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99 KICK-ASS SEO Tips - 2026 Edition - (I Got 99 Problems.. But SEO Ain’t One!)
I’m not gonna drag this out with some fancy intro to hype it up. This is an update to that classic list from back in the day - 2017 almost a decade ago now, so I thought it was time for a refreshed 2026 version with all the wild changes Google and AI search have thrown at us since 2017. Core updates, AI Overviews, E-E-A-T madness, and more - I've tweaked the tips where needed based on what's working now. Let's dive in...
(These updated articles I'll be doing will be shared exclusively here on Office Outlaw ONLY - a small bit of paying it forward to help OO grow.)
Here are 99 kick-ass SEO tips that you can use to crush your search presence and online marketing game in 2026.
1. Make Friends with Influencers Across Platforms
Every niche has hot bloggers, YouTubers, and social stars with massive followings. Hit them up on X, TikTok, or LinkedIn, comment thoughtfully on their stuff, and build real relationships. This opens doors for collabs, shouts, and links that boost your E-E-A-T signals. Don't just spam them - offer genuine value first, like sharing their content or giving feedback, and watch how it leads to organic mentions that AI search engines pick up on for better visibility.
2.Comment on Relevant Blog Posts and Forums
Dropping smart comments on blogs, Reddit threads, or industry forums gets you no-follow links (still valuable) and referral traffic back to your website that can spark shares, more links, and even conversions. In 2026, this also amps up your brand mentions for AI search engines like ChatGPT to notice and factor into relevance. Make sure your comments add real insight, not just "great post" - tie it back to your expertise to drive engaged visitors who stick around.
3.Don’t Ignore Low Hanging Fruit (Low Search Volume Keywords)
Keywords with 40-100 searches? Stack 'em up. Ranking for hundreds of these long-tails adds up to serious traffic, especially with semantic search and AI picking up nuanced queries. Don't pass them by just because the volume looks low - when you dominate a bunch of these, it snowballs into thousands of monthly visitors. Plus, they're easier to rank for without massive authority, giving you quick wins in an AI-dominated SERP landscape.
4.Set Up Google Alerts for Your Industry
Get pinged on fresh content drops to jump in early with comments or shares. It's a quick way to snag links and stay ahead in fast-moving trends spotted by Google Trends' 10-minute refreshes. This keeps you proactive, letting you drop relevant links that push traffic back while building your topical authority. In today's real-time web, being first means more visibility before AI summaries bury older stuff.
5.Find Keyword Ideas in Google Search Console
Hook up your site to GSC and mine those impressions for long-tail gems you're already showing up for. Optimize 'em further to climb in AI-overloaded SERPs. You can uncover easy-to-rank phrases that are already driving some traffic, and with a bit of tweaking, turn them into major winners. This tactic saves time on research and leverages what Google's already telling you works.
6.Break Up Your Content into Multiple 2-3 Sentence Paragraphs
Long walls of text suck on mobile or in AI summaries. Short chunks keep readers hooked longer, signaling quality to Google's algorithms. It makes your stuff easier to skim, which boosts dwell time and engagement metrics that matter more than ever post-Helpful Content Updates. Visitors stick around, and that low bounce rate tells search engines your content is gold.
7.Mix Long-tail Keywords into Your Articles
With long-form dominating, weave in variations naturally. This helps pages rank for multiple terms, including voice and conversational searches that AI loves. Your traffic can explode as one page pulls in hits from related queries without feeling stuffed. It's all about semantic relevance now, so layer in those entities to make AI understand your depth.
8.Avoid “Public” Blog Networks
If anyone's wallet can buy a spot, steer clear - Google's spam updates since 2017 (like the 2025 ones) nuke these fast. Stick to legit, private strategies that look natural and build real authority. These public setups get penalized quick, tanking everyone involved, so focus on relationships that earn links organically. It's riskier than ever with AI spotting patterns.
9.Balance WhoIs Privacy with Legitimacy
With GDPR and privacy laws since 2018, use domain privacy where it makes sense, but ensure your site screams "real business" with clear contact info to build trust for E-E-A-T. Hiding everything raises red flags, making Google think it's shady. Even for side sites, show some transparency to pass as legit - it lessens suspicion and helps in core updates.
10.Speak at Conferences (Virtual or In-Person)
Industry events are gold for personal branding. Score speaker bio links from high-authority sites, now boosted by video recordings for YouTube SEO. If it's a established gig, the domain's metrics will juice your profile big time. Plus, networking there leads to more collabs, and in 2026, virtual ones make it easier to get in without travel.
11.Use Short Focused Titles (With KW if Possible)
Keep titles snappy for full display in SERPs or AI snippets. Test clickbait-y ones with pronouns like "I" or "You" for that personal vibe trending in 2026. Searchers click more if it's visible and punchy, avoiding truncation. In competitive niches, mimic PPC ad styles that convert - they've been tested for clicks.
12.Use Flat & Simple Website Designs
Clunky designs kill UX and load times. Go minimal to nail Core Web Vitals - Google's been hammering this since 2020. It pushes visitors away less and loads faster without bloated code. In an AI era where speed affects rankings, this keeps you competitive and user-friendly across devices.
13.Don’t Buy Cheap Content
$5 articles? Trash. Invest in human-written, expert stuff that screams E-E-A-T. AI-generated junk gets dinged in 2026's human-over-AI preference. Back in the day, short posts worked, but now you need depth from pros who get how algorithms read for intent. It's worth the cash for content that ranks and converts.
14.Duplicate Your Competition’s Links
Spy with Ahrefs or SEMRush, then one-up 'em. But focus on quality, relevant links - Google's core updates reward this over sheer volume. Beat them by doing it better, securing those same spots plus extras. This levels the playing field fast if they're ahead in SERPs.
15.Remove Old Thin Content
Audit and axe outdated fluff. With Helpful Content Updates (since 2022), refresh or redirect to keep your site lean and mean. Old thin stuff drags you down, providing no value. If you can't update, kill it - your overall site quality signals improve instantly.
16.Target Competitor Brand Keywords
Outrank slackers for their own brand terms. Build authority with branded search tactics, huge in 2026 for direct traffic. If they're lazy on SEO, optimize a page for their name and watch you climb above them. It takes site strength, but it's sneaky effective for stealing share.
17.Share Your Content Multiple Times on Social Media
Repost strategically to max visibility. Social signals feed into AI search relevance now more than ever. Don't just drop it once - multiple shares hit more followers, boosting engagement and traffic. This amps up shares, mentions, and indirect SEO juice.
18.Re-direct Broken URLs
Screaming Frog for the win. Fix 404s to avoid GSC flags - essential since mobile-first indexing kicked in fully by 2019. Broken links hurt UX and get reported, impacting visibility. Auto-redirect plugins make it easy, keeping everything clean and error-free.
19.Network with Influencers
Offer value first. In 2026, this leads to UGC and brand mentions that strengthen your AI visibility. Ask how you can help them - it creates reciprocity for interviews, shares, or links. Building these ties pays off in organic exposure and authority boosts.
20.Build Brand Name Links
Keyword anchors are risky; brand ones are safer and build branded search volume, a top trend this year. You need some keywords, but overload on brand to stay penalty-free. It's natural and helps with E-E-A-T by reinforcing your name in searches.
21.Publish Content Around Popular Topics
Jump on breaking news or trends via Google Trends' velocity data. Real-time relevance gets you in AI Overviews fast. This pulls quick organic traffic that's already targeted. Stay indexed fresh and ride the wave before it fades.
22.Implement Schema Code
Structured data is easier than ever with tools. It powers rich results and helps AI engines understand your content better. Once complex, now plugins handle it for stars in SERPs and higher CTR. Don't skip - it makes your listings stand out in zero-click worlds.
23.Don’t Ignore Conversion Rate Optimization
Rankings mean squat without conversions. Test UX elements - vital in an AI world where traffic might dip from zero-click searches. Traffic's great, but if it doesn't convert, SEO's wasted. Dedicate time to A/B tests to max your efforts.
