Hey there, digital dynamos and SEO enthusiasts! Jeff Lenney here, your friendly neighborhood SEO guru and master of all things digital marketing. Before we dive into the juicy stuff, let's address the elephant in the room...
Why Should You Listen To Me?
Jeff Lenney Speaking at Lurn Masters, Washington DC
Jeff Lenney, Speaking in Dublin Ireland
Well, buckle up, because I'm about to toot my own horn (just a little, I promise):
- I do SEO full time and have built more successful websites than I've had steaks (okay, maybe that's an exaggeration, but you get the point).
- I've run successful SEO campaigns for multiple 8 and 9 figure per year businesses, and got paid quite handsomely to do so. (Cha-ching!)
- I've spoken on stage about SEO and Digital Marketing in Washington DC, Las Vegas, The Disneyland Hotel (yes, Mickey Mouse approves of my SEO tactics), and even Dublin, Ireland (where I learned that SEO pairs well with Guinness).
(YES – that's the same hat in both pictures. It's my favorite hat, don't judge! It's seen more SEO success than most people's entire wardrobes.) 🧢
SEO isn't just how I make a living; it's how I make a killing. Now, let's get to the good stuff...
The Golden Rule of SEO in 2024
Here's a timeless truth that's as relevant in 2024 as it was when I first wrote this article:
The best place to hide a dead body is on the 2nd page of Google. 💀
(Speaking of, I designed this KILLER Hoodie, should I start selling em?)
Think about it... when was the last time you ventured beyond page 1 of the search results? Probably around the same time you last used a flip phone or enjoyed a Harlem Shake video.
With that in mind, let's dive into some stellar tips to get your website on page 1, where it can bask in the glory of actual human eyeballs.
Search Engine Optimization Tips for 2024
1) Page Load Time: Speed Is The New Black
In 2024, if your website loads slower than a snail on vacation, you're in trouble. Google's not just measuring site speed; they're practically obsessed with it.
Website Load Time Tips:
- Use a blazing-fast host. Your website should load faster than your visitors can say "Why is this taking so long?"
- Optimize images. No one needs to see every pore on your product photos.
- Implement lazy loading. Because why load content your visitors might never see?
- Use a Content Delivery Network (CDN). It's like having a clone of your website in every major city.
Check your website speed with Google PageSpeed Insights. If it's not in the green, it's time to put on your speed-demon hat.
2) The 'Basics' of On-Page SEO: Still Crucial in 2024
On-page SEO might seem as exciting as watching paint dry, but it's the foundation of your SEO house. Ignore it at your peril.
Key elements to focus on:
- Meta Title: Include your keyword and a compelling reason to click. "Best SEO Tips | Dominate Google or Die Trying" (Okay, maybe not that dramatic, but you get the idea)
- URL: Keep it short, sweet, and keyword-rich. www.yoursite.com/seo-tips/ is much better than www.yoursite.com/p=123?wtf-is-this
- H1 Tag: Make it pop! "SEO Tips That'll Make Google Fall in Love With You"
- Meta Description: Your 160-character sales pitch to searchers. Make every character count!
For a full rundown, check out my On-Page SEO Checklist. It's like the SEO Bible, but funnier.
3) Create Human-centric Content: Because Robots Don't Buy Your Stuff (Yet)
In 2024, AI-generated content is everywhere. But here's the kicker: Google's getting better at spotting it. Your mission? Create content so good, so human, that even the most advanced AI would be jealous.
Tips for Human-Centric Content:
- Write like you talk (unless you talk like a robot, then don't do that)
- Use humor (like this article – you're laughing, right? RIGHT?)
- Tell stories. Humans love stories. Robots love, well, whatever robots love.
- Provide unique insights. Don't just regurgitate what everyone else is saying.
Remember, if your content doesn't make a human nod, smile, or reach for their credit card, it's not doing its job.
4) Know Your Niche & Audience: Don't Be a Jack of All Trades, Master of None
In 2024, being a generalist is so... 2023. Niching down is where it's at.
- Focus on a specific topic: If your website is about dogs, don't suddenly start blogging about cryptocurrency (unless you're starting a DogeCoin fan club).
- Understand your audience: What keeps them up at night? What makes them tick? What's their favorite ice cream flavor? (Okay, maybe not that last one, but you get the idea)
- Speak their language: Use the terms and phrases your audience uses. If you're targeting teens, don't sound like their grandpa (unless you're selling denture cream).
5) Use Internal Linking Like a "MoFo": Create Your Own Web of Awesomeness
Internal linking is like playing Cupid with your own content. It's how you tell Google, "Hey, this page is important, and it's related to this other awesome page I have."
Internal Linking Tips:
- Link to relevant content (duh!)
- Use descriptive anchor text. "Click here" is about as useful as a chocolate teapot.
- Don't go overboard. Your content shouldn't look like a hyperlink Christmas tree.
6) Link to Other Reliable Websites: Show Google You Play Well With Others
Linking out to high-quality, relevant websites is like telling Google, "Look, I hang out with the cool kids." It shows you're well-researched and not living in an online bubble.
Outbound Linking Tips:
- Link to authoritative sources in your niche
- Make sure the links open in a new tab (we want to keep visitors on your site, remember?)
- Don't go crazy. A few quality links per post is plenty.
7) Get Other People to Link to You: The Art of Digital Schmoozing
Backlinks are still the currency of SEO in 2024. But getting them is harder than ever. Here's how to do it:
- Create epic content that people naturally want to link to
- Guest post on reputable sites in your niche
- Leverage social media to promote your content and attract links
- Use HARO (Help a Reporter Out) to get quoted in news articles
8) Update Your Website Constantly: Fresh Content is the Spice of SEO Life
In 2024, having a static website is like wearing the same underwear every day. It's just not cool (or hygienic).
Content Freshness Tips:
- Regularly update old posts with new information
- Publish new content consistently (aim for at least once a week)
- Use Google Trends to stay on top of hot topics in your niche
9) Conduct a Survey/Study: Because Data is Sexy
Want links? Want authority? Want to be the go-to source in your niche? Conduct original research.
Research Tips:
- Use tools like SurveyMonkey or Google Forms to gather data
- Make your findings visually appealing with infographics
- Promote your research on social media and to industry publications
10) Be Prepared To Go All Out: SEO is Not for the Faint of Heart
In 2024, SEO is not just about sitting behind a computer. It's about building a brand, both online and offline.
- Attend industry events (yes, in person. Remember those?)
- Start a podcast (everyone else has, why not you?)
- Do video content (TikTok SEO tips, anyone?)
Remember, your online persona should be an extension of your real-world awesomeness.
Wrapping It Up: Your SEO Journey Starts Now
There you have it, folks – your roadmap to SEO domination in 2024. Remember, SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. It's about consistent effort, always learning, and maybe a little bit of Irish luck (that's what the Guinness is for).
Got questions? Feel free to drop them in the comments below.
Now go forth and conquer those SERPs! May the algorithm be ever in your favor.
P.S. If you enjoyed this article, why not share it on social media? It's good karma, and who knows, maybe Google will notice and bump you up a ranking or two. (Hey, a guy can dream, right?)
