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Why 90% of Websites Will Fail in 2024—Unless They Follow This SEO Blueprint

   By: Hayden Jarman


In 2024, we're facing a harsh reality: nearly 90% of websites are doomed to fail.


The reasons? Simple—they’re not keeping up with the latest SEO trends, and they’re not prepared for the relentless evolution of search algorithms.

But here’s the thing—your website doesn’t have to be one of them. By following the SEO blueprint I’m about to lay out, you can avoid the pitfalls that will sink most of your competitors and ensure your site thrives in this hyper-competitive environment.

 

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Table of Contents:


The Looming Crisis in 2024

Let's cut to the chase—2024 is going to be brutal for websites that don’t adapt.

We're not just dealing with slight algorithm tweaks; we’re witnessing seismic shifts in how search engines evaluate and rank websites.

The bar for success has been raised, and if you're not jumping over it, you’re not just missing out—you’re getting buried.


Key Trends You Can't Ignore

  1. AI-Driven Optimization: Artificial intelligence isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a game-changer. AI is now at the core of content creation, predictive analytics, and even personalized user experiences. If you’re not using AI to optimize your content, you’re already behind. For more on implementing AI and other advanced tactics, check out our detailed guide on the best on-page SEO techniques.
  2. Core Web Vitals: Google’s emphasis on Core Web Vitals (LCP, FID, CLS) is non-negotiable. These metrics are now critical ranking factors that determine whether your site lives or dies in the SERPs. If you’re setting up a new site, understanding these factors is crucial—start with our article on SEO strategies for a new website.
  3. E-E-A-T: Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness—this isn’t just some fancy acronym. It’s a make-or-break factor in how Google assesses your content. Websites that can’t demonstrate these qualities are going to get crushed. Dive deeper into the importance of trust and authority in SEO with our piece on Google SEO ranking.


Google’s Algorithm Updates Are Here to Stay

2024 isn’t just another year of minor updates.

We’re talking about sweeping changes like the Helpful Content Update and the Page Experience Update, which have completely reshaped the SEO landscape. These updates are designed to weed out low-quality sites and reward those that deliver real value to users.

To stay ahead, you need to keep up with the latest algorithm changes—start by reviewing our exclusive Google SEO Updates 2024 guide.

Consider this: in 2020, 70% of small business websites failed to generate leads. By 2022, 81% of websites saw traffic nosedive after algorithm changes.

In 2024, we’re expecting a whopping 90% failure rate. The message is clear—adapt or get left in the dust.


Common SEO Pitfalls Leading to Failure

So, why are so many websites destined to fail?

It’s not because their owners aren’t trying; it’s because they’re trying the wrong things.

Let’s break down the most common mistakes that will sink your site faster than you can say “SEO.”


1. Ignoring Mobile Optimization

Look, it’s 2024. If your site isn’t optimized for mobile, you might as well pack it in now. Google’s mobile-first indexing means that your mobile site is the primary version that gets indexed. If it’s slow, unresponsive, or just plain ugly on a smartphone, your rankings will plummet. For tips on how to avoid these pitfalls, read our blog on on-page SEO tips for 2024.


2. Slow Page Load Times

Nobody—and I mean nobody—wants to wait for a page to load. Google knows this, and they penalize slow sites accordingly. If your Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) is over 2.5 seconds, you’re in trouble. Slow load times are a one-way ticket to irrelevance.


3. Poor Content Quality

Content is still king, but only if it’s good. Thin, irrelevant, or outdated content won’t cut it anymore. Google’s Helpful Content Update is specifically designed to demote sites that churn out content for content’s sake. If your content doesn’t provide real value, it’s game over. Not sure where your content stands? Start by understanding the role of SEO-rich text in your content strategy.


Case Study: RetailGiant.net

Let’s look at RetailGiant.net, a once-thriving e-commerce site that ignored these crucial aspects.

They failed to optimize for mobile, resulting in a clunky user experience. Their page load times were abysmal—5 seconds on average. And their content? Generic, keyword-stuffed nonsense that offered no real value. The result? A 60% drop in organic traffic after a major algorithm update.

This is what failure looks like in 2024.


The Essential SEO Blueprint for 2024

So, how do you avoid becoming just another statistic?

You follow the blueprint. This isn’t some generic “10 tips to improve your SEO” nonsense.

This is a comprehensive, actionable strategy designed to give you the best shot at success in 2024.


1. Optimize Core Web Vitals

Core Web Vitals are the foundation of a successful SEO strategy in 2024. Here’s what you need to aim for:

  • Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): Your LCP should be under 2.5 seconds. This is the time it takes for the main content of a page to load. To achieve this, compress images, use a content delivery network (CDN), and reduce server response times.
  • First Input Delay (FID): This measures interactivity. Aim for under 100 milliseconds. Minimize JavaScript execution and prioritize loading interactive elements.
  • Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS): Your CLS should be under 0.1. This metric tracks visual stability. Ensure that images have set dimensions and avoid injecting content above existing elements.


Action Steps:

  • Use PageSpeed Insights to evaluate your current performance.
  • Implement lazy loading for images and videos.
  • Optimize your server’s performance to reduce response times.


2. Integrate AI into Your SEO Strategy

AI isn’t the future—it’s the present.

And if you’re not leveraging it, you’re falling behind. AI can help you create content, analyze user behavior, and personalize user experiences in ways that were impossible just a few years ago.

To see how AI can complement your existing SEO strategies, take a look at our article on the best off-page SEO techniques.


Action Steps:

  • Use AI tools like Jasper or Frase for content creation and optimization.
  • Implement predictive analytics to anticipate user needs and adjust your content strategy accordingly.
  • Personalize the user experience through AI-driven recommendations and dynamic content.


