption Tips.” With these magical buttons, you skip to exactly what you’re interested in without flipping through irrelevant pages.

Why is this cool? Well, think about it like this: if you’re reading a whole book about pets but only care about cats, dynamic parameters let you skip straight to the cat chapters.

On a website, it makes navigating through content much smoother. You don’t waste time going through pages that don’t interest you. It’s like a personalized adventure through the online world.

Build Backlinks With Podcasts

When podcasts mention or link to your website, it’s akin to these satisfied customers telling their friends, “Hey, I found this amazing cafe, and you should check it out too!” These mentions act as valuable recommendations in the online world.

Why does this matter? Well, just like a popular cafe attracts more visitors, a website with more backlinks gains attention from search engines. They see it as a trusted and noteworthy spot, improving your website’s visibility in the vast digital landscape.

Forge a Content Alliance

In this scenario, your website represents one neighborhood, and another website is a different neighborhood. When you forge a content alliance, it’s like building a strong friendship between these neighborhoods. You might collaborate on articles, share each other’s stories, or even team up for exciting projects.

Why is this collaboration valuable? Just like in real life, when neighborhoods collaborate, they create a buzz. People from one area start exploring the other, discovering new perspectives and experiences. In the digital world, a content alliance means you’re introducing your audience to a new and interesting corner of the internet.

Moreover, search engines, which act like city guides, notice these collaborations. When they see that two neighborhoods are working together, they think, “These places must have some excellent content,” and they might recommend your stories to a broader audience.

Maximize SERP Real Estate

Think of a SERP as the main street of the internet. When people search for something, they stroll down this street, checking out the storefronts that catch their eye. Maximizing SERP real estate is like having a bigger, brighter sign or a more attractive display that ensures your shop (website) is the first one they notice.

So, how do you do this? Well, it’s about optimizing your shopfront, which in digital terms means fine-tuning your meta titles and descriptions—the little snippets that appear on the SERP. It’s like creating a compelling shop window that entices people to come in.

Why does this matter? Just like in a busy city, where a flashy storefront attracts more foot traffic, a well-optimized SERP presence attracts more clicks. The more people click on your link, the more visible and respected your shop becomes in the online marketplace.

Embed Original Images In Your Content

These images are like the special spices that you won’t find anywhere else. They make your content more flavorful and interesting. Instead of using generic pictures that everyone else might be using, you’re showcasing your own creations, making your content feel personal and authentic.

Just like how a homemade meal brings warmth and comfort, embedding original images brings a personal touch to your content. It’s like serving a dish that’s not just tasty but also uniquely yours, making your audience connect with what you’re sharing in a more special way.

Optimize Your Content For Keyword Relevance

When we talk about optimizing your content for keyword relevance, it’s like making sure your clues are just right. You want to use words and phrases that people are likely to type into the search bar when they’re looking for something specific.

Think of it like this: if you’re writing about the best chocolate chip cookies, you’d want to use words like “delicious chocolate chip cookies,” “homemade treats,” or “perfect cookie recipe.” These are the keywords that people might type when they’re on the hunt for yummy cookie recipes.

Why is this important? Well, just like a well-crafted clue leads you straight to the treasure, using the right keywords guides people directly to your content. Search engines act like the treasure map, and when they see that your content is full of the right clues (keywords), they’re more likely to show your article to someone looking for that specific information.

Create a Comments Section On Your Blog

Think of the comments section as a friendly gathering spot in your coffee shop where people can share their thoughts, opinions, or just say hello. It’s like having a little space for conversation right there in your cozy corner of the internet.

When you create a comments section on your blog, it’s an invitation for your visitors to join the conversation. They can express their thoughts, ask questions, or share their own experiences related to what you’ve written. It’s like turning your one-sided chat into a two-way discussion.

Why is this a good thing? Well, just like in a real coffee shop, when people chat and share ideas, it creates a sense of community. Your blog becomes a place where not only your thoughts matter but also where everyone’s voice is heard. Plus, it gives you a chance to connect directly with your readers, making the whole experience more engaging and interactive.

Uncover People Also Ask Keywords

These are the queries that pop up when someone is searching for something related to your content. It’s like finding the questions your readers didn’t even know they wanted to ask. By incorporating these “People Also Ask” keywords into your content, you’re essentially providing answers to the questions people are actively seeking.

Why does this matter? Well, think of it as anticipating what your audience is curious about. It’s like being a mind reader in the library, pulling out the books people want even before they ask for them. By including these keywords, you’re not just providing information; you’re offering exactly what your audience is looking for, making your content even more valuable and relevant.

