The Most Overlooked Aspects of SEO in 2023
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a critical component for businesses looking to improve their online visibility and drive more organic traffic. However, many SEO professionals often focus on the same few areas, neglecting other crucial elements that could significantly enhance their website's performance. In this article, we delve into the most overlooked aspects of SEO that are often underutilized yet highly effective.
Underutilized SEO Techniques
There are several SEO techniques that, despite their widespread knowledge, are often ignored or not fully practiced. Here are some of the crucial yet less practiced techniques that can help elevate your website’s standing in search engine rankings:
Social Signaling
Social media platforms like Facebook and Pinterest can play a significant role in boosting your SEO efforts. These platforms are not just for entertainment; they can drive substantial traffic to your site and signal to search engines that your content is relevant and valuable. According to Moz, social signals are a ranking factor, and your social media activity, such as shares and likes, can significantly impact your search engine rankings.
Updating Old Content
Content marketing strategies often focus on creating brand new content, but updating existing content can have equally powerful effects. A survey found that updating old content can be more effective than creating new content in driving organic traffic. Routine updates help keep your content fresh and relevant, which can improve your overall search engine results.
Image SEO
Image SEO is often overlooked, yet it plays a vital role in enhancing your website’s visibility. Adding alt text and descriptive names to images can improve your site’s accessibility and help search engines understand the content better. Every image on your website should include alt text and a descriptive filename, not only for SEO but also for a better user experience.
For example, using an image with a filename like "" along with alt text describing what the image shows can significantly boost your SEO efforts.
Website Structure
Despite its importance, website structure is frequently overlooked. A well-structured site helps crawlers discover and index your site more efficiently, making it easier for both search engines and users to navigate. A clear and intuitive structure can improve user experience and guide visitors to related content. The ideal structure is often compared to a pyramid, with the homepage at the top and categories and subcategories at the bottom.
Ensuring Positive User Experience (UX)
User experience (UX) is a critical component of SEO that is often overlooked. A website that is easy to navigate, loads quickly, and provides valuable content keeps users engaged and reduces the bounce rate. According to UX design principles, it's not just about keyword optimization and rankings; it's about creating a positive experience that keeps users coming back.
Conclusion
SEO is a multifaceted practice that involves various techniques to improve a website's online visibility. While many SEO professionals focus on keywords and ranking factors, there are several overlooked aspects that can have a significant impact. By paying attention to social signaling, updating old content, optimizing images, structuring your website, and ensuring a positive user experience, you can drive up your website’s search engine rankings and overall traffic.
Final Thoughts
While the SEO landscape is constantly evolving, there are some consistent elements that remain crucial. By integrating these underutilized techniques into your SEO strategy, you can gain a competitive edge and achieve better results.