24.Donate to (Bribe) High Authority .Org Charities
Local .orgs still love sponsors. Get ethical links, but ensure it's genuine to avoid spam flags in post-2025 updates. Search quick for opportunities and ask about donations for links. It's a win-win if done right, boosting metrics without looking shady.
25.Grab Your Users Attention in The First Paragraph
Hook 'em quick or lose 'em to AI summaries. Pro writers nail this for better engagement metrics. If they're not intrigued fast, bounce rates spike. Invest in strong openers - it's why good copy pays off in dwell time and signals.
26.Diversify Your Domain Extension Links
Mix .com, .io, .app - diversity looks natural. No patterns, especially with AI detecting manipulation. Don't stick to one type; random mix avoids flags. Effort in variety makes your profile believable and strong.
27.Don’t be Afraid to Link Out
Outbound links to authorities build topical relevance. Big sites do it; so should you for E-E-A-T cred. Holding back raises red flags - natural sites link freely. It shares juice but signals trust and context to algorithms.
28.Offer to Update Outdated Information
Proactive refreshes keep content fresh. Google's been rewarding this since BERT (2019) for better intent matching. Industries evolve, so outdated info kills cred. Update regularly to maintain authority and user trust.
29.Internally Link Your Entire Blog
Passes juice and keeps users bouncing around. Crucial for site architecture in semantic search eras. It boosts inner pages in SERPs and reduces exits. Smart linking guides readers deeper, improving engagement signals.
30.Monitor Google Analytics for Content with High Bounce Rates
Spot patterns and pivot. Low engagement tanks you in Helpful Content systems. Note topics that flop and double down on winners. This refines your strategy for more sticky content that ranks better.
31.Publish Case Studies
Data-packed studies attract links. Promote on social for shares and AI citations. They draw visitors but more so, citations as resources. Epic ones with promo budget score tons of backlinks organically.
32.Build Quality Links Over Quantity
A few powerhouse links beat hundreds of crap ones. Eternal truth, amplified by core updates. Automated junk doesn't cut it - focus on top-tier sites. Quality drives real power in rankings.
33.Focus on Relevant Links
Niche matters more than metrics. Irrelevant links get ignored or penalized. If you're in finance, stick to finance spots. Relevancy is key, often overlooked for any old link.
34.Connect with Journalists on Twitter (Now X)
Quick chats on X beat emails. Great for HARO-style mentions. Writers love brevity - cold emails flop. Build ties for features and links that boost authority.
35.Look at PPC Ads for Title Ideas (Think High Click-Through)
Ad copy is battle-tested. Use for SERP titles, now with personal pronouns for 2026 flair. In tough niches, ads show what clicks after split tests. Steal that edge for your organic titles.
36.If a Link is Automatic It’s Not Worth Your Time
Easy links = low value. Effort equals reward in post-Penguin worlds. If anyone can grab it instant, it's spam bait. Real SEO grinds for worthy ones that move the needle.
37.Address Errors in Google Search Console
Daily checks. Ignored errors crush you in core algos. Fix warnings fast - they hit visibility hard. It's quick daily habit that saves big headaches.
38.Optimize E-Commerce Product Descriptions
Unique, intent-focused descriptions rank products. Add schema for AI shopping features. With thousands of items, this drives massive traffic. Treat them like full content for individual rankings.
39.Don’t Take Attention Away from Your CTAs by Placing Ads in Wrong Positions
Prioritize conversions over ad pennies. UX first. Ads distract from sales or leads. Better a big win than tiny clicks - focus on what pays.
40.Become a Guest Blogger
Regular gigs on relevant sites drive traffic and links. Drop inner links smartly. Get author bios and referrals. It lifts your whole site in SERPs with strategic drops.
41.Focus on One Keyword Per Page
But layer in entities for topical depth. Semantic SEO since Hummingbird (2013). Fine-tune on-site for better shots at top spots. Strong authority adds long-tails automatically.
42.Target Keywords with Purchase & Conversion Intent
Buyer intent over volume. Key in AI-driven searches. Skip research terms for ones that attract ready buyers. Lower volume but higher ROI keywords win.
43.Use Images in Your Content
Alt tags descriptive, not stuffed. Ranks in image search and enhances AI understanding. Makes articles pop for visitors. Pulls extra traffic from visual searches.
44.Disavow Spammy Links
Still submit if needed - Google's better at ignoring, but clean your profile. Spam happens to all; disavow naturally. Big sites do it daily - no fear.
45.Create a Viral Video
Dollar Shave Club vibes. Video SEO explodes traffic from YouTube, now integral to traditional SEO. Low budget can go big with virality, especially if you hit trending topics or humor that resonates. Links from one hit build massive authority, and embedding it on your site pulls double duty for engagement metrics. In 2026, AI search pulls video snippets right into results, so optimize titles, descriptions, and tags with keywords to get featured. Don't just upload and forget - promote it on social to kickstart views and shares that signal quality to algorithms.
46.Include Your Keyword in Paragraph Number One
Signals topic early. Works for AI snippets too. Tells engines the focus quick, helping with quick intent matching in fast-loading SERPs. Boosts top result chances in results, as crawlers grab that first para for summaries. Make it natural, not forced - weave it in with a hook that grabs readers too. This old-school tactic still holds up strong, especially when combined with E-E-A-T elements like author bios.
47.Write 1,000+ Words for Your Infographic Posts
Depth helps ranking. But quality trumps word count in 2026. Thin posts kill organic reach, so surround your visuals with detailed explanations, data sources, and how-tos. Long accompaniments make visuals rankable, turning a simple image into a full resource that attracts links and shares. Promote it heavy on Pinterest and X for extra traffic, and watch how it climbs in image and web searches alike. Remember, AI loves comprehensive content, so layer in related subtopics for broader coverage.
48.Host a Podcast
Podcasts build authority. Link from directories and transcribe for SEO. Drives targeted traffic and brand links from guests and listeners. Low entry cost, high awareness payoff - start with simple gear and edit in free tools. Transcripts let search engines index spoken content, pulling in voice search traffic that's booming in 2026. Invite experts for collabs that lead to cross-promos and backlinks, strengthening your E-E-A-T profile. Consistency is key; drop episodes weekly to build a loyal audience that shares and engages.
49.Offer Coupon Codes for Social Shares
Plugins make this easy. Boosts shares and signals. Offer discounts for shares to amp social buzz, creating a viral loop where users promote for perks. Increases visibility and indirect SEO benefits through more mentions and traffic. Track it with UTM tags to see which platforms drive the most value, and tweak offers based on data. In an AI era, social proof like this feeds into relevance scores, so make codes exclusive to build urgency and FOMO.
50.Include Video in Your Posts
Embed YouTube vids. Ranks there too - second biggest search engine, even bigger in 2026. Keeps visitors longer, dual rankings possible with optimized embeds that pass juice. Engagement soars with multimedia, lowering bounce rates and signaling quality content to Google. Create your own or curate relevant ones, but always add unique commentary to avoid thin page penalties. This tactic shines for tutorials or reviews, where visuals explain better than text alone, and AI overviews love pulling video timestamps.
51.Use HARO
Three daily queries for top links. Dedication pays off. Answer media calls for features on big sites like Forbes or CNN, scoring authority links that skyrocket your profile. Stick with it for authority boosts - even if most pitches flop, the wins are huge. Tailor responses to be quotable and expert, including your site link naturally. In 2026, these mentions also help with AI citations, as engines pull from reputable sources for summaries and answers.
52.Make Sure You Write Unique Blog Post Titles
Google 'em first. Uniqueness aids in AI differentiation. Avoid duplicates that hinder ranking by checking SERPs before publishing to tweak for standout appeal. Tweak if needed for standout SERPs, adding numbers or questions to boost CTR. This prevents cannibalization and makes your listings pop in crowded results. With AI generating titles too, originality signals human quality and helps avoid spam flags.
53.Convert Blog Posts to YouTube Videos
Repurpose for video SEO. Text-to-video tools speed it up. Fresh ideas from old content turn written gold into visual hits that rank on YouTube. Ranks in multiple formats for broader reach, pulling traffic from video searchers who might skip text. Add graphics and voiceover for engagement, and link back to the original post for cross-juice. This extends content life, especially for evergreen topics, and boosts overall domain authority through diversified signals.
