So, you’ve been following SEO tips and SEO techniques for months and have yet to see your website flourishing. You’ve done all the SEO pros recommended—so what gives? Why do others rank higher even though you’ve put in double or even triple the SEO efforts?
The answer might be simpler than you think. Maybe you need to go beyond basic SEO strategy and explore some less common tactics.
We’ve spoken to dozens of business owners and asked them what the most surprising SEO tactic worked for them. Many of the answers were as simple as changing the theme and code of their website to improve technical SEO.
Here’s a list of SEO hacks that deliver impactful results.
Table of Contents
Utilizing FAQ schemas
Every business, no matter the size, benefits from having a FAQ schema. It not only boosts organic traffic but also increases featured snippet visibility and search engine results page (SERP) visibility. This is a simple form of structured data that can make a big difference.
A FAQ schema is especially impactful for niche websites, where competition is often less fierce and there’s a higher chance of ranking for long-tail keywords.
Providing in-depth answers to specific questions allows niche websites to establish themselves as authoritative sources and attract a target audience.
Regularly Update Your Website
You don’t need to completely overhaul your website to keep it relevant.
Small updates—like updating your homepage description and meta descriptions, republishing/revising older content, optimizing image alt text, or even just changing your website’s theme—can significantly improve your site’s performance and visibility in Google search.
Search engines prioritize fresh, relevant content. Regularly updating your website signals to Google that your site is active and relevant, potentially boosting your search rankings. This is a key ranking factor that many people overlook.
Take Advantage of Unused Keywords
SEO experts often recommend incorporating popular keywords into content marketing. We’re not saying it’s wrong; it can be an effective way to increase visibility, especially if you’re using trending keywords.
However, there’s also value in utilizing unused keywords. There’s a goldmine of less competitive terms that can drive targeted website traffic to your web pages. Though lower in search volume, they often have higher conversion rates because users who look up these search terms often have higher search intent and are closer to making a purchase.
That said, don’t just use random unused long-tail keywords. The secret here is to conduct thorough keyword research and use keywords that you have a hunch people are using. Tools like SEMrush can help you discover these hidden gems.
Let’s say you’re searching for a product or service. What kind of questions would you ask? What terms would you use? Be descriptive but don’t make it too descriptive. You still want to appeal to a broader audience.
Include Multiple Media Types
Use multiple media types across your website. We’re talking audio files, GIFs, images, ebooks, and YouTube videos. Don’t just stick to text-based content. Using a mix of media can help you rank better in SERPs because it tells search engines that your website has rich and diverse content. Consider creating infographics or embedding videos to make your content more engaging.
Optimize for User Experience
Improving user experience is crucial for SEO. A high bounce rate can signal to search engines that your site isn’t providing valuable information. Make sure your website is easy to navigate, loads quickly, and is mobile-friendly.
Build High-Quality Backlinks
Backlinks are still a major ranking factor. Focus on building quality backlinks from reputable websites in your industry. This is a crucial part of link building and can significantly impact your search traffic.
Don’t Forget On-Page SEO
While these hacks can give you an edge, don’t neglect the fundamentals of on-page SEO. This includes optimizing your title tags, using internal links, relevant keywords in your content, and ensuring your website is well-structured with a clear sitemap.
Track Your Progress
Use SEO tools like Google Search Console to track your progress and identify areas for improvement. Monitor key metrics like click-through rate (CTR) and search traffic to see what’s working and what’s not.
By implementing these SEO hacks and consistently tracking your progress, you can improve your website’s visibility, attract more organic traffic, and achieve your digital marketing goals.
