Listen up, business owners and marketing gurus. If you’re still relying on outdated SEO tactics from 2010, you’re in for a rude awakening. The game has changed, and Zhe Scott, aka the SEO Queen, is here to spill the tea on what really matters in 2024.

Who is Zhe Scott?

Before we dive in, let’s talk about our expert. Zhe Scott isn’t just another SEO “guru” peddling snake oil. She’s the real deal – a two-time Amazon bestselling author, MIT grad, and founder of The SEO Queen. Oh, and did I mention she’s a violinist too? Talk about multitalented.

The SEO Landscape in 2024

Here’s the cold, hard truth: SEO isn’t about gaming the system anymore. It’s about connecting with real people who are searching for what you offer. As Zhe puts it, “SEO is about connecting with people who are looking for you on the platforms that they’re just on.”

Blogging Isn’t Dead – It’s More Alive Than Ever

Remember when everyone and their grandma had a blog back in 2010? Well, guess what? Blogging is still king in 2024. Here’s why:

1. Longevity: A blog post can last 21 months compared to a social media post’s lifespan of mere weeks.
2. SEO juice: Google loves fresh, relevant content.
3. Establishing authority: Show off your expertise and build trust with your audience.

But here’s the kicker – you can’t half-ass it. Zhe recommends a minimum of 500 words to even have a shot at page one of Google. And forget about those 200-word fluff pieces. They’re not helping anyone, least of all your SEO.

The Keyword Economy: Your Secret Weapon

Stop throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping something sticks. It’s time to get strategic with your keywords. Zhe’s advice? Tap into Google’s data, not ChatGPT’s guesses.

Head over to ads.google.com and use the Keyword Planner. It’s free, and it’ll give you real insights into what people are actually searching for.

Pro tip: Look for long-tail keywords that nobody else is targeting. It’s like finding a secret backdoor to page one of Google.

Backlinks: Quality Over Quantity

Listen up, because this is important. Backlinks still matter, but it’s not about how many you have – it’s about where they’re coming from. Zhe breaks it down into three key strategies:

1. Citation building: Get listed in relevant directories.
2. Pinterest: Yes, Pinterest. It’s not just for DIY projects anymore.
3. Digital PR: Get your brand featured on news sites and popular blogs.

Forget about those sketchy link farms. Focus on building relationships and creating content worth linking to.

The Power of Reviews and Social Proof

Here’s a nugget of wisdom from Zhe: “Those reviews, those positive reviews, and it also helps with your link building. If you are getting a lot of positive reviews for your widget on Google, my business, your business profile, and also Amazon and different platforms… you will get picked up and linked to by different websites.”

In other words, stop obsessing over link outreach and start focusing on being excellent at what you do. The links will follow.

The Algorithm Age: Stay Informed or Get Left Behind

Zhe’s got a magazine called “The Algorithm” that breaks down all the latest tech shifts in SEO. From GA4 to ChatGPT vs. Gemini, it’s a goldmine of info for business owners who don’t know where to start.

Check it out at thealgorithmmagazine.com or head to seoqueen.com for more resources.

The Bottom Line: Take Massive Action

Here’s the deal – you can read all the SEO tips in the world, but if you don’t take action, you’re just spinning your wheels. Zhe built her six-figure business by executing, not by endlessly planning.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to work.

Want to Learn More?

If this blog post has got your SEO gears turning, you’re gonna want to check out my full conversation with Zhe Scott. Trust me, it’s packed with even more insights and actionable tips.

Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

And hey, while you’re at it, why not follow the SEO Queen herself? You can find Zhe on:

• Instagram
• YouTube
• Twitter

Remember, SEO isn’t rocket science, but it does take work. Stop looking for shortcuts and start focusing on creating value for your audience. That’s the real secret to SEO success in 2024 and beyond.

Now get out there and make some SEO magic happen!