How to Rank Higher on Google in 2024: Essential Google SEO Strategies

“I’d rather not rank higher on Google,” said no business owner, ever.

Let’s be real—getting to the top of Google is the dream for anyone trying to build an online presence. Why? It boosts traffic, builds credibility, and frankly, just feels great to see your website at the top of the search results. Whether you're a beginner just trying to climb past page six or someone aiming for that coveted #1 spot, the goal is always the same: rank higher.

In this guide, I’m breaking down 17 actionable SEO strategies to help you do just that. From simple SEO basics to advanced tactics, you’ll find everything you need to move up in the rankings. Ready to make your way to the top? Let’s get into it!

1. Do Smart Keyword Research

Before you can rank, you need to know what you want to rank for. Start by finding keywords that are both relevant and realistic for your website. Use tools like Semrush or Google Keyword Planner to target terms your audience is actually searching for, and make sure they're not so competitive that you’ll never stand a chance. Start small, build up—think long-tail keywords and niche phrases that align with what your audience is looking for.

2. Create Content That Matters

Google loves in-depth, long-form content that really tackles a topic. Write blog posts and landing pages that go deep into the subject, answer common questions, and provide tons of value. We're talking 1,500-2,500 words for the best results. Don’t worry—quality over quantity. Give your readers something useful, and Google will reward you for it.

3. Nail Your On-Page SEO

It may sound basic, but on-page SEO is still critical. This includes making sure your target keyword appears in:

- Your meta title and description

- Headings (H1, H2s, etc.)

- Image alt texts

- The URL

Also, don’t forget about internal links to other pages on your site and external links to credible sources. This helps both users and search engines understand your content better.

4. Prioritize User Experience (UX)

In 2024, user experience is a huge ranking factor. Google wants to send people to websites that are fast, easy to use, and mobile-friendly. Improve your site's Core Web Vitals—which measure things like loading time and visual stability—and make sure your site looks and works great on all devices. The easier it is for people to navigate, the more likely Google is to give you a ranking boost.

5. Optimize for Voice Search

With more people using smart speakers and voice assistants, voice search optimization is now a must. People tend to ask questions when using voice search, so your content should answer them. Think conversational, natural language. Also, aim to appear in featured snippets—those quick answers Google displays at the top of the search results.

6. Make Sure You’re Mobile-First

Google switched to mobile-first indexing a while ago, meaning it primarily looks at your mobile site when ranking pages. If your website isn’t optimized for mobile, you're missing out. A responsive, fast, and smooth mobile experience is non-negotiable. Test it yourself—visit your site on your phone and see if everything loads quickly and looks clean.

7. Add Meaningful Visuals

Visuals aren’t just for making your content pretty—they can also help you rank higher. Use custom graphics, videos, and images that enhance your message. Make sure to optimize them by adding alt texts and compressing file sizes so they don’t slow down your page. Visual content can also rank in Google’s image and video search results, giving you another way to attract traffic.

8. Build Quality Backlinks

Backlinks are still one of the most important ranking factors, but it’s not about quantity anymore—it’s all about quality. Focus on getting links from trusted, authoritative sites in your industry. Guest blogging, collaborating with other brands, and networking can help you build those connections. Stay away from spammy links—they’ll hurt more than help.

9. Use Structured Data for Rich Snippets

If you’ve ever seen search results with extra information like star ratings, FAQs, or even recipe instructions, that’s thanks to structured data. Adding schema markup to your website helps Google understand your content better and can increase your chances of getting those fancy rich snippets that stand out in search results.

10. Make Your Content Easy to Skim

Not everyone has the time to read through 2,000 words of content. Break up your text with headings, bullet points, and bolded sections. This makes it easier for readers to find the info they need, and it also makes it more likely that Google will feature snippets of your content in its search results.

11. Get Featured in Snippets

If you want to rank in the featured snippet spot—the quick answer Google shows at the top of the results—use explicit statements in your content. For example, if you’re writing about the best blog length for SEO, say something like “The ideal blog length for SEO in 2024 is 1,500 to 2,500 words.” Google loves clear, concise answers.

12. Target Question-Based Keywords

Most people search using questions like "how to" or "what is." These are question-based keywords. By answering these questions in your content, you have a higher chance of ranking. Plus, this can help you show up in the People Also Ask (PAA) section of search results, giving you even more visibility.

13. Use Internal Links to Boost Rankings

Internal linking helps distribute page authority across your site, making sure your important pages get more attention. It’s also great for keeping users on your site longer. Link to relevant pages within your content, and make sure your anchor text is descriptive to give Google a better understanding of what the linked page is about.

14. Target “People Also Ask” Sections

Have you seen those questions that pop up in the People Also Ask box on Google? By targeting those questions in your content, you can rank above the typical search results. This is another reason to focus on question-based keywords.

15. Keep Your Content Fresh

Google loves fresh content. Don’t let your old blog posts collect dust—update them with new information, examples, or data. Regular updates signal to Google that your content is still relevant, which can help improve or maintain your rankings.

16. Optimize for Video Search

Video is booming, and it’s starting to take up more space in search results. Optimize your videos by using relevant titles, descriptions, and tags. Also, add transcriptions—Google can’t watch your video, but it can read text to understand what it’s about. This way, you’ll increase your chances of showing up in both video and standard search results.

17. Stay Updated on SEO Trends

SEO is always evolving, and what works today might not work tomorrow. Keep up with the latest algorithm updates and trends so you can adjust your strategy accordingly. Be adaptable, and don’t be afraid to test new tactics to see what works best for your site.

Final Thoughts: SEO in 2024 is All About Adaptation

SEO is a long game, but these 17 strategies will help you stay competitive in 2024. Focus on delivering value to your audience, optimizing for the latest trends like mobile-first and voice search, and making sure your technical SEO is on point. With consistent effort, you’ll see your rankings climb.

Got any other tips for ranking higher on Google? Share them in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe for more SEO insights!