Absolutely, but the way we think about SEO has evolved. SEO now goes far beyond ranking for a handful of keywords—it’s about creating a comprehensive online presence. In 2024, search engines prioritize experiential value, meaning your site needs to meet user expectations for content quality, speed, accessibility, and trustworthiness. SEO is still foundational for organic visibility, but it’s harder and value is more difficult to pin down. It is fundamentally necessary piece of strategy, but you should never stop with SEO. We always recommend a blend of organic + paid traffic in Search Engines.

No. Search engines reward relevance. If a customer in “Austin, TX” searches for “roof repair,” a page specifically optimized for Austin roof repair used to work well. This is no longer necessarily the case. These pages can help if you have no other local visibility, but there are much better ways to build local relevance.

Yes, but always ask yourself: Why Make This? In 2024, Google’s algorithms are better than ever at identifying truly valuable content. This means your content needs to deliver expertise, originality, and a human touch. AI can assist in brainstorming or initial drafting, but businesses that combine technology with authentic insights will stand out. People still crave connection and authority, and that’s something AI alone can’t provide.

Google’s AI, especially through tools like Bard and the integration of AI in search results, means SEO strategies must focus on structured, well-organized content that directly answers user queries. Featured snippets, schema markup, and FAQ sections are more important than ever because they feed into AI-generated search summaries. Your strategy should also consider how users interact with search in conversational ways (e.g., voice and chat-style queries), ensuring your site is prepared for these new forms of discovery. Most importantly, if you use a keyword strategy, focus on revenue-terms.

Yes, but the emphasis has shifted to quality over quantity. In 2024, spammy link-building practices are ineffective and potentially harmful. Google continues to reward authoritative, contextually relevant links from trusted sources. Building strong partnerships, earning links through digital PR, and creating content that naturally attracts backlinks remain key. Additionally, brand mentions—whether linked or unlinked—are increasingly recognized as a signal of authority.

Video content is more critical than ever. With Google surfacing video snippets directly in search results, well-optimized videos can drive massive visibility. This means your videos should have relevant titles, descriptions, tags, and transcriptions. Videos also enhance on-page metrics like dwell time and engagement, which signal quality to search engines. Additionally, platforms like YouTube (owned by Google) remain dominant for discoverability, making video SEO an integral part of any strategy.

Core Web Vitals (CWV) are foundational to SEO in 2024. They measure real-world user experience, focusing on loading performance, interactivity, and visual stability. A fast, smooth, and mobile-friendly site is no longer optional—it’s a ranking factor. With AI tools giving users instant answers, sites that fail to deliver a seamless experience will lose to competitors who prioritize speed and usability. Improving CWV can also directly impact conversion rates, not just rankings.

Both, but intent takes precedence. Keywords remain essential for identifying what users are searching for, but understanding why they’re searching (intent) is key to providing the right answer. Is the user looking for information, comparing options, or ready to buy? Structuring your content around intent ensures you’re meeting their needs at every stage of the buyer’s journey. Keywords are the bridge, but intent is the destination.

E-E-A-T has become a cornerstone of Google’s ranking algorithm. Businesses must demonstrate firsthand experience (through case studies, reviews, or original data), expertise (showcasing credentials or knowledge), authority (earning recognition from other credible sources), and trust (secure websites, accurate content, and positive user interactions). In 2024, building E-E-A-T isn’t a one-and-done task; it’s an ongoing effort that’s baked into your content, partnerships, and offsite presence.

Treating SEO as a series of hacks rather than a long-term strategy. Businesses often focus on quick fixes—like cramming in keywords or chasing the latest trends—without considering the bigger picture. Successful SEO is about building a solid foundation: high-quality content, a technically sound site, meaningful backlinks, and a strategy aligned with your business goals. The businesses that win are those that see SEO as an evolving ecosystem, not a checklist. Most important, SEO happens alongside other, front-line marketing activity. If you’re still looking to SEO for a passive and easy way to grow, you are going to be disappointed.