A New Approach to SEO: Compete, Don’t Conquer
In the digital landscape, outsmarting competitors isn’t about achieving perfection but about being slightly ahead. Consider it metaphorically to two adventurers in the savannah. Both have been equally prepared, from choosing their camping spots to their shared evening meal.
However, when a swift cheetah appears on the horizon, it’s not about outrunning the cheetah, but rather being slightly faster than the other adventurer.
The vast digital landscape operates on a similar principle. It’s not about mastering an elusive, ever-evolving algorithm with countless variables. Instead, the true essence of SEO is understanding that imperfections are inherent to every website.
The winning strategy, therefore, revolves around being marginally better, or “less imperfect,” than your competitors.
Why the Focus on Imperfection?
Aspiring to decode an infinitely vast algorithm is like chasing a mirage.
Each keyword carries unique intent, influencing the algorithm’s behavior. The myriad of factors, from RankBrain biases to individual search histories, further complicates this. There’s no singular algorithm; there’s a multitude, one for each unique search intent.
Given the insurmountable task of deconstructing the algorithm, your energy is better spent understanding and then exceeding your competition. All web pages are imperfect in Google’s eyes, but it’s the least imperfect that shines brightest in search results.
Imagine two websites addressing the same topic. Both showcase optimized metadata, content, imagery, and structured data. However, one’s loading speed lags. Naturally, the faster site will likely rank higher.
Ascend Above Adversaries: Knowledge is Power
To navigate your course in the digital ocean, you first need to identify the other ships – your competitors. Once this is established, then evaluate their strategies, strengths, and weaknesses. This covers everything from on-page dynamics to off-page and technical elements.
Revisiting the cheetah analogy, just as generic survival tactics might not always serve one well against a specific predator, in SEO, universally accepted best practices might not always apply. Data might suggest a certain formula for success, but your unique keyword research might unveil a different story.
This distinction underscores the value of wisdom & expertise in contrast to mere data.
SEO: A Nonlinear Journey of Continuous Growth
SEO thrives on imperfection. It’s not about mastering the algorithm but about bettering your competition. If your competitor excels in five areas, your goal should be to surpass them in those and add a couple more to your arsenal.
SEO is evolutionary, emphasizing the importance of adapting and growing over time.
It’s not a linear process but a compounding one, with each effort building upon the last. By focusing on your competition and continuously refining your strategies, you ensure your website remains the least imperfect, securing its survival in the ever-competitive search results.
