Having spent 13 years tinkering with SEO strategies, here I am, crafting the SEO plan for a SaaS AI company. And let me tell you, some of the “golden rules” I used to swear by have aged like milk.
What once worked wonders now risks getting your site buried six feet under Google’s algorithm.
So here’s the 2024 update on what to ditch if you want your SEO game to stay fresh:
1. Keyword stuffing – from “goldmine” to “minefield”
When I started into the SEO industry (2010-2011), stuffing a page with keywords was the way to hit the SEO jackpot. The formula was simple:
- find a popular keyword
- sprinkle it into every sentence
- watch the traffic roll in.
But now, it’s like walking into a minefield—overuse those keywords, and Google will drop your page faster than you can say “algorithm update”.
Why it’s bad in 2024
Search engines are smarter than they used to be. Google’s algorithm doesn’t just scan for keywords anymore; it reads for context. Stuffing keywords without natural flow disrupts the user experience and screams “manipulation.”
In 2024, what really matters is satisfying user intent—your content should help, not annoy, the reader. Think quality over quantity.
Alternative: semantic SEO
Instead of cramming in exact-match keywords, focus on semantic SEO. This means using related terms and phrases naturally throughout your content. Google now recognizes synonyms, so you don’t need to hammer in the same phrase—mix it up, keep it natural, and let your expertise shine. Imagine it as a conversation with a friend, not a rigid keyword checklist.
2. Ignoring mobile optimization: the “desktop dinosaur” mistake
Picture this: You’ve crafted a beautiful website, everything looks great on your desktop. But when you load it on your phone, the layout’s a mess, buttons are impossible to tap, and text is minuscule. Congratulations! You’ve just created a “desktop dinosaur”.
It may have been fine years ago, but in 2024, ignoring mobile optimization is like hoping a T-Rex won’t notice you hiding behind a tree—spoiler alert: it will, and it won’t end well.
Why it’s bad in 2024
Most web traffic now comes from mobile devices, and Google’s indexing is mobile-first. This means Google looks at the mobile version of your site before it even considers the desktop version. If your SaaS site isn’t optimized for mobile, you’re practically invisible to half your potential audience. More than that, it frustrates users, making them more likely to bounce right off your page.
Alternative: mobile-first design
Think mobile-first when designing your pages. Responsive layouts, simplified navigation, and touch-friendly buttons are key. Testing is crucial—open your site on different devices, simulate various screen sizes, and see how it performs. In short, make sure your site looks like a well-dressed guest on every device, not a dinosaur stomping around the digital landscape.
3. Buying links – from quick fix to quick sand
Ah, the good ol’ days when you could buy a handful of backlinks, sit back, and watch your ranking soar. It was a quick fix, a shortcut, and for a while, it actually worked.
But today, buying links is like stepping into quicksand: sure, it seems stable at first, but it doesn’t take long for Google to notice—and when it does, it’ll drag your rankings down faster than you can say “penalty.”
Why it’s bad in 2024
Google’s algorithms have evolved to detect and penalize unnatural links. Bought links often come from low-quality or irrelevant sites, which not only risk penalties but also damage your credibility. Instead of building authority, you’re inviting trouble—and it can take months to recover from a link penalty. Today, Google values genuine, high-quality links that add real value to readers, not sketchy backlinks from who-knows-where.
Alternative: organic link building
Focus on building links organically. Publish quality content that people genuinely want to reference, partner with reputable sites, and earn backlinks through smart PR and outreach. Think of link-building as a long-term relationship, not a one-night stand—it might take more time, but it’s worth it.
4. Thin content: when “less” is definitely “not more”
Once upon a time, you could slap together a couple of sentences, throw in a keyword or two, and call it a blog post. Thin content was quick, easy, and surprisingly effective. But today, thin content is the SEO equivalent of showing up to a party with an empty gift box—it looks promising, but there’s nothing inside.
Google, and your readers, want substance, not fluff.
Why it’s bad in 2024
Thin content offers little to no value to readers and is easy for Google to spot. Search engines now prioritize content that answers questions in-depth, provides real insights, and keeps readers engaged. Pages with shallow content are more likely to rank poorly or get outright ignored. For SaaS companies, creating thin content is especially risky, as it can make your brand look less authoritative and out of touch with user needs.
Alternative: go deep with quality content
Invest in quality, comprehensive content that tackles topics in detail. Think of each page or post as an opportunity to solve a problem, share expertise, or teach something valuable. Cover the “what, why, and how” to ensure your content leaves readers feeling informed, not let down. Aim for content that you’d be proud to bookmark, not something that’s just filling up space.
5. Overlooking E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness)
Let’s face it—SEO isn’t just about keywords and backlinks anymore. Google wants to know if you’re the real deal. If you’re overlooking E-A-T, it’s like trying to get into an exclusive club with zero credentials.
In 2024, if your SaaS site doesn’t show it knows its stuff, Google will swipe left, and so will your audience.
Why it’s bad in 2024
E-A-T has become critical for building trust with both Google and readers. For SaaS companies, lacking E-A-T makes your brand look sketchy and untrustworthy. Google uses E-A-T as a measure of credibility, meaning that if you’re not showcasing your expertise, authority, and trustworthiness, you’ll struggle to rank well. And with so much content out there, readers are more likely to choose brands that prove they know their field.
Alternative: show off your expertise and credibility
Boost your E-A-T by creating content that demonstrates real expertise. Include author bios, credentials, and case studies. Cite reliable sources, add testimonials, and showcase client success stories. Make sure it’s obvious why your brand is an authority in your field, whether it’s through a “Meet the Team” page, articles authored by experts, or detailed guides that bring genuine value to your audience.
6. Using “old-school” technical SEO practices
Technical SEO can feel a bit like repairing an old car. Sometimes it runs great; other times, it’s belching smoke and ready to break down.
Outdated practices like stuffing your site with unnecessary meta tags, relying on keyword-heavy URLs, or creating massive XML sitemaps might have revved up SEO engines in the past, but in 2024, these old-school tactics are more likely to clog things up than speed things along.
Why it’s bad in 2024
Technical SEO has come a long way, and search engines are now advanced enough to see through many outdated tricks. Clunky, outdated technical practices confuse crawlers, slow down your site, and can lead to poor user experience.
In 2024, SEO is about performance and clarity, so sticking to obsolete methods can drag down your site’s rankings and leave your audience frustrated.
Alternative: modernize your technical SEO
Focus on optimizing your site for speed, structured data, and crawlability. Use lightweight, relevant meta tags, clean URLs, and structured data to help Google understand your content. Regularly audit your site to catch and fix technical issues before they start affecting your rankings. Think of it as giving your website a tune-up to keep it running smoothly in the digital race.
The SEO game has changed, and the days of shortcuts and old-school tactics are long gone. To keep up in 2024, it’s all about quality, relevance, and putting your audience first.
Think of SEO as less of a hack and more of a partnership with search engines—give them what they want, and they’ll reward you with the visibility you’re after.
So, take the time to update your approach, avoid those digital pitfalls, and watch your SaaS site rise above the noise. Your future self will thank you 🙂
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