Add “Content Features” To Your Page

These content features are like special decorations—maybe it’s an interesting video, an eye-catching infographic, or a helpful checklist. They’re the unique elements that grab your visitor’s attention and make your page more engaging.

Think of it this way: if your webpage is a story, these content features are like exciting plot twists. They break up the text and make the whole experience more fun and interactive. People love a good story, and these features add layers to yours.

Why bother with content features? Well, just like how a well-decorated room is more inviting, a webpage with interesting features is more appealing to your visitors. It keeps them interested, helps them understand your message better, and makes your page memorable.

Publish Topic + Year Content

Think of your topic as the main theme of your magazine. It could be anything—fashion, tech, or even gardening. Now, when you add the year to it, it’s like giving your magazine a fresh spin. For example, “Fashion Trends 2023” or “Top Tech Innovations of 2023.”

Why do this? Well, just like people love reading the latest magazines to stay in the know, adding the year to your topic makes your content feel current and relevant. It’s like serving a hot, just-out-of-the-oven dish to your readers.

Imagine you’re at a newsstand, and you see two magazines—one with a generic title and another with a specific year. You’d likely grab the one that promises the latest and greatest, right? That’s the magic of “Topic + Year” content. It tells your audience that what they’re about to read is fresh and right on trend.

Get Backlinks From Unlinked Brand Mentions

When someone mentions your brand online but forgets to include a link, it’s a bit like having your star mentioned but not being able to see it shine. By getting backlinks from these unlinked mentions, you’re essentially placing a spotlight on your star, making it more visible in the vast online galaxy.

Why is this important? Well, just like a star becomes more famous when people can see it, your brand gains more recognition when there are direct links to it. It’s like connecting the dots between your star and all the places it’s mentioned, creating a constellation of credibility and visibility.

Optimize for Google Discover

When we say “optimize for Google Discover,” it’s like making sure your performance is exactly what the judge is looking for. Google Discover is like the audience in this talent show, and it wants to see content that’s not only interesting but also matches the interests of the viewers.

So, how do you optimize for Google Discover? It’s a bit like tailoring your act to the preferences of the audience. You want to create content that’s engaging, up-to-date, and directly speaks to what people are interested in at that moment.

Imagine you’re a singer in this talent show. You’d pick a song that the audience loves, right? Optimizing for Google Discover is like choosing the perfect song—the right topic, the right tone, and the right timing.

Find Low-Competition Keywords From Reddit

Imagine Reddit as a bustling market where people share their thoughts and interests. These discussions are like hidden clues about what people are searching for but aren’t getting a lot of attention yet.

When you find low-competition keywords from Reddit, it’s like discovering these hidden clues. These are the words and phrases that people are talking about but haven’t become super popular in the wider internet world yet.

Why is this valuable? Well, just like finding a hidden treasure is exciting, using low-competition keywords means you have a better chance of standing out in the vast online landscape. It’s like uncovering gems that others might have missed, making your content more unique and discoverable.

Bonus Strategy: Leverage User Intent and Craft Compelling Meta Descriptions

 

1. 1. Understand User Intent: Put on your detective hat and figure out what users are really searching for. What’s the problem they want to solve or the question they need an answer to? Tailor your content to align with these intents.

1. 1. Craft Magnetic Meta Descriptions: Your meta description is like the trailer for a movie. Make it compelling and intriguing. Summarize what users will find in your content and why it’s exactly what they’re looking for. Use action-oriented language to encourage clicks.

1. 1. Include Targeted Keywords: Sprinkle relevant keywords naturally in your meta description. But remember, it’s not just about stuffing keywords; it’s about making sure your description aligns with the user’s query.

1. 1. Maintain Relevance: Ensure that the content on your page directly relates to the meta description. Misleading users with a flashy description that doesn’t deliver will harm your credibility.

1. 1. Test and Iterate: Treat your meta descriptions like a science experiment. Test different versions to see which ones get more clicks. Google tends to reward pages that have a higher click-through rate (CTR).

1. 1. Answer Questions Directly: If your content directly addresses common questions or concerns, highlight this in your meta description. Users love to know they’ll find exactly what they’re looking for.

In wrapping up, think of these 17 advanced SEO techniques as your secret weapons for making your website truly shine. It’s like giving your site a superhero makeover, making it more noticeable and loved by both people and search engines. By using these smart tricks, you’re not just standing out in the vast online world, but you’re also inviting more visitors to discover what makes your website special. So, go ahead, implement these techniques, and watch your online presence soar!

Frequently Asked Questions