SEO has reached a critical juncture. Recent updates and significant document leaks have dramatically altered the landscape, presenting both challenges and opportunities for professionals. Amidst these changes, a clear direction has emerged: a successful SEO strategy now hinges on the balance of link building, technical SEO, and conversion rate optimization (CRO).

This multifaceted approach leverages the value of backlinks, the foundational importance of technical SEO, and the essential nature of user experience (UX). These elements create a roadmap for adapting and thriving in the evolving SEO environment.

Why Link Building is Still Important

When done correctly (hint: don’t buy backlinks; Google will catch on), link building can drive traffic from audiences you otherwise wouldn’t reach.

According to Mike King’s analysis of leaked Google documents, websites are indexed into three tiers: high-traffic sites, moderately optimized sites, and low-traffic sites. Links from high-traffic sites (Tier 1) are significantly more valuable than those from lower tiers. 

How Technical SEO Affects Link Building

Technical SEO enhances link-building by optimizing your site for search engines, thus boosting your link-building efforts:

  • Improved Crawlability and Indexability: Ensures search engines can easily find and understand your content.
  • Faster Loading Speeds: Enhances user experience and attracts more links due to better performance.
  • Enhanced Mobile Friendliness: With mobile-first indexing, a mobile-friendly site is more likely to attract links.
  • Structured Data and Rich Snippets: Improves content visibility in search results, encouraging backlinks.
  • SSL Certificates and HTTPS: Builds trust, making your site more credible and link-worthy.
  • Optimized URL Structure: User-friendly URLs are more likely to be shared and linked to.

By addressing these technical SEO aspects, you create a strong foundation that enhances your link-building efforts, resulting in improved search engine rankings and increased organic traffic.

How CRO Affects Link Building

The Google document leak revealed that Google might use click data to rank websites, highlighting the importance of user experience, which is closely tied to CRO. 

CRO benefits link building by:

  • Higher Engagement Metrics: Lower bounce rates and longer sessions indicate quality content, improving rankings and link attractiveness.
  • Increased Trust and Credibility: A professional, trustworthy site attracts more links.
  • Better Content Targeting: High-quality, targeted content is more likely to be linked to.
  • Higher Social Shares: Engaging, shareable content increases visibility and backlink opportunities.
  • Improved Analytics and Data Insights: Insights from CRO help refine link-building strategies.
  • Increased Repeat Visits and Loyalty: Loyal visitors are likely to link to your content.
  • Higher Conversions from Referral Traffic: Optimized sites convert referral traffic better, attracting more link partners.

Focusing on CRO creates a more appealing and functional website that naturally attracts backlinks, enhancing user satisfaction and supporting your overall SEO efforts.

Best Practices and Strategy Examples

Here are specific strategies that integrate link building, technical SEO, and CRO:

1. Content Upgrade Campaign

  • Upgrade content to improve SERP performance.
  • Focus on user intent and create valuable content with lead magnets.
  • Optimize your site for speed and mobile-friendliness.
  • Use compelling CTAs and promote content through influencers and social media.

2. Guest Blogging and Collaboration

  • Ensure a solid technical foundation with optimized meta tags, structured data, and HTTPS.
  • Optimize landing pages for lead capture.
  • Write high-quality guest posts for authoritative blogs, linking to your optimized landing pages.

3. Linkable Assets

  • Optimize site structure and internal linking.
  • Design engaging pages with well-placed CTAs and valuable content.
  • Promote pages through outreach and social media to attract links.

Other best practices include A/B testing, using social media to discover content trends, and leveraging analytic tools to refine strategies.

Elevate Your SEO Strategy with Market My Market

SEO is evolving, and there’s no “one size fits all” strategy for success. Each business is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. By adopting a holistic SEO strategy, you can measure the success of various approaches and determine the best fit for your goals. 

Remember, UX is a cornerstone of ranking websites. Use this as your guiding principle, and you’ll navigate the new SEO landscape with greater ease. Need help crafting the perfect SEO strategy and not sure where to start? Book a complimentary consultation with Market My Market by calling (800) 997-7336 or filling out our contact form.