January 26th Edition

Leveling Up

Welcome back to Leveling Up. Let’s end this week on a high note.

Today I’ve got two SEO deep dives to share with you. The first is my recent talk with Neil Patel on ChatGPT prompts that boost SEO rankings. And the second is our top 5 SEO predictions for 2024. If you want to secure your spot on page 1 this year, then this will help you tremendously.

I’ve also prepared 5 fresh links to check out. My personal favorite? Direct mail is making a comeback. 2024 is already giving us lots of surprises.

I hope you enjoy reading and have a great weekend.

- Eric Siu :)

Let’s Link

Here are the top 5 most helpful links to check out today:

1. 🐛 Google bug caused sites to disappear from search results

2. 🤖 Under Armour is using this new AI tool to create image ads.

3. 💌 What’s old is new again: direct mail is making a comeback.

4. 🐝 How HiveSkill is using AI to hyper-personalize their marketing.

5. 🤳 Why BeReal might be your best growth channel in 2024

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Podcast Highlights

ChatGPT Prompts To Improve Your SEO Rankings

Here are the highlights:

• 🤖 Prompting AI to compare and analyze competitor pages can provide valuable feedback on how to make your content better.

• 🧠 Giving the prompt time to think and separating it leads to better results in SEO analysis.

• ⚡ Removing Google Analytics can result in a significant increase in page speed, as seen in a case where page speed increased by 47% after removing Google Analytics pixels.

• 📈 The emphasis on truth and ROI reflects a growing trend towards accountability and transparency in business decisions.

• 💡 Having a clear angle and passion is crucial for creating consistent and engaging content, whether it's a podcast or any other form of media.

Deep Dive

5 SEO Predictions and Strategies to Keep an Eye on in 2024

Wondering what the SEO predictions for 2024 are?

As marketing continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, staying ahead when it comes to search engine optimization is more crucial than ever.

This year promises we’ll see emerging trends and technological advancements poised to redefine the way we approach SEO.

This article is designed to provide you with a roadmap to navigate these changes successfully.

From the increasing role of AI in content optimization, zero-click searches, and backlinks to the shift towards Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and niche keywords, here are the top 5 SEO predictions we have.

SEO Prediction #1: AI for (Continued) Content Optimization

Artificial intelligence is no longer just a buzzword in the tech world; it has become a cornerstone in shaping SEO strategies.

AI content tools are increasingly sophisticated at understanding and simulating human language. This advancement allows them to assist in generating content that is not only grammatically correct but also contextually relevant.

AI can suggest topics and titles and even draft initial content outlines based on trending keywords and phrases, so you can be sure that the content is aligned with current search trends.

When it comes to AI’s role in content optimization, here are a few things to keep an eye on.

Deep Dive into User Intent Analysis

One of the most significant impacts of AI in SEO is its ability to analyze user intent more accurately. AI can discern the underlying reasons behind a user’s search query by examining search patterns.

This insight makes it easy for content creators to tailor their content more effectively to meet the users’ needs, be it informational, navigational, commercial, or transactional.

Optimization Beyond Keywords

While keyword research remains a staple in SEO, AI pushes the boundary by focusing on overall content relevance and quality. It assesses various factors such as keyword density, content structure, and readability.

AI tools can provide suggestions on how to improve these aspects so that your content is not only SEO-friendly but also user-friendly.

Predictive Analysis for Spotting Trends

AI is adept at predictive analysis, enabling it to spot emerging trends and topics before they become mainstream.

This capability allows content creators to stay ahead of the curve, creating content that is likely to become relevant and sought-after in the near future.

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of AI in content optimization is its ability to learn continuously. As AI tools analyze more data and content, they become better at providing recommendations.

This continuous improvement cycle ensures that the SEO strategies remain effective and evolve with changing search engine algorithms and user behaviors.

Just want someone to do all the hard work for you? Single Grain’s SEO experts can help!👇

SEO Prediction #2: Rise of Zero-Click Searches

SEO is experiencing a monumental shift with the rise of zero-click searches, a growing trend set to redefine digital marketing strategies in 2024.

Zero-click searches, where answers are provided directly on the search engine results page (SERP), are becoming increasingly common, thanks to features like Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE). Here’s an example of how SGE might look in the SERPs:

Understanding Zero-Click Searches

A zero-click search occurs when a user’s query is answered directly on the SERPs, eliminating the need to click through to a website:

This shift is largely driven by the growing sophistication of search engines in understanding and responding to user queries. Features like featured snippets, knowledge panels, and direct answers are prime examples of zero-click search components.

Impact on Website Traffic and SEO

The proliferation of the zero-click search presents a double-edged sword. On one hand, it provides users with quick and convenient answers, but on the other hand, it can lead to a significant decrease in organic traffic to websites.

This means that SEO professionals and website owners must rethink their strategies and focus more on brand visibility and recognition rather than just website clicks:

Adapting to the Zero-Click Landscape

To thrive in this evolving environment, content creators need to adapt. One approach is to optimize content for SERPs features that facilitate zero-click searches, such as by providing concise, direct answers to common queries in your niche.