54.Use Responsive Social Sharing Buttons
Mobile-first everything. No broken shares. Old plugins break on small screens, so update to responsive ones that work seamless on phones and tablets. Free tools ensure easy sharing across devices, increasing social signals that indirectly help SEO. Test on multiple browsers to avoid glitches, and place 'em prominently without annoying users. In 2026, with more mobile traffic than ever, this keeps shares flowing and engagement high.
55.Donate to Schools (for a Link)
.edu links via donations. Still solid, if ethical. Local schools often link for yearly gifts, providing high-trust backlinks that algorithms love for E-E-A-T. Easy metrics win without forums - search for alumni programs or events to sponsor. Keep it genuine to avoid scrutiny, and promote the partnership on your site for extra context. These links age well and add diversity to your profile, helping in core updates that value educational ties.
56.Diversify Your Anchor Text
Natural mix avoids penalties. Don't overdo keywords - vary with brands, URLs, and generics like "click here." Vary for safety and realism, making your profile look organic to AI detectors. Keeps profile clean in algo eyes, preventing over-optimization flags. Analyze competitors with tools to mimic natural patterns, and track changes in GSC to adjust. This balance is crucial in 2026, where spam hunts are fiercer than ever.
57.Trade Link Opportunities & Network
Swap with peers. Contextual over directories. Approach contacts for mutual benefits, like guest swaps or resource mentions that fit naturally. Content links look better than pages, passing more relevance and avoiding low-value vibes. Build a network through events or groups to find partners, and always check metrics before agreeing. This reciprocal strategy scales your backlinks ethically, boosting authority without cash.
58.Email Your List Offering Interviews
Mine your subscribers for links. Hot topics draw responses from experts in your audience who might link back when featured. Old lists hold surprises - segment by interest for targeted outreach. Quick handful of relevant backlinks from their sites or social shares. Make it easy with templates, and promote the interviews heavily for mutual exposure. This leverages your existing assets for SEO gains without cold pitching strangers.
59.Build Links on High Traffic Websites
Traffic > metrics. Referral wins. Real visitors matter more than scores, as high-traffic sites send engaged users that stick and convert. Dual benefit of links and clicks strengthens your signals overall. Target blogs or forums with active audiences, even if DA isn't sky-high. In 2026, AI values user behavior from referrals, so prioritize spots that drive actual traffic over vanity metrics.
60.Use SSL (HTTPS)
Standard now - ranking signal since 2014, trust booster. Essential for payments and user data, but also signals security to search engines. Quick setup, cheap, big trust gain - migrate if you're still on HTTP to avoid warnings in browsers. This protects against penalties and improves CTR, as users avoid non-secure sites. With more e-com in SEO, it's non-negotiable for credibility and E-E-A-T.
61.Use Exit-Intent Offers to Keep Users on Your Website Longer
Popups for retention. Test for UX. Suggest related reads or deals when they try to leave, boosting dwell time that algorithms love. Creative splits reduce bounces effectively without annoying everyone. Use tools like OptinMonster for smart triggers, and A/B test copy for max impact. In an AI world with shorter sessions, this tactic keeps engagement high and signals valuable content.
62.Publish Industry Resources
Epic resources attract links. Publish online for direct links instead of PDFs that get repurposed without credit. Blog format forces citations over repurposing, and buzz leads to mentions from influencers. Make 'em comprehensive with tools, checklists, or data - promote on social for shares. These become evergreen assets that pull passive links over time, solidifying your topical authority.
63.Don’t Avoid No-Follow Links
They count indirectly, especially from authority sites. Debate rages, but HuffPost-style ones help with traffic and brand signals. Mix in for complete profile, as no-follows from big names like Reddit drive referrals that convert. Don't dismiss 'em - they add diversity and naturalness to your backlink mix. In 2026, with AI looking at holistic signals, these contribute to overall relevance.
64.Make Sure Your Entire Website is Mobile Friendly
Responsive or bust. Mobile-first since 2019. Old sites still lag - themes fix cheap, ensuring no pinching or zooming issues. Must for rankings and UX, as Google indexes mobile versions primarily. Test with GSC's mobile usability report and fix errors quick. With voice and AI searches on devices, this keeps you visible and user-approved.
65.Constantly Check Your Website in All Browsers
Updates break things. Consistent UX across Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge prevents bad experiences from one browser. Test regularly across all to catch rendering glitches or script errors. Avoids bad experiences that spike bounces and hurt signals. Use tools like BrowserStack for efficiency, and make it a monthly habit. In a multi-device world, this ensures broad accessibility and steady performance metrics.
66.Properly Format Content with Bullets, Headers, Etc.
Scannable for humans and AI. Pretty content engages more with H2s, lists, and bolding that guide eyes. Breaks up text for better delivery on mobile, boosting read time. Readers stay, signals improve as engagement metrics climb. AI crawlers parse structure better too, pulling snippets accurately. Skip walls of text - format like pros for higher rankings and shares.
67.Be Active in Your Comments Section
Engagement shows popularity. Reply to all for care vibe, turning visitors into community members who return. Encourages more interaction like questions or shares that amp signals. Makes site look lively and authoritative, especially for E-E-A-T. Moderate spam but foster discussion - it can lead to UGC that boosts relevance. In 2026, active sections signal helpful content to algorithms.
68.Spend Time Sending Out Cold Emails
Prospect for links daily. Connections open doors to guest spots or mentions that build your profile. Many ignore, but hits lead big with personalized pitches that show value. Persistent outreach pays, so track responses and refine templates. Use tools like Hunter for emails, and follow up politely. This grind separates serious SEOs from casuals, landing quality links over time.
69.Stroke Ego’s for Links
Feature folks, notify 'em - links follow. Positive content about them sparks shares and backlinks as they promote to their audience. Social and blog mentions ensue from interviews or shoutouts. Pick influencers in your niche, create tailored pieces, and email 'em direct. This ego bait works wonders for organic growth, especially when tied to trending topics. Builds relationships too, for future collabs.
70.Put More Effort into Keywords on Pages 2 and 3
Push 'em to page 1 with tweaks. On-site and links do it fast by optimizing content, adding internal links, and building externals. SEMRush spots 'em easy for quick audits. Quick wins from near-misses can double traffic without new pages. Focus on intent matching and speed ups to climb those spots. In competitive SERPs, this low-hanging fruit yields big ROI.
71.Seek Out Broken Link Opportunities
VA task for solid links. Tools find 'em related to your content, like Ahrefs' broken link checker. Time-intensive but high-value sites replace dead links with yours nicely. Outreach with polite emails offering your resource as a fix. Success rate's high if relevant, and these contextual links pass strong juice. Delegate to assistants for scale, turning errors into SEO gold.
72.Allow Guest Posts on Your Blog
Free content, free links. Authors brag with backlinks from their sites or social. Organic traffic from their promo boosts your metrics too. Win for all if you set guidelines for quality and relevance. Edit submissions to match your voice, and require unique stuff to avoid duplicates. This grows your site passively while adding fresh perspectives that keep algorithms happy.
73.Conduct Round-Up Posts
Expert quotes = shares and links. Topic input from pros you email for opinions on hot issues. They promote for ego, driving traffic and backlinks. Everyone wins with exposure in a compiled resource that ranks well for broad terms. Make it annual or quarterly for recurring buzz, and optimize with schema for featured snippets. These posts become link magnets in any niche.
74.Use Your Keyword in Page Descriptions
Boosts click-through in SERPs. Connects to searcher intent with compelling copy that includes the term naturally. Keyword match draws eyes amid listings, improving CTR that signals relevance. Keep 'em under 160 chars for full display, and test variations for best performance. In AI overviews, strong metas get pulled more often, so craft 'em punchy.
75.Create an XML Sitemap
Mandatory for indexing. Notifies engines of new stuff and structure, speeding up crawls. Full site crawl ease for big sites with deep pages. Essential for visibility, especially post-launch or updates. Submit via GSC and keep it updated automatically with plugins. This ensures all your content gets seen, avoiding orphan pages that waste effort.
