Unusual SEO Tactics: Boosting Your Rankings with Creative Strategies

Search engine optimization (SEO) is a constantly evolving field, with new techniques and strategies emerging regularly. While traditional SEO tactics like keyword optimization, link building, and content creation are essential, sometimes thinking outside the box can give you an edge over your competitors. In this blog, we’ll explore some unusual SEO tactics that can help you boost your rankings and drive more organic traffic to your website.

1. Leverage Reddit for Keyword Research

Reddit is a goldmine for discovering untapped keywords and understanding your audience’s interests. By exploring relevant subreddits, you can find long-tail keywords and topics that your target audience is discussing.

How to Use Reddit for Keyword Research:

• Identify subreddits related to your niche.
• Look for recurring questions, phrases, and topics.
• Use these insights to create content that addresses your audience’s needs and interests.

Example:

If you’re in the fitness industry, explore subreddits like r/fitness or r/bodyweightfitness to find popular topics and questions. Use these insights to create blog posts, videos, or guides that answer these questions.

2. Optimize for Google RankBrain

Google RankBrain is a machine learning algorithm that helps Google understand search queries and deliver more relevant results. Optimizing for RankBrain involves improving user experience and engagement metrics.

Tips for Optimizing for RankBrain:

• Improve your click-through rate (CTR) by writing compelling title tags and meta descriptions.
• Enhance user engagement by creating high-quality, informative content.
• Reduce bounce rates by ensuring your content matches user intent.

Example:

If you notice a high bounce rate on a particular page, analyze the content and make sure it aligns with the search intent. Add engaging elements like videos, infographics, and interactive content to keep users on your page longer.

3. Use Wikipedia for Broken Link Building

Wikipedia is a valuable resource for finding broken link building opportunities. By identifying dead links on Wikipedia pages, you can reach out to the site owners and suggest your content as a replacement.

How to Find Broken Links on Wikipedia:

• Use tools like WikiGrabber or Ahrefs to find broken links on Wikipedia.
• Create high-quality content that matches the topic of the broken link.
• Reach out to the site owners and suggest your content as a replacement.

Example:

If you find a broken link on a Wikipedia page about digital marketing, create a comprehensive guide on the topic and reach out to the site owner, suggesting your guide as a replacement.

4. Create Interactive Content

Interactive content, such as quizzes, calculators, and interactive infographics, can significantly boost user engagement and dwell time on your site. This type of content encourages users to interact with your site, which can improve your SEO metrics.

Benefits of Interactive Content:

• Increases user engagement and time on site.
• Encourages social sharing and backlinks.
• Provides valuable insights into user preferences and behavior.

Example:

Create a quiz that helps users determine their ideal workout routine based on their fitness goals and preferences. Promote the quiz on social media and encourage users to share their results.

5. Optimize for Voice Search

With the rise of voice-activated devices like Amazon Echo and Google Home, optimizing for voice search is becoming increasingly important. Voice search queries are often longer and more conversational than text-based searches.

Tips for Optimizing for Voice Search:

• Use natural language and conversational phrases in your content.
• Focus on long-tail keywords and question-based queries.
• Provide concise, informative answers to common questions.

Example:

Create a FAQ section on your website that addresses common questions related to your industry. Use natural language and provide clear, concise answers to improve your chances of appearing in voice search results.

6. Implement Schema Markup

Schema markup is a type of structured data that helps search engines understand the content on your website. By implementing schema markup, you can enhance your search engine listings with rich snippets, which can improve your CTR and rankings.

Types of Schema Markup:

• Product schema for eCommerce sites.
• Review schema for displaying customer reviews.
• FAQ schema for frequently asked questions.

Example:

If you run an online store, implement product schema to display additional information like price, availability, and ratings in your search engine listings. This can make your listings more attractive and increase your CTR.

7. Utilize Content Curation

Content curation involves gathering and sharing relevant content from various sources. By curating high-quality content, you can provide value to your audience and establish yourself as an authority in your niche.

Benefits of Content Curation:

• Saves time and resources on content creation.
• Provides valuable information to your audience.
• Enhances your credibility and authority.

Example:

Create a weekly newsletter that features the best articles, videos, and resources related to your industry. Share the newsletter with your audience and encourage them to subscribe for regular updates.

8. Leverage User-Generated Content

User-generated content (UGC) is content created by your customers or audience.

UGC can include reviews, testimonials, social media posts, and more. Leveraging UGC can boost your SEO by providing fresh, authentic content and increasing engagement.

How to Encourage UGC:

• Run contests and giveaways that encourage users to create and share content.
• Feature customer reviews and testimonials on your website.
• Create branded hashtags and encourage users to share their experiences on social media.

Example:

Run a photo contest on Instagram where customers share pictures of themselves using your products. Feature the best photos on your website and social media channels to increase engagement and build community.

9. Optimize for Local SEO

If you have a local business, optimizing for local SEO is crucial. Local SEO helps you attract customers in your area and improve your visibility in local search results.

Tips for Local SEO:

• Claim and optimize your Google My Business listing.
• Use local keywords in your content and meta tags.
• Encourage customers to leave reviews on Google and other review sites.

Example:

If you run a local bakery, optimize your Google My Business listing with accurate information, high-quality photos, and customer reviews. Use local keywords like “best bakery in [city]” in your content and meta tags.

10. Create Long-Form Content

Long-form content, such as comprehensive guides and in-depth articles, can improve your SEO by providing valuable information to your audience and attracting backlinks. Long-form content tends to rank higher in search results and generate more social shares.

Benefits of Long-Form Content:

• Provides in-depth information and value to your audience.
• Attracts backlinks and social shares.
• Improves your chances of ranking for multiple keywords.

Example:

Create an ultimate guide to digital marketing that covers various topics like SEO, social media, email marketing, and content marketing. Promote the guide on your blog, social media, and email newsletter to attract traffic and backlinks.

While traditional SEO tactics are essential, incorporating unusual and creative strategies can give you an edge over your competitors. By leveraging Reddit for keyword research, optimizing for Google RankBrain, using Wikipedia for broken link building, creating interactive content, optimizing for voice search, implementing schema markup, utilizing content curation, leveraging user-generated content, optimizing for local SEO, and creating long-form content, you can boost your rankings and drive more organic traffic to your website. Stay ahead of the curve by continuously experimenting with new tactics and adapting to the ever-changing SEO landscape.