Additionally, leveraging structured data and schema markup can increase the chances of your content being featured in rich snippets or knowledge panels.

Looking forward, the key to SEO success in a world dominated by zero-click searches lies in understanding user intent and building brand authority.

While optimizing for zero-click searches, it’s crucial not to sacrifice the depth and engagement of your content. The goal is to strike a balance – providing enough information to appear in zero-click results while enticing users to visit your website for more comprehensive content.

Check out this guide: Featured Snippets: How to Optimize for Position Zero

SEO Prediction #3: Answer Engine Optimization (AEO)

Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) is becoming a pivotal aspect of SEO strategy. AEO focuses on creating content that directly answers specific user queries, aligning closely with the evolving capabilities of search engines in understanding and predicting user intent.

AEO marks a shift from traditional keyword-focused SEO towards a more intent-driven approach. This transformation is rooted in the advanced algorithms of search engines which are now adept at deciphering the context and nuances of user queries.

Crafting Content for AEO

To excel in AEO, it’s essential to deeply understand your audience and the types of questions they are asking. This understanding enables you to create content that is not only informative but also precisely tailored to answer these questions.

Using tools like ‘People Also Ask’ boxes and keyword research tools can provide insights into the common queries related to your niche.

Structuring Content for AEO Success

The structure of your content plays a crucial role in Answer Engine Optimization. Information should be organized logically, with clear headings and an easy-to-follow format:

• Clear and Logical Organization: Organize your content in a way that it logically flows from one point to the next, making it easy for both users and search engines to understand the main points.

• Use of Headings and Subheadings: Employ clear headings (H1, H2, H3 tags) to structure your article. This helps search engines understand the hierarchy and key sections of your content.

• Bulleted or Numbered Lists: For content that lists items, steps, or tips, use bulleted or numbered lists. This format is easily digestible for readers and search engines, and often favored for featured snippets.

• Short Paragraphs: Keep paragraphs short and focused. Each paragraph should ideally cover one idea or point, making the content easier to scan and understand.

• Inclusion of Summary or Conclusion: Include a summary or conclusion that encapsulates the main points of the content. This can be useful for search engines to pick up concise answers.

Also, incorporating elements like bullet points, numbered lists and tables can help in breaking down complex information, making it more digestible for both users and search engines.

Let’s consider an article titled “How to Optimize Your Website for Mobile Devices”. This is how you would structure it:

• Introduction: Briefly introduce the importance of mobile optimization for websites.

• H2 Heading: Understanding Mobile Optimization: Explain what mobile optimization means.

• H3 Headings for Subsections: Break down the topic into smaller sections like “Responsive Design,” “Faster Loading Times,” etc.

• Bulleted Lists: In the section “Key Elements of Mobile Optimization,” use a bulleted list to itemize elements such as responsive design, fast loading speed, etc.

• Short Paragraphs: Each subsection should contain short, concise paragraphs discussing one aspect of mobile optimization.

• Conclusion: Summarize the key points discussed, reinforcing the importance of mobile optimization.

Balancing Comprehensive and Concise Answers

While AEO emphasizes direct answers, it’s important to balance conciseness with comprehensiveness. Your content should provide enough depth to fully answer the query while being succinct enough to be featured in direct answer boxes or snippets on search engine results pages.

Consider an article answering the query: “What are the benefits of a Mediterranean diet?”

Concise Introduction (Direct Answer):

“The Mediterranean diet, characterized by high consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, primarily offers heart health benefits, weight management, and diabetes prevention.”

This introductory sentence provides a direct, concise answer that is likely to be favored by search engines for quick responses in search results.

Comprehensive Content (Expanded Answer):

Following the concise introduction, the article can expand on each point (with a bullet point of H2/H3 header) to provide a more comprehensive understanding:

• Heart Health: Delve into how the diet’s emphasis on healthy fats like olive oil and nuts, along with a reduced intake of red meat, contributes to lower cholesterol levels and reduced risk of heart disease.

• Weight Management: Explain how the diet’s focus on whole foods and fiber-rich ingredients contributes to a feeling of fullness, aiding in weight control without the need for calorie counting.

• Diabetes Prevention: Discuss studies showing how the Mediterranean diet’s low glycemic index foods help in maintaining steady blood sugar levels, thereby reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

• Additional Benefits: Briefly touch on other benefits like improved mental health and reduced risk of certain cancers, backed by research references.

• Incorporating the Diet: Offer practical tips on adopting the Mediterranean diet, such as incorporating more fruits and vegetables, choosing whole grains, and opting for fish and poultry over red meat.

By structuring the content this way, the article remains concise at the beginning to cater to AEO requirements while providing comprehensive details in the following sections for readers seeking more in-depth information. This approach ensures the content is both AEO-friendly and valuable to the audience.

Remember, incorporating AEO as an SEO tip is not just about immediate gains in search visibility. It’s about building a reputation as a reliable source of information in your field. Over time, this approach can lead to increased trust from users and search engines alike, translating into higher organic traffic and improved search rankings.

