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Many businesses turn to AI-powered SEO tools to enhance their website rankings, but often they struggle to achieve tangible results. The secret to success lies not only in AI but also in strategic off-site tactics such as link building, leveraging social media signals, collaborating with influencers, and eliminating toxic backlinks.

Automated tools are not a substitute for comprehensive SEO.
To make a significant impact, you need to combine on-site and off-site strategies effectively.

Prioritize high-quality link building.
Business owners often feel overwhelmed by the complexities of generative AI and unsure where to begin with their Search Engine Optimization (SEO) efforts. A simple search for SEO AI tools can lead to an avalanche of options, with countless companies vying to sell you monthly solutions.

For instance, I recently encountered a startup claiming it could improve any website’s ranking within days by simply installing their pixel to optimize meta titles and descriptions automatically. While this may be convenient, it won’t lead to significant growth overnight. It’s akin to someone promising you your dream job simply because their AI can create a flashy resume. In reality, AI tools can enhance your content presentation but may not guarantee better rankings.

As someone deeply invested in SEO and paid advertising for optimal return on ad spend, I advocate for a tech stack that integrates both on-site and off-site strategies for effective growth.

Understanding On-site vs. Off-site SEO
On-site SEO encompasses everything within your website, including page content, navigation, meta tags, and internal links. Off-site SEO, on the other hand, involves external factors that signal to search engines your website’s credibility and authority.

One vital component is link building—gaining features on other websites that link back to yours. For example, my marketing firm, X Network, receives hundreds of leads each month without relying on paid ads or extensive on-site SEO. Our organic traffic stems from both intentional and unintentional off-site link building efforts.

The Power of Link Building

Here’s a surprising truth: a single authoritative backlink can outperform the impact of improving 500 average meta titles and descriptions. The process of acquiring these valuable backlinks involves significant research, outreach, and negotiation with reputable websites in your niche.

Building long-term relationships with bloggers and publishers can facilitate this process. If you’re looking for quick results, consider outsourcing to a specialized SEO marketing firm that can help you secure backlinks faster than going at it alone.

Some effective strategies include creating free directory listings for your services, which can link back to your website.

Harnessing Social Media

Social media is a powerful tool for increasing traffic and brand visibility. By sharing links to your website and mentioning your brand on platforms like Facebook, X, and LinkedIn, you signal to search engines your relevance.

According to research from Backlinko, which analyzed over 11 million Google search results, a strong correlation exists between off-site strategies and higher search rankings. The study revealed that sites with robust link authority generally rank better, and those in the top position have an average of 3.8 times more backlinks than those ranked lower.

Collaborating with Influencers

With the growing demand for video influencers, now is an ideal time to seek out opportunities for collaboration with bloggers who are passionate about reviewing products or services in your niche. Don’t hesitate to reach out to multiple bloggers each month to explore potential partnerships.

Consider using generative AI to craft outreach templates tailored to specific websites. AI tools can also assist in scraping contact information from relevant sites, particularly those that link to your competitors but not to you.

Addressing Toxic Backlinks

One critical aspect of your SEO strategy should be managing toxic backlinks. Regularly review your backlink profile and disassociate from harmful links that could damage your site’s reputation in the eyes of search engines.

My experience with Kaloud, a brand I’ve managed for nearly 20 months, showed significant improvements in Domain Authority coinciding with our efforts to remove toxic backlinks. This is a task best handled by professionals to avoid mistakenly removing valuable links.

Understanding that search engine algorithms aim to enhance user experience will empower you to enjoy the process of SEO and uncover new opportunities in your niche. Ensure your content is unique and valuable, avoiding overly generic or AI-generated material.

Local Optimization: The Final Piece

Many marketers mistakenly believe they can optimize for multiple countries simultaneously. It’s crucial to focus on optimizing your website for one specific country at a time. If you have a physical presence, optimize for both local and mainstream SEO, ensuring your storefronts rank well in local searches.

List your business on directories that provide data to popular map services like Google Maps and Apple Maps, as this enhances your visibility across various platforms.

Improving your website’s search ranking can feel like a never-ending quest, but it’s a continuous journey. Regularly publish new content to fill keyword gaps and refine your topic focus. Tracking your rankings for key keywords will help you identify new opportunities for growth.