6 Essential SEO Tips for Bloggers in 2024

If you’re currently feeling discouraged or confused when it comes to SEO and your website traffic, you’re definitely not alone. Google released algorithm changes in early 2024, and ever since I’ve been seeing posts about the challenges bloggers are facing. The good news is that SEO is still a useful tool for getting website visitors! From what I’ve gathered so far, Google is favoring high quality content that offers a great experience. This means that now more than ever, it’s important to focus on foundational SEO and website design best practices, and deliver value in your content. Here are 6 essential SEO tips for bloggers like you to help your chances of showing up in Google search.

There’s a lot that goes into SEO, and what’s below is by no means a fully comprehensive list. I’m choosing to focus on practical strategies that have benefited my own website SEO. 

1) Continue to Use Basic SEO Best Practices

Foundational SEO strategies like doing keyword research, breaking up your content to make it more digestible, using proper text tags, and adding alt text to images still matter. If you’re new to SEO or need a refresher, check out this SEO Basics checklist from Semrush.

2) Focus on a Unique Angle in Your Content

We know that as the world of content creation grows, there is more competition to rank. But don’t let this discourage you! It’s still possible to rank well organically. Instead of going for highly popular keywords, try going for smaller ones that are more niche-specific. For example, if you’re a food blogger creating a chocolate chip cookie recipe, focus on what makes your recipe unique. Maybe it’s that your recipe is small batch, organic and gluten free, or budget-friendly. You get the idea! 

The beauty in this is that now, you can focus on a specific person’s needs and serve them well in your content.

3) Write for Humans First

Speaking of serving well, it’s important to not get so lost in the strategy side of SEO that you forget that your content is for real people. Make your content easy to read and genuinely helpful. Avoid “click-bait” and deliver on any promises to establish and maintain trust.

Similar to focusing on a unique angle, focus on your specific audience’s wants and needs. How can you go the extra mile to make sure your content is valuable and meets them where they are?

4) Revisit Old Content & Improve as Needed

During this free 2024 SEO webinar from Neil Patel, he and his team emphasized the importance of checking in to see if any of your old content needs to be refreshed or retired. I love this idea because it allows you to make the most out of existing content (or get rid of anything unnecessary) without having to come up with new ideas! 

5) Use Plugins to Help You with SEO

If you’re using Showit or WordPress, you’ll be able to use WordPress plugins on your blog! There are some great ones that specifically help with optimizing for SEO. I use the Yoast SEO plugin, and it gives me tips for how to improve each of my blog posts. 

If you’re a food blogger and wondering about recipe plugins, check out this article about food blog SEO from WP Tasty.

6) Make Your Overall Website Experience Enjoyable

I’m bias as a website designer, but it’s true that your website experience impacts SEO! A boring or confusing website can deter people from sticking around to view your amazing content. Grab my free Seasonal Website Refresh Checklist for practical ways to improve your website today. 

Bonus Tip: Consider Alternatives to SEO

This article is about SEO tips, but I didn’t want to end it without reminding you to not put all of your eggs in one basket! Though SEO is a great tool, it’s not the only way to get your content to people. Diversify your marketing with other options like Instagram, an email list, a podcast, or even a Facebook group!

Check out my interview with Nicki Sizemore on alternatives to SEO. We chat about how she started a podcast and member-supported Substack newsletter!

Final Thoughts: Don’t give up on SEO!

Well friends, I hope you’ve found this quick list of SEO tips helpful! Be sure to check out the links above for further reading to dive into the details. The best advice that I can offer you right now is to keep using SEO best practices, serve your audience well, and own your unique perspective. Don’t forget to have fun and allow yourself to get creative. Google is looking for helpful, high quality content, and you are capable of providing that.