SEO Prediction #4: Niche Keywords

In SEO, we are increasingly recognizing the value of niche keywords as a vital component for driving qualified traffic. As the competition for evergreen keywords becomes more intense, the strategic focus is shifting towards targeting more:

• Specific phrases

• Trending topics

• Questions

Niche keywords are highly specific, often less competitive phrases that cater to a particular segment of the audience.

For example:

• General Keyword: “Gardening”: Broad and highly competitive. Ranking for this keyword is challenging. The traffic it attracts might not be highly targeted.

• Niche Keyword: “Organic Urban Balcony Gardening Tips”: Specific, less competitive keyword. Easier to rank for due to lower competition. Attracts a more targeted audience who are specifically looking for tips on organic gardening in limited urban spaces.

These keywords, while attracting less overall traffic, bring in more qualified and relevant visitors. This specificity aligns perfectly with the growing trend of personalized search experiences and user-centric content.

Identifying Your Niche Keywords

The first step in leveraging this strategy is to identify the unique aspects of your business or content area. This involves understanding your target audience’s specific interests, questions, and pain points:

Tools like long-tail keyword finders and analysis of search query reports can help in uncovering these niche opportunities.

Some common long-tail keyword tools are:

• Ahrefs Keywords Explorer

• Semrush

• Moz Keyword Explorer

• Ubersuggest

Creating Content Around Niche Keywords

Once you’ve identified your niche keywords, the next step is to create content that speaks directly to these topics. This content should not only include the keywords but also provide valuable and in-depth information that addresses the specific needs of your target audience.

Of course, don’t just focus on niche keywords. It’s also important to balance trending topics with evergreen content. This approach makes sure that your website remains relevant and valuable to your audience over time, regardless of changing trends.

Check out this guide: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know About 10x Content

SEO Prediction #5: The Enduring Power of Backlinks

One fundamental element remains as vital as ever: backlinks. Despite the rapid evolution of SEO tactics and algorithms, the power of backlinks in boosting a website’s authority and search rankings endures.

Backlinks, links from other websites to yours, are a key indicator of your content’s relevance and quality. Search engines, like Google, view these links as votes of confidence. The more high-quality backlinks your site has, the more authoritative it appears, which positively impacts your search engine rankings.

Focusing on Quality over Quantity

When it comes to backlinks, remember:

It’s more beneficial to have a smaller number of backlinks from reputable, high-authority sites than a large number from low-quality sources. This shift highlights the importance of genuine, valuable content that naturally attracts these high-quality links.

Creating Link-Worthy Content

At the heart of backlink acquisition is the creation of link-worthy content. This includes comprehensive guides, original research, insightful articles, and resources that provide real value to your audience. Such content naturally encourages other websites to link to it, increasing your backlink profile organically.

Building Genuine Relationships for Natural Backlinks

One effective strategy for earning quality backlinks is through building genuine relationships within your industry. Engaging with influencers, participating in community discussions, and contributing to industry blogs can lead to natural backlink opportunities. These relationships not only provide backlinks but also help in expanding your reach and reputation.

Here are some tips for how to build genuine relationships:

• Engage on Industry Forums and Social Media Platforms: Actively participate in discussions on platforms like LinkedIn, industry-specific forums, and social media groups. Share your insights, answer questions, and engage in conversations to establish your presence as a knowledgeable and helpful industry player.

• Collaborate with Industry Influencers and Bloggers: Reach out to influencers and bloggers in your niche for collaboration opportunities. This could include guest blogging, co-hosting webinars, or joint research projects. These collaborations often result in natural backlinks to your site.

• Attend and Participate in Industry Conferences and Webinars: Be an active participant in industry events, both online and offline. Networking at such events can lead to relationships that translate into backlink opportunities.

• Offer Testimonials for Products/Services You Use: If you use products or services relevant to your industry, offer to give a testimonial. Companies often publish these testimonials on their websites with a link back to your site.

• Create and Share Valuable Content: Regularly produce high-quality, insightful content relevant to your industry. Share this content across your network and with industry peers. If your content is valuable, others are more likely to link to it from their websites.

• Engage in Reciprocal Sharing: Share and promote content from others in your industry. In return, they may be more inclined to share and link to your content.

• Conduct Interviews or Be Interviewed: Interviews with industry experts or being interviewed yourself can lead to backlinks, as these interviews are often shared and linked to online.

Remember, the key to this approach is to focus on genuine interactions and providing value. The backlinks will come as a natural result of the relationships and reputation you build within your industry.

Last Word on SEO Predictions and Strategies for 2024

The rise in importance of AI in content optimization, zero-click searches and backlinks, the key role of Answer Engine Optimization, and the shift towards niche keywords all signify a new era in SEO.

SEO in the coming years is also about being proactive, adaptive to the continual launch of new technologies and user-focused. It’s about understanding the nuances of how search engines and users interact and leveraging this knowledge to create a robust, effective SEO strategy.

As you implement these strategies, remember that SEO is a marathon, not a sprint! It’s about building a lasting presence and authority in the digital world. Here’s to a successful and innovative year in SEO!

If you’re ready to see measurable increases in organic traffic, Single Grain’s SEO experts can help!👇

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- Eric Siu

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