When it comes to search engine optimization (SEO), most businesses focus on the tried-and-true methods: keyword optimization, backlink building, and content creation. However, there are many lesser-known strategies that can give you a competitive edge and help boost your rankings in ways you might not have considered. In this article, we’ll explore five surprising SEO strategies you’re likely not using — but absolutely should be!
1. Internal Linking Optimization
Internal linking is often overlooked, but it can be a powerful tool for boosting your SEO. Most people know that links from other websites are important, but they neglect the value of linking between pages on their own site. Internal links help search engines understand the structure of your site, distribute link equity, and guide users to related content.
Actionable Tip: Start with a site audit to identify pages with high authority, then create internal links from those pages to your lower-ranking pages. Use descriptive anchor text that includes relevant keywords to provide context for both users and search engines.
2. Optimize for ‘Near Me’ Searches
With the rise of mobile devices, “near me” searches have skyrocketed. People are increasingly searching for services and businesses close to their location. Optimizing your website for local search queries, particularly those that include “near me,” can drive significant traffic and increase your visibility for location-based searches.
Actionable Tip: Ensure your Google My Business profile is up to date and that your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are consistent across the web. Include location-specific keywords in your title tags, meta descriptions, and content. This will help Google associate your business with local searches.
3. Use Schema Markup for Rich Snippets
Schema markup is an advanced SEO tactic that can significantly enhance how your website appears in search results. By adding structured data (Schema) to your site, you can help search engines better understand your content and increase your chances of appearing in rich snippets — those eye-catching boxes that often appear at the top of Google search results.
Actionable Tip: Use schema markup for reviews, events, FAQs, and products. You can implement it using tools like Google’s Structured Data Markup Helper or Schema.org. Rich snippets not only boost visibility but can also improve your click-through rate (CTR) and drive more organic traffic.
4. Refresh Old Content
Old blog posts and pages often get forgotten, but they hold untapped SEO potential. Instead of constantly creating new content, spend time refreshing and updating your older pages. Google loves fresh content, and a quick update can breathe new life into an old article, boosting its rankings and driving more traffic.
Actionable Tip: Identify old pages that still attract some traffic but have dropped in rankings. Update the content with new information, improve readability, add internal links, and optimize the page for new keywords. Republishing the post with a current date can also signal freshness to search engines.
5. Leverage Voice Search Optimization
With the growing popularity of voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant, optimizing for voice search has become crucial. Voice searches tend to be more conversational and often involve questions, which means your content should be adapted to these types of queries.
Actionable Tip: Focus on long-tail keywords and create content that answers common questions in your industry. Use tools like AnswerThePublic to find question-based queries. Additionally, ensure your website is mobile-friendly and fast, as voice searches are predominantly done on mobile devices.
Conclusion
In the constantly changing landscape of search engine optimization (SEO), it’s easy to overlook some of the more unconventional strategies that can help you gain a competitive advantage. By optimizing internal linking, focusing on “near me” searches, using schema markup, refreshing old content, and optimizing for voice search, you can boost your rankings and drive more targeted traffic to your website. Start incorporating these surprising strategies today, and watch your SEO efforts deliver better results!
Pexels photo by fauxels