76.Proof Read Your Content
No errors - cred killer. Grammar slips look bad and ding E-E-A-T by seeming unprofessional. Spellcheck ain't perfect, so read aloud or use Grammarly for catches. Double-check for pro polish that keeps readers trusting your expertise. Errors distract and increase bounces, hurting signals. Make it a final step before publish to maintain quality standards.
77.Give Testimonials
Easy brand links. Vendors link back often in their case studies or client lists. Strong metrics from popular ones if you choose well-known partners. List and offer freely on your site too, for reciprocal juice. This builds a web of mentions that strengthens branded search. Approach companies you've used positively, and watch the links roll in.
78.Run Boosted Facebook Promotions for All Blog Posts
Amplify reach. Shares and traffic follow from targeted ads that hit your audience. Cheap boosts hit more eyes, sparking engagement that feeds SEO signals. Social signals build indirectly through likes and comments. Segment audiences for relevance, and track ROI with pixels. Even small budgets can explode visibility for new content.
79.Focus on Long-Form Content (1,500+ Words)
Depth for authority, but tailor to intent - not just length. Short stuff flops now in favor of comprehensive guides that cover angles. Top results are in-depth, so aim high for first-page dominance with data, examples, and subs. But quality over fluff; AI spots padded content and dings it. Promote long-form heavy to attract links, and update yearly for freshness.
80.Don’t be Afraid to Pay for Links
Big players do it. Focus on quality placements that look natural, like sponsored posts on relevant sites. Fastest to top links if you vet for relevance and metrics. Everyone buys, despite denials - fact of competitive SEO. Use agencies or direct outreach, but disclose if needed to stay ethical. In 2026, smart paid links still work if blended with organics.
81.Compress Images Site-Wide
Speed matters for Core Web Vitals. Plugins handle it like Smush or ShortPixel for automatic optimization. Big sites with tons of pics need this to cut load times. Load times drop, rankings rise as users stay happier. Test before/after with Pagespeed Insights to see gains. This quick fix boosts mobile performance, crucial in an AI-mobile world.
82.Ignore Useless Metrics
DA is fake news. Real profiles count over invented scores that fluctuate wildly. Moz buzz sells tools, not truth - focus on traffic, relevance, and engagement instead. Assess links properly yourself with manual checks for spam or value. Ditch vanity metrics for data that moves the needle, like referral conversions. In mature SEO, substance beats hype every time.
83.Build Links at a Believable Pace
Natural velocity avoids flags. Sudden spikes need backing like virals or campaigns to look legit. Steady build looks legit, so space out acquisitions over weeks. No 100-a-day unless justified by a big push. Monitor GSC for warnings, and mimic natural growth patterns from tools. This patience pays off in sustainable rankings without recoveries.
84.Go After Your Competition’s Keywords
Spy and surpass. They researched converters - duplicate then beat with better content and links. Authority links pass 'em in SERPs quick. Easy opportunities from their work, using SEMRush to spot gaps. Optimize your pages harder, adding unique angles they missed. This aggressive tactic steals traffic ethically, leveling up your game.
85.Avoid Alt-Image Tags That Are Just the Keyword
Descriptive for image SEO. Paragraph-style explains better what the image shows for accessibility and context. More traffic from visuals when tags match intent. Old stuffing gone - engines penalize now for spam. Make 'em helpful for screen readers too, boosting overall UX signals. Layer in entities for semantic boost in AI image recognition.
86.Develop a Free Tool
Attracts links like crazy. Simple utils get cited tons in roundups or resources. Clever ideas draw attention from bloggers who embed or link. Free promo gold - build something useful like calculators or checkers. Promote on Product Hunt or Reddit for initial buzz, and watch passive links accumulate. Ties into E-E-A-T by showing expertise through utility.
87.Co-Publish Content
Collab for exposure. Brand with influencers, they promote to their lists for double reach. Infographics work great as shared assets. Traffic and links from shares multiply your efforts. Find partners via networking, and agree on cross-links upfront. This leverages others' audiences without full creation burden, scaling SEO fast.
88.Use SEMRush to Find Keywords You Rank for Already
Optimize hidden gems. Deep dives uncover 'em in reports for pages buried in results. Push up with work like content refreshes or links. Turns rankings into wins by focusing effort where you're close. Track progress in the tool, and layer in related terms for clusters. This efficient approach maximizes existing assets for quick gains.
89.Start to Edit Wikipedia Pages
Long play for trust. Edit months first, build cred with neutral contributions before adding links. Then add links sparingly to avoid reverts. Industry edits pay off big with high-authority signals. Follow guidelines strictly, and source everything. These do-follow links (when approved) boost E-E-A-T massively, but patience is key.
90.Offer to Design Exclusive Infographics
Custom bait for links. Brand for them exclusively so they can't reuse without credit. No guest posts needed - just send the file with embed code. Easy in for tough sites that love visuals but hate writing. Charge nothing but ask for a link in return. Promote your service on social to attract takers, building a portfolio of placements.
91.Use Google Auto-Complete to Find Keywords
Quick long-tail finds. Main terms reveal related suggestions as people actually search. Fast research hack for content ideas that match intent. People search those phrases, so optimize for 'em naturally. Combine with Trends for volume checks, and build clusters around top autos. This user-focused tactic keeps your keywords real and effective.
92.Don’t Use Cheap Hosting
Go VPS or cloud with CDN for speed. Shared slows and risks downtime that hurts rankings. Shady neighbors hurt if they get penalized, dragging you down. Invest for performance with reliable uptime and fast loads. Add Cloudflare for extra edge, and monitor with GSC for issues. Quality hosting supports Core Web Vitals, essential in 2026.
93.Perform Infographic Outreach
Free content offer. HTML code eases sharing for sites to embed with credit. Niche sites love 'em for visual appeal without effort. Most accept for visuals that engage their audience. Personalize pitches with why it fits their content, and follow up. This visual link building scales well, especially for data-heavy topics.
94.Evaluate the SERPs Before Deciding on Keywords
Avoid unbeatable giants. See who's top - Amazon or Wikipedia? Skip to save effort for winnable terms. Smart targeting wins by assessing competition strength and intent match. Use tools to check backlinks and content quality of top results. Pivot to variations if needed, ensuring your angle stands out. This research step prevents wasted optimization on lost causes.
95.Build Your Own Truly Private Blog Network
If you're serious, but keep it stealthy - risky in 2026's spam hunts with AI detection. Top pros do it hidden on separate hosts and IPs. Expensive but powerful if done right with unique content and natural linking. Avoid footprints like same themes or whois - vary everything. Use only for high-value sites, and monitor for flags. This advanced tactic amplifies control but demands caution.
96.Include Your Target Keyword in Your URL
Clean slugs help. Simple structures best for readability and signals. Experiment with keyword-only sometimes if it fits naturally. Boosts relevance signals without overdoing. Keep 'em short and hyphenated, avoiding params that confuse crawlers. This on-page basic still matters for topical clarity in semantic search.
97.Fix Speed and Load Time Issues
GTMetrix and Pagespeed - fix everything for vitals like lazy loading and minification. Reports guide changes to shave seconds off. Faster sites rank higher and convert better. Essential tweaks for mobile, where delays kill sessions. Implement CDN and caching, retesting often. In AI-driven SERPs, speed is a direct ranking factor you can't ignore.
98.Publish Numbered List Posts
Click magnets, like this one. SERP standouts with high CTR from curiosity. Forbes-style trends work well for broad appeal. Piques interest for CTR by promising quick value. Optimize with keywords in the count, and make each point meaty. These perform great in social shares too, driving extra signals.
99.Re-Write Old Blog Posts
Refresh for relevance and E-E-A-T. Thin or outdated? Beef up with new data, examples, and media. Easier than new - adds value quick by updating stats or angles. Keeps site fresh in algos, recovering lost rankings. Redirect if merging, and promote updates on social for renewed buzz. This maintenance tactic extends ROI on past work, crucial for long-term SEO.
SEO won’t magically happen - you gotta grind. Use these updated tips to dominate in 2026's AI-crazed world. Got more ideas or stories? Drop 'em in the comments. Hope some of you find this useful, I'll be posting more updated articles over the next few days, weeks and months so keep an eye out for them!
