SEO Best Practices for 2024: Optimise Your Content for Visibility and Engagement

Right, we all know Google’s algorithm is like a dodgy weather forecast – constantly changing. But by focusing on core principles, your content can still stay ahead of the pack. Here’s your updated guide to creating content that not only ranks well, but also keeps your readers engaged.

Keyword Techniques:

Specificity: Ditch broad terms like “blog”. Think “tips for writing blog posts that convert like billy-o”. Research long-tail keywords that dig deeper into your niche.
Strategic Placement: Pop your main keyword in the title (H1), slug, meta description, sprinkled throughout the content (naturally!), and H2/H3 headings. Don’t forget alt text for your images, either!
Hit the Sweet Spot: Aim for 1 keyword per 150 words. Remember, it’s all about natural integration, not keyword stuffing like a Christmas goose.

Compelling Content:

Length Matters: Longer content (1000-1500 words) gives you more to say and helps you rank higher. Blogs should ideally be 600+ words to keep readers engaged.
Engagement is King: Break up walls of text with visuals, format for easy reading, and weave in storytelling elements to keep folks hooked.

Visual Appeal:

Bring Your Content to Life: Include 2-4 optimised images for a bit of visual flair. Don’t go overboard, mind you.
Speed is Key: Big images slow things down like a lorry in rush hour. Use compressed images in .png format for top performance.

Bonus Tips!

User-Friendly First: Make sure your design is responsive and mobile-friendly, so it looks brilliant on any device.
Link Up Internally: Connect your content to relevant pages on your website, making it easier for people to navigate and helping your search ranking.
Stay Ahead of the Curve: Keep learning about SEO best practices and adapt your strategy as Google’s algorithm evolves.

Remember:

Quality is Top Dog: Create valuable, informative content that resonates with your audience.
Consistency is Key: Regularly publish high-quality content to keep your ranking and engagement high.
Track and Analyse: Monitor your performance and adjust your strategy based on what the data tells you.

By following these guidelines and tailoring them to your specific content and audience, you can create content that not only attracts new visitors but also keeps them coming back for more, establishing you as an expert and building a loyal following.

Want to Dig Deeper?

For a deep dive into keyword research, check out my full SEO Guide.

This guide gives you a solid foundation. Explore advanced SEO techniques like schema markup, technical SEO optimisation, and building backlinks to take your optimisation to the next level.

Remember, SEO is a journey, not a destination. Stay informed, experiment, and keep refining your approach to achieve lasting success in the ever-changing digital landscape.

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