AI is everywhere in 2024, transforming how we approach SEO and content marketing. With advancements like ChatGPT and Gemini changing the landscape, it’s crucial to stay ahead of the curve. At Gekkoshot, we are constantly keeping up to date and adjusting with the latest SEO trends to be able to adapt your blog content for this year.
1. The Rise of AI: Google’s New Focus on Human-Centric Content
Google’s latest update, the Helpful Content Update, emphasises prioritising human-first content and demoting spammy, AI-generated material. While tools like ChatGPT and Gemini are valuable, it’s essential to involve real humans in briefing, writing, editing, and reviewing AI-written content to avoid penalties and ensure quality.
2. Word Count Isn’t Everything Anymore
While long-form content still has its place, Google now values the clarity and relevance of your content over sheer word count. Whether you can convey your message in 500 words or 2000, focus on delivering valuable and engaging content. Aim for over 500 words to effectively showcase your expertise.
3. Continue to Optimise Your Images
Image optimization remains crucial. Update image file names with relevant keywords, compress files, use appropriate formats, and add useful alt-tags. These small adjustments can significantly enhance your search visibility and improve your brand’s online presence.
4. Get Ready for Search Generative Experience (SGE)
Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE) is set to reshape search results by providing high-level overviews using generative AI. Although SGE is more prevalent in the U.S. for now, it will become more common globally. To prepare:
- Showcase E-E-A-T (Expertise, Experience, Authority, Trustworthiness): Google values content that demonstrates these qualities.
- Be Clear and Concise: Write in a straightforward manner to make it easier for SGE to feature your content.
- Keep Content Updated: Regularly refresh your content to ensure it remains relevant and current.
- Publish New Quality Content: Consistently create high-quality content to maintain and grow your online visibility.
5. Audit Existing Content for Better Results
Don’t overlook the power of content audits. Revisiting and optimising existing content can be highly effective. Here’s how:
- Step 1: Use SEO tools like Semrush, Ahrefs, or Moz to identify blogs ranked between positions 4-20.
- Step 2: Analyse the competition for these keywords and adapt your content based on their strategies.
- Step 3: Enhance your content by adding high-quality images, improving readability, refining keywords, and updating metadata.
- Step 4: Document your changes and monitor the impact to fine-tune your approach.
6. Voice Search Optimisation
Voice search optimization is becoming increasingly important as more people use voice-activated assistants like Google Assistant, Siri, Alexa, and Cortana. Since voice queries tend to be longer and more conversational, often framed as questions, businesses need to focus on natural language processing and question-based queries. With a growing share of searches being conducted via voice, it’s essential for businesses to adapt their SEO strategies.
To effectively optimise for voice search, businesses should use long-tail keywords that match natural speech patterns and create clear, informative content that answers common questions. Ensuring that your website is mobile-friendly and loads quickly is also key, as many voice searches are done on mobile devices. By adopting these strategies, businesses can enhance their visibility in voice search results and reach the increasing number of voice search users.
7. Mobile Optimisation
Mobile-first indexing marks a significant shift in how search engines, particularly Google, rank and index websites. Previously, Google prioritised desktop versions of sites, but with most web traffic now coming from mobile devices, Google uses the mobile version of a site as the main reference for indexing and ranking. This makes a smooth mobile experience crucial.
This change is driven by user demands for fast, responsive, and easy-to-use mobile websites. A poorly designed mobile site can negatively impact visibility and traffic.
To thrive under mobile-first indexing, businesses need to prioritise mobile optimization in their SEO strategies. Websites should be fully responsive and adjust to various screen sizes. It’s essential to optimise page load speeds, as slow-loading pages can frustrate users and lead to higher bounce rates. Consistent content across both mobile and desktop versions is also important to ensure all valuable information is indexed properly. By implementing these practices, businesses can enhance mobile performance, improve user experience, and sustain strong search rankings.
8. Local SEO
Local SEO focuses on optimising a website to attract customers within a specific geographic area. It helps sites rank well for location-based searches, such as “restaurants near me,” while Google My Business (GMB) manages a business’s visibility on Google Search and Maps. Given the increase in mobile searches, local SEO is crucial for appearing in relevant local queries.
Key Strategies Include:
- Using Local Keywords: Incorporate location-specific terms into your content.
- Creating Location-Specific Content: Develop content tailored to your local audience.
- Building Local Backlinks: Earn links from other local businesses and websites.
How can Gekkoshot help?
SEO is evolving rapidly, and staying updated is key to maintaining a competitive edge. At Gekkoshot, we handle every aspect of your SEO strategy, from keyword research and link building to content creation and technical SEO. Curious about what a dedicated SEO agency like ours can do for you? Learn more about our services here.
Want to chat about how our SEO services can boost your online presence? Reach out to our SEO experts today, or connect with us on our socials. We’re here to help!