I’m not gonna drag this out with some fancy intro to hype it up. This is an update to that classic list from back in the day - 2017 almost a decade ago now, so I thought it was time for a refreshed 2026 version with all the wild changes Google and AI search have thrown at us since 2017. Core updates, AI Overviews, E-E-A-T madness, and more - I've tweaked the tips where needed based on what's working now. Let's dive in...
(These updated articles I'll be doing will be shared exclusively here on Office Outlaw ONLY - a small bit of paying it forward to help OO grow.)
Here are 99 kick-ass SEO tips that you can use to crush your search presence and online marketing game in 2026.
1. Make Friends with Influencers Across Platforms
Every niche has hot bloggers, YouTubers, and social stars with massive followings. Hit them up on X, TikTok, or LinkedIn, comment thoughtfully on their stuff, and build real relationships. This opens doors for collabs, shouts, and links that boost your E-E-A-T signals. Don't just spam them - offer genuine value first, like sharing their content or giving feedback, and watch how it leads to organic mentions that AI search engines pick up on for better visibility.
2.Comment on Relevant Blog Posts and Forums
Dropping smart comments on blogs, Reddit threads, or industry forums gets you no-follow links (still valuable) and referral traffic back to your website that can spark shares, more links, and even conversions. In 2026, this also amps up your brand mentions for AI search engines like ChatGPT to notice and factor into relevance. Make sure your comments add real insight, not just "great post" - tie it back to your expertise to drive engaged visitors who stick around.
3.Don’t Ignore Low Hanging Fruit (Low Search Volume Keywords)
Keywords with 40-100 searches? Stack 'em up. Ranking for hundreds of these long-tails adds up to serious traffic, especially with semantic search and AI picking up nuanced queries. Don't pass them by just because the volume looks low - when you dominate a bunch of these, it snowballs into thousands of monthly visitors. Plus, they're easier to rank for without massive authority, giving you quick wins in an AI-dominated SERP landscape.
4.Set Up Google Alerts for Your Industry
Get pinged on fresh content drops to jump in early with comments or shares. It's a quick way to snag links and stay ahead in fast-moving trends spotted by Google Trends' 10-minute refreshes. This keeps you proactive, letting you drop relevant links that push traffic back while building your topical authority. In today's real-time web, being first means more visibility before AI summaries bury older stuff.
5.Find Keyword Ideas in Google Search Console
Hook up your site to GSC and mine those impressions for long-tail gems you're already showing up for. Optimize 'em further to climb in AI-overloaded SERPs. You can uncover easy-to-rank phrases that are already driving some traffic, and with a bit of tweaking, turn them into major winners. This tactic saves time on research and leverages what Google's already telling you works.
6.Break Up Your Content into Multiple 2-3 Sentence Paragraphs
Long walls of text suck on mobile or in AI summaries. Short chunks keep readers hooked longer, signaling quality to Google's algorithms. It makes your stuff easier to skim, which boosts dwell time and engagement metrics that matter more than ever post-Helpful Content Updates. Visitors stick around, and that low bounce rate tells search engines your content is gold.
7.Mix Long-tail Keywords into Your Articles
With long-form dominating, weave in variations naturally. This helps pages rank for multiple terms, including voice and conversational searches that AI loves. Your traffic can explode as one page pulls in hits from related queries without feeling stuffed. It's all about semantic relevance now, so layer in those entities to make AI understand your depth.
8.Avoid “Public” Blog Networks
If anyone's wallet can buy a spot, steer clear - Google's spam updates since 2017 (like the 2025 ones) nuke these fast. Stick to legit, private strategies that look natural and build real authority. These public setups get penalized quick, tanking everyone involved, so focus on relationships that earn links organically. It's riskier than ever with AI spotting patterns.
9.Balance WhoIs Privacy with Legitimacy
With GDPR and privacy laws since 2018, use domain privacy where it makes sense, but ensure your site screams "real business" with clear contact info to build trust for E-E-A-T. Hiding everything raises red flags, making Google think it's shady. Even for side sites, show some transparency to pass as legit - it lessens suspicion and helps in core updates.
10.Speak at Conferences (Virtual or In-Person)
Industry events are gold for personal branding. Score speaker bio links from high-authority sites, now boosted by video recordings for YouTube SEO. If it's a established gig, the domain's metrics will juice your profile big time. Plus, networking there leads to more collabs, and in 2026, virtual ones make it easier to get in without travel.
11.Use Short Focused Titles (With KW if Possible)
Keep titles snappy for full display in SERPs or AI snippets. Test clickbait-y ones with pronouns like "I" or "You" for that personal vibe trending in 2026. Searchers click more if it's visible and punchy, avoiding truncation. In competitive niches, mimic PPC ad styles that convert - they've been tested for clicks.
12.Use Flat & Simple Website Designs
Clunky designs kill UX and load times. Go minimal to nail Core Web Vitals - Google's been hammering this since 2020. It pushes visitors away less and loads faster without bloated code. In an AI era where speed affects rankings, this keeps you competitive and user-friendly across devices.
13.Don’t Buy Cheap Content
$5 articles? Trash. Invest in human-written, expert stuff that screams E-E-A-T. AI-generated junk gets dinged in 2026's human-over-AI preference. Back in the day, short posts worked, but now you need depth from pros who get how algorithms read for intent. It's worth the cash for content that ranks and converts.
14.Duplicate Your Competition’s Links
Spy with Ahrefs or SEMRush, then one-up 'em. But focus on quality, relevant links - Google's core updates reward this over sheer volume. Beat them by doing it better, securing those same spots plus extras. This levels the playing field fast if they're ahead in SERPs.
15.Remove Old Thin Content
Audit and axe outdated fluff. With Helpful Content Updates (since 2022), refresh or redirect to keep your site lean and mean. Old thin stuff drags you down, providing no value. If you can't update, kill it - your overall site quality signals improve instantly.
16.Target Competitor Brand Keywords
Outrank slackers for their own brand terms. Build authority with branded search tactics, huge in 2026 for direct traffic. If they're lazy on SEO, optimize a page for their name and watch you climb above them. It takes site strength, but it's sneaky effective for stealing share.
17.Share Your Content Multiple Times on Social Media
Repost strategically to max visibility. Social signals feed into AI search relevance now more than ever. Don't just drop it once - multiple shares hit more followers, boosting engagement and traffic. This amps up shares, mentions, and indirect SEO juice.
18.Re-direct Broken URLs
Screaming Frog for the win. Fix 404s to avoid GSC flags - essential since mobile-first indexing kicked in fully by 2019. Broken links hurt UX and get reported, impacting visibility. Auto-redirect plugins make it easy, keeping everything clean and error-free.
19.Network with Influencers
Offer value first. In 2026, this leads to UGC and brand mentions that strengthen your AI visibility. Ask how you can help them - it creates reciprocity for interviews, shares, or links. Building these ties pays off in organic exposure and authority boosts.
20.Build Brand Name Links
Keyword anchors are risky; brand ones are safer and build branded search volume, a top trend this year. You need some keywords, but overload on brand to stay penalty-free. It's natural and helps with E-E-A-T by reinforcing your name in searches.
21.Publish Content Around Popular Topics
Jump on breaking news or trends via Google Trends' velocity data. Real-time relevance gets you in AI Overviews fast. This pulls quick organic traffic that's already targeted. Stay indexed fresh and ride the wave before it fades.
22.Implement Schema Code
Structured data is easier than ever with tools. It powers rich results and helps AI engines understand your content better. Once complex, now plugins handle it for stars in SERPs and higher CTR. Don't skip - it makes your listings stand out in zero-click worlds.
23.Don’t Ignore Conversion Rate Optimization
Rankings mean squat without conversions. Test UX elements - vital in an AI world where traffic might dip from zero-click searches. Traffic's great, but if it doesn't convert, SEO's wasted. Dedicate time to A/B tests to max your efforts.
24.Donate to (Bribe) High Authority .Org Charities
Local .orgs still love sponsors. Get ethical links, but ensure it's genuine to avoid spam flags in post-2025 updates. Search quick for opportunities and ask about donations for links. It's a win-win if done right, boosting metrics without looking shady.
