Our 7 Proven Tactics To Increase SEO Rankings

Are you finding it tough to get your website to show up higher in search results? Trust me, I know exactly how frustrating that can be, and I’m here to help you increase SEO rankings in ways that really work.

It’s common knowledge that most people don’t look beyond Google’s first page. And since the rise of AI content, getting to that first page has never been more competitive.

But here’s the good news – I’ve got some practical strategies that can help you climb those rankings faster than you might think.

Throughout this guide, I’m going to share some proven techniques that I’ve personally seen work wonders for SEO rankings. Whether you’re running a small business, managing a blog, or working in digital marketing, these tips will help you get more organic traffic to your website.

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My 7 Favourite Ways to Increase Search Rankings

Before we dive in, let me be clear – while there are tons of ways to improve your SEO, I’ve narrowed it down to the 7 most effective strategies I’ve found.

My advice? Start with just one or two of these to avoid getting overwhelmed.

1. Start with Smart Keyword Research

I can’t stress this enough – good keyword research is absolutely essential for SEO success. You need to know exactly what your target audience is typing into search engines.

Here’s my approach to keyword research:

Get familiar with tools like Semrush, Ahrefs, or Google Keyword Planner: Whether you opt for premium tools or stick with free options, make sure you’re exploring all possible keyword opportunities.
Focus on longer, specific phrases: These longer keywords (we call them long-tail keywords) are usually easier to rank for and can bring results more quickly.
Target less competitive keywords: Look for keywords that aren’t as crowded with competition – they don’t always have to be long-tail ones.
Create content clusters: I like to think of this as building neighborhoods of related content. Create several articles around similar topics and link them to one main comprehensive guide.

Here’s a pro tip I’ve learned: Keep tabs on how your rankings change over time. If you can afford it, invest in a keyword-tracking tool. If not, I’d recommend getting comfortable with Google Search Console and tracking your progress in a spreadsheet.

2. Fine-Tune Your On-Page SEO Elements

Let me tell you about on-page SEO – it’s something I’m really passionate about because it can make such a huge difference in your rankings.

There are several key elements we need to focus on here. Here’s what I’ve found works best for boosting rankings through on-page SEO:

Create titles that grab attention: I always aim to write titles that are between 50-60 characters. They need to include your target keyword, but more importantly, they should accurately tell readers what they’ll find on your page.
Craft meta descriptions that people want to click: Even though meta descriptions don’t directly boost your rankings, they’re like your page’s elevator pitch. I try to keep mine between 155-160 characters long.
Use headers to organize your content: Think of headers (H1, H2, H3) as a way to create a clear roadmap for your readers and search engines. I always use just one H1 for my main title, then organize my content with H2s and H3s, naturally incorporating keywords where they make sense.
Don’t forget about image alt text: This is something I see people overlook all the time. When you add alt text to images, you’re not just helping search engines understand your content better – you’re also making your site more accessible to everyone.

Pro tip: Use a tool like AIOSEO to get your on-page SEO on track. This tool gives you clear recommendations on how to optimize your content correctly:

Read our Essential Guide to On-Page SEO to learn much more about this topic.

3. Write Content That Really Connects

This is another super important aspect of SEO and something that’s made a huge difference in my SEO journey. I’ve learned that you need a solid plan that covers your topics in-depth and really gives your readers what they’re looking for.

And here’s an interesting fact: Backlinko’s research shows that longer articles (over 1,500 words) typically rank better. But don’t just write long content for the sake of it – make every word count!

Here are my favorite tips for creating content that ranks:

Get inside your readers’ heads: I always ask myself, “What’s my reader really trying to accomplish?” Then, I make sure my content delivers exactly that, whether they’re looking to learn something, buy something, or something else.
Mix up your media: I love adding images, videos, and interactive elements to my content. Not only does it keep readers engaged longer (which search engines love!), but it also makes the content more shareable.
Build content clusters: Think of your content like a city plan – create main “avenue” pages that link to related “street” pages. This helps search engines see you as an expert in your field.
Keep things fresh: I regularly go back to update my older articles with new stats and information. Search engines love fresh content, and I’ve seen rankings jump after updates.
Make it easy on the eyes: Nobody likes reading wall-to-wall text! I break things up with short paragraphs, clear headings, and bullet points. Happy readers mean better rankings.
Share unique insights: Whenever possible, I include my own data and case studies. This not only helps readers but often leads to natural backlinks.
Mix up your content types: Don’t just stick to basic blog posts. I create how-to guides, lists, expert roundups, and thought pieces to keep things interesting.
Think about featured snippets: I structure some of my content to directly answer common questions, which helps me show up in those snippet spots.

Read this guide on Cornerstone Content and How to Create It to learn how to make a solid content plan.

4. Get Your Technical SEO in Shape

Now, don’t let the word “technical” scare you off! While it might sound complicated, technical SEO is really just about making sure your website runs smoothly. I’ve learned that this part is absolutely crucial for climbing those search rankings.

