AI edge News – AI, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), News and Tutorials

Hey there! If you’re tired of confusing SEO advice that sounds like rocket science, you’re in the right place. I’ve been in the marketing game for 24 years, and today I’m spilling my entire playbook for ranking #1 on Google. No jargon. No hype. Just the stuff that actually works.

Ready? Let’s dive in.

Step 1: Fix Your Foundation First

(Stop Building on Quicksand!)

Picture this: Your website is a house. If the foundation’s cracked, no amount of fancy furniture (aka “great content”) will save it.

Here’s what to do:

1. Run a free site audit (I use tools like UberSuggest or Screaming Frog).

1. Look for these critical errors:
   • Broken pages (404 errors)
   • Slow loading speed (aim for under 2 seconds)
   • Duplicate content (e.g., 5 pages all targeting “best coffee makers”)
   • Thin content (articles under 1,000 words)
2. Prioritize fixes based on impact:Example: Fixing broken links can boost traffic by 37% fast.

Why this matters:
If Google can’t crawl your site easily, it won’t rank you. Period.

Step 2: Spy on Your Competitors (It’s Legal!)

SEO isn’t about beating Google. It’s about beating the guy above you.

Your game plan:

• Identify your top 4 competitors (those outranking you).

• Steal their best ideas:
  • What keywords are they ranking for?
  • Who’s linking to them?
  • What content keeps them #1?
• Target “competitor-friendly” sites:Find websites linking to 3+ of your rivals but NOT you. They’re easy backlink targets!

Pro tip: Tools like Ahrefs or UberSuggest do this in minutes.

Step 3: Hunt “ Keywords ” with Semrush

(Not Just Traffic)

Most people chase “high volume” keywords. Big mistake.

You want keywords with:
✅ Low competition (so you can rank faster)
✅ High cost-per-click (CPC) (means people spend money here!’)

Example:

• “Best running shoes” = Hard AF to rank for
• “Best running shoes for flat feet under $100” = Easier + buyers ready to spend

How to find them:

1. Use Semrush.
2. Filter for:
   • “Low SEO Difficulty”
   • “High CPC” ($10+ usually means $$$)

Step 4: Write Like a Human (AI Won’t Cut It)

We tested 744 articles. Guess what?
Human-written content got 5X MORE TRAFFIC than AI.

Why? Google loves E-E-A-T:

• Experience
• Expertise
• Authority
• Trust

AI can’t do this:

• Share personal stories
• Offer real case studies
• Sound like a friend giving advice

Use AI wisely:

• Brainstorm ideas ✅
• Fix grammar ✅
• Translate content ✅
• NOT for final drafts ❌

Step 5: Free Steal Your Competitors’ Backlinks

Found a site linking to your competitor? Sweet!

Use this tools seoreviewtools:

The Free Backlink Checker is developed to give you access to the backlink profile of any site on the web. See who is linking to you and research your best performing content. Find your competitors most valuable backlinks and examine their backlink profile to spot patterns and possible link opportunities.

• Create something BETTER than what they linked to.
• Email them:“Hey [Name], loved your guide on [Topic]! I noticed you linked to [Competitor]. I just published an updated 2024 version with [cool new thing]. Thought you might like it!”

Works 63% of the time (seriously!).

Step 6: Get People Searching YOUR BRAND

When folks Google your name or business, it tells Google: “This site is legit!”

How to trigger branded searches:

• Share content on social media, email, even SMS
• Run contests (“Tag 3 friends to win!”)
• Get featured on podcasts/news sites
• Work with influencers
• Listen to your competitors’ mentions and engage

Pro tip: Brands on 5+ channels get 3.2X more branded searches.

Step 7: Breathe Life Into Old Content

That blog post from 2019? It’s not dead—just sleepy.

Resurrect it in 3 steps:

1. Find declining posts in Google Search Console.
2. Update them:
   • Add new stats (2024 data > 2020 data)
   • Include videos or infographics
   • Fix broken links
3. Republish (change the date to today!).

Why this works: Google loves fresh content (like Wikipedia!).

Step 8: Stop Cannibalizing Your Keywords

Having 10 pages about “best coffee makers”? You’re shooting yourself in the foot.

Fix it:

1. Pick ONE “pillar” page (e.g., “Ultimate Coffee Maker Guide”).
2. Link to “subtopic” pages (e.g., “French Press vs. Drip Coffee,” “Espresso Machines Under $200”).

Boom: Google finally knows what you’re an expert on!

Key Takeaways (No Fluff Edition)

1. Fix tech errors first (audit your site!).
2. Write like a human (AI sounds robotic).
3. Update old content (it’s free traffic!).
4. Build topical authority (no keyword cannibalism!).

“SEO isn’t a sprint. It’s a marathon where you steal your competitor’s shoes.” – Me, just now 😉

Your Action Plan (Start Today!)

1. Run a free site audit (UberSuggest).
2. Update 1 old post (use Google Search Console).
3. Find 5 “money keywords” (low comp + high CPC).

Free Tools I Use:

• Site Audits: UberSuggest
• Keyword Research: Google Keyword Planner
• Competitor Spying: Ahrefs