25.Grab Your Users Attention in The First Paragraph
Hook 'em quick or lose 'em to AI summaries. Pro writers nail this for better engagement metrics. If they're not intrigued fast, bounce rates spike. Invest in strong openers - it's why good copy pays off in dwell time and signals.
26.Diversify Your Domain Extension Links
Mix .com, .io, .app - diversity looks natural. No patterns, especially with AI detecting manipulation. Don't stick to one type; random mix avoids flags. Effort in variety makes your profile believable and strong.
27.Don’t be Afraid to Link Out
Outbound links to authorities build topical relevance. Big sites do it; so should you for E-E-A-T cred. Holding back raises red flags - natural sites link freely. It shares juice but signals trust and context to algorithms.
28.Offer to Update Outdated Information
Proactive refreshes keep content fresh. Google's been rewarding this since BERT (2019) for better intent matching. Industries evolve, so outdated info kills cred. Update regularly to maintain authority and user trust.
29.Internally Link Your Entire Blog
Passes juice and keeps users bouncing around. Crucial for site architecture in semantic search eras. It boosts inner pages in SERPs and reduces exits. Smart linking guides readers deeper, improving engagement signals.
30.Monitor Google Analytics for Content with High Bounce Rates
Spot patterns and pivot. Low engagement tanks you in Helpful Content systems. Note topics that flop and double down on winners. This refines your strategy for more sticky content that ranks better.
31.Publish Case Studies
Data-packed studies attract links. Promote on social for shares and AI citations. They draw visitors but more so, citations as resources. Epic ones with promo budget score tons of backlinks organically.
32.Build Quality Links Over Quantity
A few powerhouse links beat hundreds of crap ones. Eternal truth, amplified by core updates. Automated junk doesn't cut it - focus on top-tier sites. Quality drives real power in rankings.
33.Focus on Relevant Links
Niche matters more than metrics. Irrelevant links get ignored or penalized. If you're in finance, stick to finance spots. Relevancy is key, often overlooked for any old link.
34.Connect with Journalists on Twitter (Now X)
Quick chats on X beat emails. Great for HARO-style mentions. Writers love brevity - cold emails flop. Build ties for features and links that boost authority.
35.Look at PPC Ads for Title Ideas (Think High Click-Through)
Ad copy is battle-tested. Use for SERP titles, now with personal pronouns for 2026 flair. In tough niches, ads show what clicks after split tests. Steal that edge for your organic titles.
36.If a Link is Automatic It’s Not Worth Your Time
Easy links = low value. Effort equals reward in post-Penguin worlds. If anyone can grab it instant, it's spam bait. Real SEO grinds for worthy ones that move the needle.
37.Address Errors in Google Search Console
Daily checks. Ignored errors crush you in core algos. Fix warnings fast - they hit visibility hard. It's quick daily habit that saves big headaches.
38.Optimize E-Commerce Product Descriptions
Unique, intent-focused descriptions rank products. Add schema for AI shopping features. With thousands of items, this drives massive traffic. Treat them like full content for individual rankings.
39.Don’t Take Attention Away from Your CTAs by Placing Ads in Wrong Positions
Prioritize conversions over ad pennies. UX first. Ads distract from sales or leads. Better a big win than tiny clicks - focus on what pays.
40.Become a Guest Blogger
Regular gigs on relevant sites drive traffic and links. Drop inner links smartly. Get author bios and referrals. It lifts your whole site in SERPs with strategic drops.
41.Focus on One Keyword Per Page
But layer in entities for topical depth. Semantic SEO since Hummingbird (2013). Fine-tune on-site for better shots at top spots. Strong authority adds long-tails automatically.
42.Target Keywords with Purchase & Conversion Intent
Buyer intent over volume. Key in AI-driven searches. Skip research terms for ones that attract ready buyers. Lower volume but higher ROI keywords win.
43.Use Images in Your Content
Alt tags descriptive, not stuffed. Ranks in image search and enhances AI understanding. Makes articles pop for visitors. Pulls extra traffic from visual searches.
44.Disavow Spammy Links
Still submit if needed - Google's better at ignoring, but clean your profile. Spam happens to all; disavow naturally. Big sites do it daily - no fear.
45.Create a Viral Video
Dollar Shave Club vibes. Video SEO explodes traffic from YouTube, now integral to traditional SEO. Low budget can go big with virality, especially if you hit trending topics or humor that resonates. Links from one hit build massive authority, and embedding it on your site pulls double duty for engagement metrics. In 2026, AI search pulls video snippets right into results, so optimize titles, descriptions, and tags with keywords to get featured. Don't just upload and forget - promote it on social to kickstart views and shares that signal quality to algorithms.
46.Include Your Keyword in Paragraph Number One
Signals topic early. Works for AI snippets too. Tells engines the focus quick, helping with quick intent matching in fast-loading SERPs. Boosts top result chances in results, as crawlers grab that first para for summaries. Make it natural, not forced - weave it in with a hook that grabs readers too. This old-school tactic still holds up strong, especially when combined with E-E-A-T elements like author bios.
47.Write 1,000+ Words for Your Infographic Posts
Depth helps ranking. But quality trumps word count in 2026. Thin posts kill organic reach, so surround your visuals with detailed explanations, data sources, and how-tos. Long accompaniments make visuals rankable, turning a simple image into a full resource that attracts links and shares. Promote it heavy on Pinterest and X for extra traffic, and watch how it climbs in image and web searches alike. Remember, AI loves comprehensive content, so layer in related subtopics for broader coverage.
48.Host a Podcast
Podcasts build authority. Link from directories and transcribe for SEO. Drives targeted traffic and brand links from guests and listeners. Low entry cost, high awareness payoff - start with simple gear and edit in free tools. Transcripts let search engines index spoken content, pulling in voice search traffic that's booming in 2026. Invite experts for collabs that lead to cross-promos and backlinks, strengthening your E-E-A-T profile. Consistency is key; drop episodes weekly to build a loyal audience that shares and engages.
49.Offer Coupon Codes for Social Shares
Plugins make this easy. Boosts shares and signals. Offer discounts for shares to amp social buzz, creating a viral loop where users promote for perks. Increases visibility and indirect SEO benefits through more mentions and traffic. Track it with UTM tags to see which platforms drive the most value, and tweak offers based on data. In an AI era, social proof like this feeds into relevance scores, so make codes exclusive to build urgency and FOMO.
50.Include Video in Your Posts
Embed YouTube vids. Ranks there too - second biggest search engine, even bigger in 2026. Keeps visitors longer, dual rankings possible with optimized embeds that pass juice. Engagement soars with multimedia, lowering bounce rates and signaling quality content to Google. Create your own or curate relevant ones, but always add unique commentary to avoid thin page penalties. This tactic shines for tutorials or reviews, where visuals explain better than text alone, and AI overviews love pulling video timestamps.
51.Use HARO
Three daily queries for top links. Dedication pays off. Answer media calls for features on big sites like Forbes or CNN, scoring authority links that skyrocket your profile. Stick with it for authority boosts - even if most pitches flop, the wins are huge. Tailor responses to be quotable and expert, including your site link naturally. In 2026, these mentions also help with AI citations, as engines pull from reputable sources for summaries and answers.
52.Make Sure You Write Unique Blog Post Titles
Google 'em first. Uniqueness aids in AI differentiation. Avoid duplicates that hinder ranking by checking SERPs before publishing to tweak for standout appeal. Tweak if needed for standout SERPs, adding numbers or questions to boost CTR. This prevents cannibalization and makes your listings pop in crowded results. With AI generating titles too, originality signals human quality and helps avoid spam flags.
53.Convert Blog Posts to YouTube Videos
Repurpose for video SEO. Text-to-video tools speed it up. Fresh ideas from old content turn written gold into visual hits that rank on YouTube. Ranks in multiple formats for broader reach, pulling traffic from video searchers who might skip text. Add graphics and voiceover for engagement, and link back to the original post for cross-juice. This extends content life, especially for evergreen topics, and boosts overall domain authority through diversified signals.
