SEO is Dead? Long Live SEO.
Every year, pundits claim SEO is dead. Yet, organic search remains the primary driver of web traffic. However, the tactics have evolved. Keyword stuffing is out; semantic relevance and user experience are in.
1. E-E-A-T: Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness
Google's quality rater guidelines emphasize E-E-A-T. Your content must demonstrate real-world experience and expertise. Author bios, citations, and accurate information are non-negotiable.
2. Topic Clusters and Pillar Content
Stop writing isolated blog posts. Organize your content into clusters. Create a comprehensive "Pillar Page" covering a broad topic, and link it to supporting "Cluster Content." This signals topical authority to search engines.
3. Technical SEO: The Foundation
The best content won't rank if your site is broken. Prioritize site speed, mobile-friendliness, and secure connections (HTTPS). Fix broken links and ensure your XML sitemap is up to date.
The Role of AI in SEO
AI tools can help with keyword research and outline generation, but human creativity is essential for final content production. Google values unique, helpful content written for people, not robots.