Transcription
Episode 600 of the Edwards Show: Three SEO Methods Forever
They say the greatest progress comes from constraints. This episode asks: if I could only use three SEO methods, what would they be? I'm selling stuff online—e-commerce, services, SaaS, local, even affiliate marketing; this strategy works well for affiliate too. I have a business, selling stuff; only three SEO methods are allowed. What are they?
I need a mix of on-page keyword targeting and link building. Backlinks matter, but not as much as targeting the best keywords. Even uncompetitive keywords are difficult to rank for with a low-authority site, so some backlinks are necessary for inbound traffic from Google. I need three SEO methods forever; no adding more later. I also need a link-building strategy that provides long-term authority. This strategy needs to yield a natural backlink profile—a diverse mix of backlinks. Few strategies achieve this, but I'll share one. This method needs to provide quick initial ranking and long-term sustainability.
Let's start with keyword targeting. I'm selling stuff online. There are many on-page SEO options:
* **Guide SEO:** Long-form (3,000-4,000 words) top-of-funnel content. Attracts many related but unqualified leads. A small conversion rate can still be worthwhile due to high volume.
* **Rating SEO:** Targeting "best of" keywords within my niche. Middle-of-funnel; most are researching, some ready to buy. I'd position my brand as number one.
* **Parasite SEO:** Off-site, leveraging high-authority sites to rank and subtly include my brand. Platforms like Reddit, Quora, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Medium are good options. I might not always get backlinks, but brand mentions can drive traffic.
* **Purchase Intent SEO:** Bottom-of-funnel; short pages (400-500 words) targeting keywords showing high purchase intent. Low volume but less competitive, so even a new site can rank.
Why I'm not choosing certain strategies:
* **Guide SEO:** Highly competitive keywords require high domain authority, and significant effort (3,000-5,000 words). People are using ChatGPT and Reddit more than Google for simple answers.
* **Rating SEO:** Still needs substantial domain authority, and the number of targetable keywords is limited.
* **Parasite SEO:** A constant cat-and-mouse game; unsustainable in the long run due to account bans and content removals.
Long-time listeners know I'll pick purchase intent SEO (bottom-of-funnel). Here's why:
* **Directly focuses on conversions:** I want to make money.
* **AI-proof:** While AI takes clicks from guide SEO, bottom-of-funnel questions often still lead people to Google to find brands. My bottom-of-funnel pages already rank on ChatGPT and other AI platforms.
* **Less work:** No long-form content or account juggling.
* **Faster ranking:** Less competitive keywords mean faster results; often same-day or next-day first-page rankings.
* **Harder to steal:** Many unique pages make duplication difficult.
* **Stable rankings:** Low search volume means less competition, resulting in stable, long-term rankings. Many of my pages from 2019-2020 remain #1.
My keyword strategy: Bottom-of-funnel SEO. I create a hub page (e.g., "Uses," "Services," "Solutions") linking to numerous 400-500-word pages, each targeting a different bottom-of-funnel keyword.
Now, we need backlinks. Even a low domain authority (5/100) is helpful. Higher authority allows targeting higher-volume keywords. I'll use the revenue from low-volume keywords to fund more link building and SEO.
I'll also write brand-focused blog posts (not keyword-targeted) because Google likes active blogs. This improves relevance and isn't an SEO strategy per se, just good marketing.
Two SEO methods remain. I need a link-building strategy that quickly builds domain authority and creates a natural backlink profile. Guest posts and podcast appearances provide only one type of backlink; eventually, their value diminishes.
The solution: Linkable assets. These are website assets (articles, tools, micro-SaaS, announcements) so cool, interesting, or useful that they attract backlinks organically from various sources (blogs, journalists, social media). Examples: an article on trending AI topics, a helpful tool, a viral announcement. These assets yield a natural backlink profile, featuring high and low-authority links. Keep creating new assets; even if one doesn't go viral, keep trying.
My second SEO method: Linkable assets. Getting press: I can send them to journalists or use launch platforms (Product Hunt, Beta List, niche-specific platforms) – which are also directories.
My third SEO method: Directories. Submit my site and key pages to relevant directories. This rapidly boosts domain authority. Use directories to launch linkable assets.
These three methods create a sustainable SEO environment:
1. Bottom-of-funnel keyword targeting
2. Linkable assets
3. Directories (and launch platforms)
Even without other strategies (podcast SEO, YouTube videos, etc.), these three will yield amazing results. They're sustainable and work synergistically. To learn how to implement these strategies, check out my SEO program. It includes video walkthroughs, templates, and case studies across various niches.
A recent review: "I'm currently on the onsite SEO section. I'm already glad I paid the money. Each lesson is dense with information, and I love that it isn't dumbed down for absolute beginners... I feel like I'm gaining a new superpower." - Jason Liebler
My SEO program is at compactkeywords.com. That's all for episode 600! 600 days straight! Thank you all for listening/watching. See you tomorrow for episode 601!