54.Use Responsive Social Sharing Buttons
Mobile-first everything. No broken shares. Old plugins break on small screens, so update to responsive ones that work seamless on phones and tablets. Free tools ensure easy sharing across devices, increasing social signals that indirectly help SEO. Test on multiple browsers to avoid glitches, and place 'em prominently without annoying users. In 2026, with more mobile traffic than ever, this keeps shares flowing and engagement high.
55.Donate to Schools (for a Link)
.edu links via donations. Still solid, if ethical. Local schools often link for yearly gifts, providing high-trust backlinks that algorithms love for E-E-A-T. Easy metrics win without forums - search for alumni programs or events to sponsor. Keep it genuine to avoid scrutiny, and promote the partnership on your site for extra context. These links age well and add diversity to your profile, helping in core updates that value educational ties.
56.Diversify Your Anchor Text
Natural mix avoids penalties. Don't overdo keywords - vary with brands, URLs, and generics like "click here." Vary for safety and realism, making your profile look organic to AI detectors. Keeps profile clean in algo eyes, preventing over-optimization flags. Analyze competitors with tools to mimic natural patterns, and track changes in GSC to adjust. This balance is crucial in 2026, where spam hunts are fiercer than ever.
57.Trade Link Opportunities & Network
Swap with peers. Contextual over directories. Approach contacts for mutual benefits, like guest swaps or resource mentions that fit naturally. Content links look better than pages, passing more relevance and avoiding low-value vibes. Build a network through events or groups to find partners, and always check metrics before agreeing. This reciprocal strategy scales your backlinks ethically, boosting authority without cash.
58.Email Your List Offering Interviews
Mine your subscribers for links. Hot topics draw responses from experts in your audience who might link back when featured. Old lists hold surprises - segment by interest for targeted outreach. Quick handful of relevant backlinks from their sites or social shares. Make it easy with templates, and promote the interviews heavily for mutual exposure. This leverages your existing assets for SEO gains without cold pitching strangers.
59.Build Links on High Traffic Websites
Traffic > metrics. Referral wins. Real visitors matter more than scores, as high-traffic sites send engaged users that stick and convert. Dual benefit of links and clicks strengthens your signals overall. Target blogs or forums with active audiences, even if DA isn't sky-high. In 2026, AI values user behavior from referrals, so prioritize spots that drive actual traffic over vanity metrics.
60.Use SSL (HTTPS)
Standard now - ranking signal since 2014, trust booster. Essential for payments and user data, but also signals security to search engines. Quick setup, cheap, big trust gain - migrate if you're still on HTTP to avoid warnings in browsers. This protects against penalties and improves CTR, as users avoid non-secure sites. With more e-com in SEO, it's non-negotiable for credibility and E-E-A-T.
61.Use Exit-Intent Offers to Keep Users on Your Website Longer
Popups for retention. Test for UX. Suggest related reads or deals when they try to leave, boosting dwell time that algorithms love. Creative splits reduce bounces effectively without annoying everyone. Use tools like OptinMonster for smart triggers, and A/B test copy for max impact. In an AI world with shorter sessions, this tactic keeps engagement high and signals valuable content.
62.Publish Industry Resources
Epic resources attract links. Publish online for direct links instead of PDFs that get repurposed without credit. Blog format forces citations over repurposing, and buzz leads to mentions from influencers. Make 'em comprehensive with tools, checklists, or data - promote on social for shares. These become evergreen assets that pull passive links over time, solidifying your topical authority.
63.Don’t Avoid No-Follow Links
They count indirectly, especially from authority sites. Debate rages, but HuffPost-style ones help with traffic and brand signals. Mix in for complete profile, as no-follows from big names like Reddit drive referrals that convert. Don't dismiss 'em - they add diversity and naturalness to your backlink mix. In 2026, with AI looking at holistic signals, these contribute to overall relevance.
64.Make Sure Your Entire Website is Mobile Friendly
Responsive or bust. Mobile-first since 2019. Old sites still lag - themes fix cheap, ensuring no pinching or zooming issues. Must for rankings and UX, as Google indexes mobile versions primarily. Test with GSC's mobile usability report and fix errors quick. With voice and AI searches on devices, this keeps you visible and user-approved.
65.Constantly Check Your Website in All Browsers
Updates break things. Consistent UX across Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge prevents bad experiences from one browser. Test regularly across all to catch rendering glitches or script errors. Avoids bad experiences that spike bounces and hurt signals. Use tools like BrowserStack for efficiency, and make it a monthly habit. In a multi-device world, this ensures broad accessibility and steady performance metrics.
66.Properly Format Content with Bullets, Headers, Etc.
Scannable for humans and AI. Pretty content engages more with H2s, lists, and bolding that guide eyes. Breaks up text for better delivery on mobile, boosting read time. Readers stay, signals improve as engagement metrics climb. AI crawlers parse structure better too, pulling snippets accurately. Skip walls of text - format like pros for higher rankings and shares.
67.Be Active in Your Comments Section
Engagement shows popularity. Reply to all for care vibe, turning visitors into community members who return. Encourages more interaction like questions or shares that amp signals. Makes site look lively and authoritative, especially for E-E-A-T. Moderate spam but foster discussion - it can lead to UGC that boosts relevance. In 2026, active sections signal helpful content to algorithms.
68.Spend Time Sending Out Cold Emails
Prospect for links daily. Connections open doors to guest spots or mentions that build your profile. Many ignore, but hits lead big with personalized pitches that show value. Persistent outreach pays, so track responses and refine templates. Use tools like Hunter for emails, and follow up politely. This grind separates serious SEOs from casuals, landing quality links over time.
69.Stroke Ego’s for Links
Feature folks, notify 'em - links follow. Positive content about them sparks shares and backlinks as they promote to their audience. Social and blog mentions ensue from interviews or shoutouts. Pick influencers in your niche, create tailored pieces, and email 'em direct. This ego bait works wonders for organic growth, especially when tied to trending topics. Builds relationships too, for future collabs.
70.Put More Effort into Keywords on Pages 2 and 3
Push 'em to page 1 with tweaks. On-site and links do it fast by optimizing content, adding internal links, and building externals. SEMRush spots 'em easy for quick audits. Quick wins from near-misses can double traffic without new pages. Focus on intent matching and speed ups to climb those spots. In competitive SERPs, this low-hanging fruit yields big ROI.
71.Seek Out Broken Link Opportunities
VA task for solid links. Tools find 'em related to your content, like Ahrefs' broken link checker. Time-intensive but high-value sites replace dead links with yours nicely. Outreach with polite emails offering your resource as a fix. Success rate's high if relevant, and these contextual links pass strong juice. Delegate to assistants for scale, turning errors into SEO gold.
72.Allow Guest Posts on Your Blog
Free content, free links. Authors brag with backlinks from their sites or social. Organic traffic from their promo boosts your metrics too. Win for all if you set guidelines for quality and relevance. Edit submissions to match your voice, and require unique stuff to avoid duplicates. This grows your site passively while adding fresh perspectives that keep algorithms happy.
73.Conduct Round-Up Posts
Expert quotes = shares and links. Topic input from pros you email for opinions on hot issues. They promote for ego, driving traffic and backlinks. Everyone wins with exposure in a compiled resource that ranks well for broad terms. Make it annual or quarterly for recurring buzz, and optimize with schema for featured snippets. These posts become link magnets in any niche.
74.Use Your Keyword in Page Descriptions
Boosts click-through in SERPs. Connects to searcher intent with compelling copy that includes the term naturally. Keyword match draws eyes amid listings, improving CTR that signals relevance. Keep 'em under 160 chars for full display, and test variations for best performance. In AI overviews, strong metas get pulled more often, so craft 'em punchy.
75.Create an XML Sitemap
Mandatory for indexing. Notifies engines of new stuff and structure, speeding up crawls. Full site crawl ease for big sites with deep pages. Essential for visibility, especially post-launch or updates. Submit via GSC and keep it updated automatically with plugins. This ensures all your content gets seen, avoiding orphan pages that waste effort.
