SEO & AI Search (GEO) Expert

Improve your Google ranking with Peter Mahoney, 20+ years SEO & Wordpress experience

AI Search (also known as GEO) – the biggest change in SEO & search since Google launched

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Keeping ahead of the AI component of search is essential – and I am actively managing this for my clients.

I have been discussing for some time the growing role of AI in search results – both how users interact with it and the best practices for optimising for these new formats.

We have now reached a stage where many users are engaging with AI-generated search results directly. In fact, for most people, these AI-powered summaries are appearing prominently at the top of their usual search results pages.

The underlying principles remain largely the same. AI systems select the most reliable websites to recommend using very similar criteria to traditional search rankings. However, there are subtle differences in how certain elements of SEO are prioritised. In other words, some of the same technical and content signals I manage for you carry slightly different weight in AI-driven results compared to standard search.

I expect significant changes in this area over the coming years. Keeping ahead of the AI element of search is crucial – and this remains a core focus of my work for you.

Content Creation for AI Search

When creating or editing content for your site, it helps to keep AI and voice search strategies in mind.

In particular, AI-powered search tools often prefer content written in a way that poses and answers a questions. Where possible, structure your articles accordingly.

Here’s my updated guidance for crafting blog posts and articles:

  • Title – ideally framed as a question.
  • Length – aim for 360–520 words in paragraph form.
  • Images – at least one image, 1200 × 600 pixels or larger.
  • Subheadings – use two H2 headings, with at least one phrased as a question.
  • Opening sentence – summarise the main point of the article and, where relevant, link a few words to a primary page on your site.

Note: Longer posts are fine, but once you exceed around 800 words it’s usually better to split the content into two shorter, focused posts.

I’ve slightly increased my recommended word count based on the latest research from Google and Bing. If possible, consider repurposing your existing blog posts to align with these updated recommendations – it is often much faster than starting from scratch.

 

Investing in decent web hosting is a smart move for savvy businesses

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In the digital landscape, your website serves as your virtual storefront, greeting customers and presenting your brand around the clock.

Given its pivotal role, it’s surprising that the crucial decision of selecting a web hosting service often receives less attention than it should.

Let’s explore why investing in quality web hosting is not just a good idea but a fundamental aspect of your online success.

Consider this: you’ve dedicated time, creativity, and resources to develop a website that perfectly encapsulates your brand’s essence. To complement this investment, choosing a robust web hosting service is essential. It’s akin to selecting a prime location for a physical store; the right setting makes all the difference.

Drawing a parallel to traditional business expenses, think about the cost of maintaining a landline. Many businesses willingly incur monthly charges for their phone, recognizing its utility despite dwindling usage. Yet, when it comes to web hosting—a service that has a broader reach and a more significant impact on business growth—a lot of people don’t even want to pay 20% of the cost of the phone line. But a website, when optimally set up, SEO’d and hosted, acts as a tireless advocate for your business, accessible to a global audience 24/7.

The benefits of premium web hosting are huge. Speed, for instance, is a crucial factor. Websites that load quickly offer a better user experience, keeping visitors engaged and reducing bounce rates. In today’s fast-paced digital world, users expect instant access to information. A slow-loading site not only tests their patience but can also drive them directly to your competitors.

Security is another critical consideration. High-quality web hosting provides robust protection against cyber threats, safeguarding your site’s integrity and your customers’ sensitive data. This commitment to security builds trust with your audience, a vital component of customer loyalty and brand reputation.

Furthermore, reliability is a hallmark of premium hosting services. Ensuring your website is always available and performing optimally means you’re always ready to welcome visitors, answer queries, and conduct business. This reliability strengthens your brand’s presence online and supports continuous growth.

To put it simply, decent web hosting is an investment in your website’s performance, security, and reliability. It’s about giving your digital presence the foundation it needs to thrive. Like any wise investment, it costs, but the returns—in terms of site performance, customer satisfaction, and business growth—are substantial.

The decision to invest in quality web hosting should be viewed as an integral part of your business strategy. It’s not merely a technical necessity; it’s a strategic investment in creating a seamless, secure, and swift online experience for your customers. Just as you wouldn’t compromise on the quality of your products or services, the same should hold true for your website’s hosting.

In the grand scheme of your digital marketing efforts, premium web hosting is not a cost but a critical driver of success.

The Critical Role of Digital Marketing and SEO during Economic Downturns

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As businesses grapple with the challenges of economic recessions and difficult financial times, the importance of maintaining a robust digital marketing strategy, particularly in the realm of Search Engine Optimization (SEO), becomes ever more critical.

