SEO Checklist: Top 9 Unusual Ways to Increase Your Website Rankings

With millions of websites competing for internet users' attention, every online business aims to catapult its website to the top of search engine results pages (SERPs). Although conventional search engine optimization (SEO) strategies like keyword research, link building, and optimizing on-page elements have been time-tested, they might not yield the desired results anymore in such a competitive landscape. This is where unusual, innovative SEO methods come into play, showcasing the untapped potential of novel techniques to drive traffic and stay ahead of the competition.

1. Use Structured Data for Markup

Adding structured data markup to a website helps search engines to understand its content and display it more attractively in the search results. Schema.org – a collaborative effort by Google, Bing, and Yahoo – offers a set of vocabularies for microformats to provide this additional context. This increases the likelihood of rich snippets appearing in search results, providing a User Experience (UX) advantage and increasing click-through rates (CTR). Structured data not only boosts organic Click-Through Rates, it also serves as a tiebreaker in competitive search results whenever multiple relevant websites rank alongside one another.

Structured Data Examples:

Author and publication date of a blog post
Star rating and total review count
Business hours and mailing address for local SEO purposes

2. Utilize MozCast

The MozCast is a valuable SEO metric that measures Google algorithm changes in real-time. It operates like a weather forecasting system, providing a score similar to temperatures. Scores higher on MozCast indicate a higher number of algorithm changes, which could affect a website. By tracking the MozCast, one can anticipate and prepare for upcoming algorithm updates to maintain their SERP rankings.

3. Leverage Social Signals through Employee Advocacy

A company's social signals, often associated with consumer engagement and brand mentions, play a significant role in its online visibility. Employee Advocacy amplifies these social signals by leveraging employees' professional networks to share content about their company, thereby boosting brand awareness and SEO. It demonstrates a company's authenticity and human touch, resonating positively with users and search engines alike.

4. Use Humor in Content Creation

While humor can be subjective, incorporating wit and light-heartedness into content can encourage engagement and sharing. When presented in an authoritative and contextually relevant manner, humorous content has the potential to boost brand recall and rankings. Implementing a dash of humor can help your content stand out and generate more backlinks, as people are more likely to share what they find amusing.

5. Improve Your Video Marketing Strategy

Video content continues to claim a larger share in online consumption. With the increase in video watching, it is becoming more important to have an effective video marketing strategy. Search engine algorithms have started integrating video content into these results, giving videos a chance to gain more visibility. By creating and optimizing video content using accurate titles, descriptions, and tags and submitting it to platforms like YouTube, one can drive more traffic and increase SERP rank.

6. Utilize Inbound Links through Infographics

Regarding backlinks, high-quality inbound links are the holy grail for SEO. Infographics remain a popular content format for acquiring these links. They visually represent complex information, making data easier to understand, thereby encouraging users to share them. When creating and promoting an infographic, optimize it with appropriate keywords, submitting it to relevant infographics directories and platforms like Tumblr, Pinterest, and Reddit, while sharing it on social media channels.

7. Keep Your Website Mobile-Friendly by Implementing AMPs

The widespread adoption of mobile devices has led Google to prioritize mobile-friendliness in its ranking algorithm. Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMPs) provide a faster mobile experience, ensuring online content can be viewed and accessed quickly without compromising readability. Allowing AMP pages to be indexed by Google Search and other search engines further optimizes the search experience for users. This innovative technique benefits not only the user experience but also the SEO efforts of business owners.

8. Increase Your Domain Authority through Guest Blogging

Guest blogging is an SEO strategy that involves contributing articles or content to other websites or blogs in your niche. It helps you build backlinks, establish your authority, and expand your audience base. However, not all guest blogging efforts may provide the desired rankings – it is wise to partner with authoritative sites with higher domain authority (DA), as links from them carry more weight. This tactic can improve your site's DA, enhance its credibility, and boost its online presence.

9. Harvest Long-Tail Keywords through Voice Search Optimization

Conclusion and Call-to-Action

By embracing these unconventional SEO strategies, businesses can differentiate their digital marketing efforts from the clutter and reach coveted SERP rankings. Remember that while no single method can guarantee higher rankings, the optimal mix of conventional and innovative approaches will yield the most promising long-term effects. Regularly monitoring the performance of these strategies and adapting to emerge with superior rankings must be a part of your ongoing SEO endeavors. For all your web development and design needs, contact Cpluz at info@cpluz.com or visit cpluz.com.