76.Proof Read Your Content
No errors - cred killer. Grammar slips look bad and ding E-E-A-T by seeming unprofessional. Spellcheck ain't perfect, so read aloud or use Grammarly for catches. Double-check for pro polish that keeps readers trusting your expertise. Errors distract and increase bounces, hurting signals. Make it a final step before publish to maintain quality standards.
77.Give Testimonials
Easy brand links. Vendors link back often in their case studies or client lists. Strong metrics from popular ones if you choose well-known partners. List and offer freely on your site too, for reciprocal juice. This builds a web of mentions that strengthens branded search. Approach companies you've used positively, and watch the links roll in.
78.Run Boosted Facebook Promotions for All Blog Posts
Amplify reach. Shares and traffic follow from targeted ads that hit your audience. Cheap boosts hit more eyes, sparking engagement that feeds SEO signals. Social signals build indirectly through likes and comments. Segment audiences for relevance, and track ROI with pixels. Even small budgets can explode visibility for new content.
79.Focus on Long-Form Content (1,500+ Words)
Depth for authority, but tailor to intent - not just length. Short stuff flops now in favor of comprehensive guides that cover angles. Top results are in-depth, so aim high for first-page dominance with data, examples, and subs. But quality over fluff; AI spots padded content and dings it. Promote long-form heavy to attract links, and update yearly for freshness.
80.Don’t be Afraid to Pay for Links
Big players do it. Focus on quality placements that look natural, like sponsored posts on relevant sites. Fastest to top links if you vet for relevance and metrics. Everyone buys, despite denials - fact of competitive SEO. Use agencies or direct outreach, but disclose if needed to stay ethical. In 2026, smart paid links still work if blended with organics.
81.Compress Images Site-Wide
Speed matters for Core Web Vitals. Plugins handle it like Smush or ShortPixel for automatic optimization. Big sites with tons of pics need this to cut load times. Load times drop, rankings rise as users stay happier. Test before/after with Pagespeed Insights to see gains. This quick fix boosts mobile performance, crucial in an AI-mobile world.
82.Ignore Useless Metrics
DA is fake news. Real profiles count over invented scores that fluctuate wildly. Moz buzz sells tools, not truth - focus on traffic, relevance, and engagement instead. Assess links properly yourself with manual checks for spam or value. Ditch vanity metrics for data that moves the needle, like referral conversions. In mature SEO, substance beats hype every time.
83.Build Links at a Believable Pace
Natural velocity avoids flags. Sudden spikes need backing like virals or campaigns to look legit. Steady build looks legit, so space out acquisitions over weeks. No 100-a-day unless justified by a big push. Monitor GSC for warnings, and mimic natural growth patterns from tools. This patience pays off in sustainable rankings without recoveries.
84.Go After Your Competition’s Keywords
Spy and surpass. They researched converters - duplicate then beat with better content and links. Authority links pass 'em in SERPs quick. Easy opportunities from their work, using SEMRush to spot gaps. Optimize your pages harder, adding unique angles they missed. This aggressive tactic steals traffic ethically, leveling up your game.
85.Avoid Alt-Image Tags That Are Just the Keyword
Descriptive for image SEO. Paragraph-style explains better what the image shows for accessibility and context. More traffic from visuals when tags match intent. Old stuffing gone - engines penalize now for spam. Make 'em helpful for screen readers too, boosting overall UX signals. Layer in entities for semantic boost in AI image recognition.
86.Develop a Free Tool
Attracts links like crazy. Simple utils get cited tons in roundups or resources. Clever ideas draw attention from bloggers who embed or link. Free promo gold - build something useful like calculators or checkers. Promote on Product Hunt or Reddit for initial buzz, and watch passive links accumulate. Ties into E-E-A-T by showing expertise through utility.
87.Co-Publish Content
Collab for exposure. Brand with influencers, they promote to their lists for double reach. Infographics work great as shared assets. Traffic and links from shares multiply your efforts. Find partners via networking, and agree on cross-links upfront. This leverages others' audiences without full creation burden, scaling SEO fast.
88.Use SEMRush to Find Keywords You Rank for Already
Optimize hidden gems. Deep dives uncover 'em in reports for pages buried in results. Push up with work like content refreshes or links. Turns rankings into wins by focusing effort where you're close. Track progress in the tool, and layer in related terms for clusters. This efficient approach maximizes existing assets for quick gains.
89.Start to Edit Wikipedia Pages
Long play for trust. Edit months first, build cred with neutral contributions before adding links. Then add links sparingly to avoid reverts. Industry edits pay off big with high-authority signals. Follow guidelines strictly, and source everything. These do-follow links (when approved) boost E-E-A-T massively, but patience is key.
90.Offer to Design Exclusive Infographics
Custom bait for links. Brand for them exclusively so they can't reuse without credit. No guest posts needed - just send the file with embed code. Easy in for tough sites that love visuals but hate writing. Charge nothing but ask for a link in return. Promote your service on social to attract takers, building a portfolio of placements.
91.Use Google Auto-Complete to Find Keywords
Quick long-tail finds. Main terms reveal related suggestions as people actually search. Fast research hack for content ideas that match intent. People search those phrases, so optimize for 'em naturally. Combine with Trends for volume checks, and build clusters around top autos. This user-focused tactic keeps your keywords real and effective.
92.Don’t Use Cheap Hosting
Go VPS or cloud with CDN for speed. Shared slows and risks downtime that hurts rankings. Shady neighbors hurt if they get penalized, dragging you down. Invest for performance with reliable uptime and fast loads. Add Cloudflare for extra edge, and monitor with GSC for issues. Quality hosting supports Core Web Vitals, essential in 2026.
93.Perform Infographic Outreach
Free content offer. HTML code eases sharing for sites to embed with credit. Niche sites love 'em for visual appeal without effort. Most accept for visuals that engage their audience. Personalize pitches with why it fits their content, and follow up. This visual link building scales well, especially for data-heavy topics.
94.Evaluate the SERPs Before Deciding on Keywords
Avoid unbeatable giants. See who's top - Amazon or Wikipedia? Skip to save effort for winnable terms. Smart targeting wins by assessing competition strength and intent match. Use tools to check backlinks and content quality of top results. Pivot to variations if needed, ensuring your angle stands out. This research step prevents wasted optimization on lost causes.
95.Build Your Own Truly Private Blog Network
If you're serious, but keep it stealthy - risky in 2026's spam hunts with AI detection. Top pros do it hidden on separate hosts and IPs. Expensive but powerful if done right with unique content and natural linking. Avoid footprints like same themes or whois - vary everything. Use only for high-value sites, and monitor for flags. This advanced tactic amplifies control but demands caution.
96.Include Your Target Keyword in Your URL
Clean slugs help. Simple structures best for readability and signals. Experiment with keyword-only sometimes if it fits naturally. Boosts relevance signals without overdoing. Keep 'em short and hyphenated, avoiding params that confuse crawlers. This on-page basic still matters for topical clarity in semantic search.
97.Fix Speed and Load Time Issues
GTMetrix and Pagespeed - fix everything for vitals like lazy loading and minification. Reports guide changes to shave seconds off. Faster sites rank higher and convert better. Essential tweaks for mobile, where delays kill sessions. Implement CDN and caching, retesting often. In AI-driven SERPs, speed is a direct ranking factor you can't ignore.
98.Publish Numbered List Posts
Click magnets, like this one. SERP standouts with high CTR from curiosity. Forbes-style trends work well for broad appeal. Piques interest for CTR by promising quick value. Optimize with keywords in the count, and make each point meaty. These perform great in social shares too, driving extra signals.
99.Re-Write Old Blog Posts
Refresh for relevance and E-E-A-T. Thin or outdated? Beef up with new data, examples, and media. Easier than new - adds value quick by updating stats or angles. Keeps site fresh in algos, recovering lost rankings. Redirect if merging, and promote updates on social for renewed buzz. This maintenance tactic extends ROI on past work, crucial for long-term SEO.
SEO won’t magically happen - you gotta grind. Use these updated tips to dominate in 2026's AI-crazed world. Got more ideas or stories? Drop 'em in the comments. Hope some of you find this useful, I'll be posting more updated articles over the next few days, weeks and months so keep an eye out for them!