The COVID-19 pandemic was a stark reminder of our increasing reliance on digital platforms for discovering products and services.

This shift in consumer behavior underscores the necessity for businesses to prioritize their digital presence, ensuring they remain visible and competitive in an increasingly crowded online marketplace.

During times of economic uncertainty, companies often scrutinize their budgets, looking for areas to cut costs. However, reducing investment in digital marketing, and SEO in particular, can be a short-sighted decision that jeopardizes long-term success. Organic search remains one of the most cost-effective and powerful digital marketing strategies, offering unparalleled opportunities for businesses to reach potential customers without the need for paid advertising.

The benefits of a well-optimized website extend beyond immediate visibility. SEO enhances user experience, making it easier for customers to find the information they need and interact with your brand. This improved engagement not only boosts your site’s ranking in search engine results pages (SERPs) but also fosters trust and loyalty among your target audience. In a recession, where every customer’s decision is more deliberate, being the top choice in organic search results can make all the difference.

Furthermore, SEO is a long-term strategy. The efforts you put in today will continue to yield results months and even years down the line. Unlike paid advertising campaigns that stop the moment funding is pulled, SEO builds a foundation for sustained organic growth. This resilience is particularly valuable in uncertain times, providing businesses with a steady stream of potential customers even when budgets are tight.

Investing in digital marketing and SEO during a recession is not just about surviving; it’s about positioning your business for growth when the economy rebounds. History has shown that companies that continue to market aggressively during downturns often outperform their peers once the economy recovers. The digital landscape is no exception. Maintaining or even increasing your SEO efforts can give you a significant advantage over competitors who cut back, allowing you to capture a larger share of the market as conditions improve.

As the world becomes increasingly digital, with more people than ever turning to the internet to find products and services, the value of a strong online presence cannot be overstated. SEO is at the heart of this presence, helping businesses connect with their audience at the moment they’re searching for solutions.

To help businesses navigate these challenging times and strengthen their digital footprint, I offer a comprehensive WordPress SEO overhaul service. This service is designed to optimize every aspect of your website, from improving site speed and mobile responsiveness to crafting keyword-rich content that resonates with both search engines and customers. By investing in a thorough SEO overhaul, businesses can enhance their online visibility, attract more organic traffic, and build a solid foundation for growth, regardless of the economic climate.

In conclusion, while economic downturns present undeniable challenges, they also offer unique opportunities for businesses willing to invest in their digital future. SEO, with its unmatched ability to connect businesses with their target audience organically, should be at the forefront of this effort. By prioritizing SEO, even in tough times, businesses can not only weather the storm but emerge stronger on the other side. For those ready to take their digital marketing to the next level, my complete WordPress SEO overhaul service offers the perfect solution to ensure your business remains visible, viable, and competitive, no matter what the economic landscape looks like.

Visit here to learn more and get started on fortifying your digital presence today.

 

SEO backlinks, what is Reverse Outreach linking?

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Backlinks are SEO gold, but only if they’re legitimate. Essentially, all off-site SEO boils down to creating backlinks. Directory listings, local citations, they’re all much the same when it comes to it.

When I say legitimate, I mean someone genuinely appreciates your site and has a valid reason to link to it. Nearly any attempt to manipulate your link profile goes against Google’s guidelines, and they’re pretty adept at catching those who try, and dish out penalties accordingly.

Here is one simple (albeit time consuming) technique I have long recommended for building organic, useful links.

And Google loves this one, because it’s not just a nonsense URL in a profile or some other low status link – it’s authoritative content that adds to the usefulness of the web.

I’ve been recommending it for twelve years (it’s in my e-book people get when they start working with me) but has now become recognised widely enough it has it’s own proper name in the industry: reverse outreach.

It’s based around targeting journals and articles on high profile sites.

When a story appears in the mainstream press that relates to your industry, quickly write a post about it. Then find the story on news outlet’s websites (The Guardian, The Telegraph, etc.) and post in the comments section something similar to:

You know, I’m an expert in this industry, and have shared my thoughts here…

Then add a link back to your post.

The impact is twofold: an immediate boost in site visitors who see you as a field authority and a new relevant backlink from a major site.

Beyond instant gains, this strategy improves your page’s visibility when a similar story surfaces in the future, increasing the likelihood of your site being the go-to source for more information.

It’s a proven, enduring technique, valued by Google for its authenticity and contribution to the web’s usefulness.

