SEO Strategies That WIN in 2024
Let me preface with: this blog is not for everyone. It’s only for those of you who know in your bones, 100%, that Search is the right channel for your brand to focus on. I say this because our methodology here at Freshly is more minimalist than “Let’s tackle Every. Single. Tactic. In the Dang. Book.” That’s just a recipe for burnout, misspent marketing budgets and teams stretched thin. Instead, our approach is to focus on the channels that we KNOW will deliver for you and nothing else until those channels are absolutely killing it. So if search psychology and behaviour doesn’t fit your ICP (Ideal Client Profile), stop reading now. You will waste your time, and if you’ve spent any time around me, you know I’m all about optimizing your bandwidth and focusing on needle-moving activities only. Now go on, git!
For the rest of you, read on, because SEO isn’t what it used to be. Gone are the days of stuffing articles with keywords and hoping for the best. AI has made search engines (and buyers) smarter, faster, and better equipped to address our previous keyword-stuffing shenanigans. Ranking well requires more than just technical tricks—it demands real, valuable content. Read that last sentence again and memorize it. The time is now to drop the tricks and show up as a real HUMAN. Ironic, isn’t it, that the AI bots are forcing us to be more authentic?
So, what’s changed? And more importantly, how can you write blog posts that thrive in this AI-driven world? Let’s break it down.
How AI is Changing SEO
Search Intent Rules Everything Google’s AI-driven algorithms (like RankBrain and BERT) focus on understanding why a user is searching, not just what they’re searching for. That means blogs need to answer real questions and provide meaningful value—not just sprinkle in keywords. And if you don’t know why your ICP is searching, you need to back WAY up in your strategic planning and dive into that first.
AI-Generated Content is Everywhere With AI tools like ChatGPT, Jasper, and SurferSEO, content can be generated in minutes. But Google prioritizes original, insightful, and humanized content. If your blog reads like a robotic AI dump, you’ve just wasted your ever-valuable time my friends.
E-E-A-T is More Important Than Ever Google evaluates content based on Experience, Expertise, Authority, and Trustworthiness (E-E-A-T). If your blog isn’t backed by expertise, it’ll struggle to compete. This is your chance to build your street cred, so go ahead and boast away (within reason.)
Voice Search & Conversational Queries are Growing More people are using voice assistants like Siri and Alexa. That means SEO is shifting towards natural, conversational language. Think about how you speak to someone rather than crafting the wittiest syntax.
AI-Powered Personalization Search results are more personalized than ever. Google’s AI adjusts rankings based on a user’s behaviour, meaning a one-size-fits-all approach no longer works. This goes back to your initial strategy and deep ICP research. This is essential to creating content that resonates and performs.
How to Write AI-Friendly, High-Ranking Blogs 101
Now that we know how AI is reshaping SEO, here’s how you can adapt your blogging strategy:
1. Write for Humans, Optimize for AI
Keep it engaging, conversational, and easy to read.
Use short paragraphs, bullet points, and clear headings.
Prioritize storytelling and real-life examples.
2. Focus on Search Intent (Not Just Keywords)
Instead of stuffing your post with keywords, think about what the reader actually wants to know.
Use tools like Google’s “People Also Ask” or “Answer the Public” to understand related queries.
Structure your content to provide direct, valuable answers.
3. Make Content Conversational & Voice-Search Friendly
Write as if you’re speaking to a friend.
Include natural, long-tail keywords (e.g., “How is AI changing SEO?” instead of just “AI SEO”).
Use Q&A sections to cater to voice search queries.
4. Showcase Expertise (Boost Your E-E-A-T Score)
Experience: Share personal insights, case studies, and firsthand knowledge.
Expertise: Back up claims with research, studies, and expert contributions.
Authority: Get high-quality backlinks from reputable sources.
Trustworthiness: Ensure accuracy, cite credible sources, and include author bios.
How to Achieve E-E-A-T:
Add quotes or insights from industry experts.
Link to authoritative sources like research papers, government websites, and established organizations.
Include detailed author bios that highlight credentials and experience.
Display user reviews, testimonials, or trust signals (like certifications and case studies).
Keep information up-to-date and avoid misleading claims.
5. Optimize Structure for AI & Humans
Use clear H1, H2, and H3 headings.
Implement schema markup to enhance visibility in search results.
Keep sentences concise—Google prefers easy-to-digest content.
6. Keep Content Fresh & Updated
AI loves up-to-date content. Refresh old blogs with new data.
Use AI tools to analyze and update underperforming posts.
7. Leverage Visual & Interactive Content
Google values engagement. Use infographics, videos, and interactive elements.
Optimize images and videos with alt text and descriptions.
8. Use AI to Your Advantage (Without Over-Relying on It)
AI tools can help with topic research, SEO analysis, and structuring—but always add a human touch.
AI-generated content should be a starting point, not a finished product.
Final Thoughts: The Future is HUMAN!
AI is changing the SEO game, but the core principle remains: Outstanding content wins. The trick is to blend AI-driven insights with customized human touches straight from YOUR brain! Let it amplify your work, not replace it.
If your blogs are interesting (like hanging out with an engaging colleague, client or friend,) and they are genuinely helpful, you’ll come out ahead of the pack, no matter how smart AI becomes. (Here’s hoping I don't have to eat my words in a few years, AI + quantum computing makes my brain hurt even imagining the possibilities. But, that’s a story for another day!)
Now if all of my acronyms and tech jargon has made YOUR brain hurt, and you’re not sure where to start, what channel is right for you (because you didn’t follow my advice to “git”), or who your ICP really is and how to uncover their psychographics, we can help! Book a Free Discovery Call with us today and we can bring some humanity and clarity to your SEO strategy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hey there, I’m Ashleigh B., the CEO and founder of Freshly Pressed! I've dedicated over 17 years to scaling and accelerating businesses.
At Freshly Pressed, we build, shape and grow the brands of the future. We believe in the power of stunning design and strategic marketing, paired with deep analysis of your audience's psyche and goals to position your brand at the heart of their world. We use this intel to build meaningful campaigns that stand out in a crowded marketplace and deliver you leads, conversions, revenue and growth.
I pair all of this with expert consulting and sincere, authentic relationship-building built on trust and transparency. It's simple - I mean what I say, and I deliver what I promise.