Here’s what I focus on:

Speed up your website: Nobody likes waiting for a slow website to load – including search engines! I regularly use Google PageSpeed Insights to check my site’s speed. Some quick wins include optimizing images, cleaning up your code, and using good caching.
Make sure your site works great on mobile: Google now looks at your mobile site first when deciding rankings. I always make sure my sites look and work perfectly on phones and tablets.
Create a clear roadmap with XML sitemaps: Think of this as giving search engines a map of your website. The good news? If you’re using ExactMetrics or another good SEO plugin, this is usually handled automatically for you.
Clean up broken links: I regularly check for broken links because they can really hurt both user experience and SEO. Tools like Broken Link Checker make this super easy.
Use schema markup: This is like giving search engines extra context about your content. For example, it helps them understand if your page is an article, product review, or recipe. When done right, it can help you get those nice-looking rich snippets in search results. Here’s an example of schema markup:

I’ve found that getting these technical elements right makes a huge difference in how search engines view and rank your site. It might take some time to implement everything, but trust me – it’s worth the effort!

5. Get Quality Backlinks to Your Site

Think of backlinks as recommendations from other websites. Here’s how I approach building these valuable connections:

Create share-worthy content: I focus on making content so good that other sites naturally want to link to it. This might be original research, in-depth guides, or unique insights.
Write guest posts: I reach out to respected websites in my field and offer to write for them. It’s a win-win – they get great content, and I get valuable backlinks.
Connect with industry leaders: Building relationships with influencers has been huge for me. Sometimes, they’ll share my content or want to collaborate, leading to natural backlinks.
Track what works: I use ExactMetrics to see which backlinks bring the most engaged visitors. This helps me focus my efforts on the most valuable opportunities.
Create visual content: I’ve found that infographics and other visual content often get shared and embedded on other sites, naturally creating backlinks.

And remember this: A few great backlinks from trusted sites are worth way more than lots of low-quality ones!

6. Optimize for AI Features and Featured Snippets

Search engines are getting smarter, and we need to adapt! I’ve learned that getting your content featured at the very top of search results is a game-changer.

Here’s my strategy for increasing visibility in these new premium AI features and spots:

Structure content strategically: I organize my content with clear headings and lists that directly answer common questions. This makes it easier for both readers and AI to understand.
Focus on questions: I use tools like AlsoAsked and various keyword tools to find questions people are actually asking, then create content that answers them perfectly.
Write clear summaries: At the start of each piece, I include a brief, clear overview that captures the main points – perfect for AI summaries.
Think about voice search: With more people using voice assistants, I make sure to include natural, conversational phrases in my content.
Include data visually: When I have data to share, I present it in clean tables or charts. I’ve noticed Google loves pulling these for featured snippets.
Build trust with E-E-A-T: I always make sure to demonstrate my expertise and back up claims with reliable sources. This approach has helped me land more featured snippets and AI overviews.

I’ve found that getting these prime spots in search results can really boost your visibility – sometimes even getting clicks without people scrolling past the featured section!

7. Keep Track of What’s Working

Here’s something I’ve learned the hard way – you can’t improve what you don’t measure. That’s why I always recommend using ExactMetrics if you’re on WordPress!

I love ExactMetrics because it makes tracking analytics super simple. Instead of jumping between different platforms, you can see all your important stats right in your WordPress dashboard, presented in a way that actually makes sense:

One thing that’s really impressed me about ExactMetrics is how easy it makes advanced tracking. With just a few clicks, you can set up tracking for:

Here’s how I use tools like ExactMetrics, Google Analytics, and Search Console to stay on top of my site’s performance:

Watch keyword performance: I regularly check how my target keywords are doing. This helps me spot which ones are bringing in traffic and which need more attention.
Track organic traffic trends: I keep a close eye on my overall traffic patterns. This helps me spot when something’s working great or if there might be an issue to address.
See how visitors behave: I look at things like how long people stay on my pages and how many pages they visit. This tells me if my content is really connecting with readers.
Find content gaps: I use my analytics to discover what topics my audience loves. Sometimes, the data reveals surprising opportunities for new content!
Track SEO progress: I’ve set up custom reports to monitor my key metrics over time. This helps me prove that my SEO efforts are paying off.
Check conversion success: I don’t just care about getting traffic – I want to know if those visitors are taking action on my site.

I’ve found that regular monitoring helps me make smarter decisions about where to focus my efforts. Remember, SEO isn’t a one-and-done thing – it’s an ongoing journey!

Common SEO Mistakes I See (And How to Avoid Them)

While doing the right thing is very important, not doing the wrong thing is equally important! Let me share some pitfalls I’ve noticed while helping others improve their rankings:

Overdoing keywords: I know it’s tempting to use your keyword everywhere, but trust me – making your content sound robotic won’t help. Keep it natural!
Copying content: I always tell people – don’t duplicate content, either from your own site or others. Search engines can spot this, and it won’t end well.
Forgetting about mobile: As I mentioned, Google looks at your mobile site first! If your site isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re fighting an uphill battle.
Letting your site slow down: Nobody likes a slow website! If your pages take too long to load, visitors will leave before they even see your content.

Finally, I want to make an important note. Improving your rankings takes time, and it’s more of a marathon than a sprint. But if you stay consistent and follow my shared strategies, I guarantee you’ll see results.

For WordPress users, I highly recommend ExactMetrics to help boost your rankings. It works beautifully with Google Analytics and Search Console, giving you all the important stats in an easy-to-understand format.

Ready to improve your rankings? Get started with ExactMetrics today!

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Our 7 Proven Tactics To Increase SEO Rankings