 

In the realm of social media platforms, Google Plus was once considered a promising contender.

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However, Google officially discontinued Google Plus in 2019.

For website owners, this means it’s crucial to remove any lingering links to Google Plus from your site. It’s important to take action; here’s the steps you should follow to ensure your website remains up-to-date and optimised.

The End of Google Plus

Google Plus, introduced in 2011, aimed to rival other social media giants. However, despite initial enthusiasm, it failed to gain significant traction. Consequently, Google made the decision to shut down the platform in April 2019. While the platform’s discontinuation has been known for some time, it’s essential for website owners to remain vigilant and remove any outdated links to Google Plus to maintain a seamless user experience and optimise their websites for current search engine guidelines.

The Impact on SEO

As Google Plus no longer exists, any links pointing to the platform on your website serve no purpose and can potentially harm your SEO efforts. Broken or irrelevant links can negatively impact user experience, increase bounce rates, and signal to search engines that your website contains outdated or irrelevant information. To safeguard your website’s credibility and rankings, it’s imperative to conduct a thorough link audit and promptly remove any links associated with Google Plus.

Steps to Remove Google Plus Links

Removing Google Plus links from your website is a straightforward process. Begin by conducting a comprehensive audit of your site, paying particular attention to social media icons, share buttons, and any references to Google Plus in content or footers. Once identified, update your website’s code, content management system, or plugins to remove the Google Plus links. Don’t forget to check your website’s structured data markup and social media profiles to ensure they align with your current social media presence.

As Google Plus has become a thing of the past, website owners must take the necessary steps to remove any remaining links associated with the platform. By keeping your website up-to-date and removing obsolete links, you maintain a seamless user experience, safeguard your SEO efforts, and demonstrate to search engines that your website is current and relevant.

 

The Limitations of Automated SEO Scanning Tools: Embracing the Wisdom of Experience

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In the world of Search Engine Optimization (SEO), automated scanning tools have gained popularity for their ability to analyze websites and provide optimization recommendations.

However, when it comes to achieving optimal results, trusting the experience and knowledge of a seasoned professional with 25 years of hands-on expertise proves far more effective. In this article, we delve into the limitations of automated SEO scanning tools and highlight the value of leveraging the wisdom that comes with years of practical experience.

Contextual Understanding and Interpretation

Automated SEO scanning tools excel at collecting and presenting data, but they often lack the ability to comprehend the context and nuances of a website. While these tools can identify technical SEO issues and provide suggestions, they may not fully grasp the intricacies of your industry, target audience, or specific business goals. A professional with 25 years of experience possesses the knowledge and intuition to interpret the data within the appropriate context, allowing for more accurate and tailored optimization strategies that align with your unique needs.

Real-Time Adaptability and SEO Algorithm Updates

Search engine algorithms undergo constant updates, requiring SEO strategies to adapt in real-time. While automated tools strive to stay up-to-date, they may not always capture the most recent algorithm changes or accurately predict their impact on rankings. Professionals with extensive experience closely monitor algorithm updates and possess the agility to make swift adjustments to their SEO approaches. Their ability to navigate algorithmic shifts and implement effective strategies based on their knowledge of past updates can prove invaluable in maintaining a competitive edge.

Customized SEO Strategies and Targeted Solutions

Automated SEO scanning tools provide general recommendations based on predefined parameters and algorithms. However, these tools often fail to consider the unique aspects of your business, target audience, and competitive landscape. A professional brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise, enabling them to devise customized strategies and targeted solutions tailored specifically to your goals. Their ability to analyze your website holistically, understand your industry, and leverage their experience ensures that the optimization efforts are focused, effective, and aligned with your desired outcomes.

Optimization Beyond Technical Aspects

While automated tools excel at identifying technical SEO issues, they may overlook crucial aspects of optimization that extend beyond the technical realm. Factors such as user experience, content quality, branding, and holistic SEO approaches require human judgment, creativity, and a comprehensive understanding of your business. A professional with 25 years of experience can provide invaluable insights and recommendations in these areas, ensuring that your website’s optimization encompasses all essential components for long-term success.

While automated SEO scanning tools offer valuable insights, they cannot replace the depth of experience and knowledge that a professional brings to the table. Trusting the wisdom and expertise of an SEO professional with 25 years of practical experience allows for contextual understanding, real-time adaptability, customized strategies, and optimization beyond technical aspects, ultimately driving superior results for your website.

 

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