3. Master Technical SEO

Technical SEO is the backbone of your site’s performance.

You can have the best content in the world, but if your technical SEO is weak, you won’t get the rankings you deserve.


Core Areas to Focus On:

  • Mobile Optimization: Ensure your site is fully responsive and provides a seamless experience on all devices.
  • Site Speed: Use tools like Google’s PageSpeed Insights and GTmetrix to diagnose and fix speed issues.
  • Secure Browsing (HTTPS): If your site isn’t on HTTPS, switch now. Google gives a ranking boost to secure sites.
  • Structured Data: Implement schema markup to help search engines understand your content better.

For more comprehensive insights into technical SEO, check out our post on Google SEO ranking.


4. Build Authority with E-E-A-T

Google is obsessed with E-E-A-T—Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness.

These principles are now crucial for ranking well, especially in competitive niches.

For a more detailed look at building trust and authority, read The Truth About SEO Guarantees.


Action Steps:

  • Demonstrate firsthand experience in your content. Show that you know what you’re talking about.
  • Build authority by acquiring high-quality backlinks from reputable sites.
  • Enhance trustworthiness by making your contact information easily accessible and having clear, transparent policies.


5. Double Down on Local SEO

For small businesses, Local SEO is more important than ever.

Google is placing a higher emphasis on local search results, and if you’re not optimized for local search, you’re missing out on a huge chunk of potential traffic.


Action Steps:

  • Optimize your Google Business Profile with accurate information, including your address, phone number, and business hours.
  • Use local keywords in your content and meta descriptions.
  • Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on Google and other review platforms.

Need more convincing? Our analysis on whether SEO is worth it for small businesses will show you why investing in local SEO is crucial.


6. Revamp Your Content Strategy

Content is still the core of SEO, but the way we approach it has evolved. Long gone are the days of short, keyword-stuffed articles. In 2024, it’s all about topic clusters, long-form content, and user intent alignment.


Action Steps:

  • Create comprehensive pillar pages that cover broad topics in depth, linking to more specific cluster content.
  • Focus on long-form content that provides real value. Aim for articles over 2,000 words that fully answer user queries.
  • Align your content with user intent. Understand what your audience is searching for and tailor your content to meet their needs.

For more on building a solid content strategy, take a look at our overview of the best on-page SEO techniques.


7. Prioritize User Experience (UX)

User experience isn’t just a design concern—it’s an SEO priority. Google’s algorithms are increasingly favoring websites that offer a seamless, enjoyable user experience. This is particularly important if you’re targeting local customers, as discussed in our Wilmington, NC web design and SEO services.


Core Areas to Focus On:

  • Navigation: Ensure your site’s navigation is intuitive. Users should be able to find what they’re looking for with minimal effort.
  • Loading Times: Optimize your site to load quickly. Use caching, optimize images, and minimize code to keep your site running smoothly.
  • Responsive Design: Your site needs to look and function perfectly on all devices, from desktops to smartphones.
  • Accessibility: Ensure your site is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. This includes using alt text for images, providing transcripts for videos, and ensuring your site is navigable via keyboard.


Action Steps:

  • Conduct a UX audit of your site to identify areas for improvement.
  • Implement changes based on user feedback and usability testing.
  • Regularly update your site to keep it running smoothly and efficiently.


Real-World Examples: Success and Failure in 2024

Let’s take a look at what this blueprint looks like in action.

Below are two case studies—one of success, and one of failure.


Success Story: TechGrowth.com

TechGrowth.com was struggling with stagnant traffic and low user engagement. They decided to implement the SEO blueprint we’ve discussed, focusing on AI-driven content creation, Core Web Vitals optimization, and a revamped content strategy.


Results:

  • Improved Core Web Vitals scores by 40% in six months.
  • Increased organic traffic by 150%.
  • Achieved higher user engagement and lower bounce rates, leading to better overall rankings.


Failure Example: RetailGiant.net

We’ve already touched on RetailGiant.net, but let’s dig a little deeper. They ignored mobile optimization, had terrible page load times, and their content was, frankly, garbage. They didn’t follow the SEO blueprint, and they paid the price.


Results:

  • Lost 60% of organic traffic after a major algorithm update.
  • Saw a sharp decline in user engagement.
  • Ultimately had to undergo a costly site overhaul to recover from their losses.


Expert Insights

Don’t just take my word for it. Here’s what industry experts have to say about the importance of adapting to new SEO trends.

Sarah Johnson, SEO Director at DigitalFuture: “In 2024, websites that fail to adapt to AI-driven SEO and neglect user experience will struggle to maintain visibility. It’s no longer enough to just have a website—you need to be actively optimizing and adapting.”

Michael Chen, Google Search Advocate: “The key to success lies in balancing technical optimization with high-quality, user-focused content that demonstrates real expertise. Those who can master this balance will thrive.”

These insights underline the importance of following a comprehensive SEO strategy that addresses both the technical and content aspects of your site.


Final Thoughts: Don’t Be Part of the 90%

To recap: 90% of websites are on track to fail in 2024.

The competition is fiercer, the algorithms are tougher, and user expectations are higher than ever. But by following the SEO blueprint I’ve laid out, you can avoid becoming just another statistic.

This blueprint isn’t a magic bullet. It requires hard work, consistent effort, and a willingness to adapt.

But if you commit to it, your website can not only survive but thrive in 2024 and beyond.


Take Action Now:

  • Audit your website today against the SEO blueprint.
  • Implement the recommended strategies to optimize your site for success.
  • Keep learning and stay ahead of the trends by following resources like Google SEO Updates 2024 and on-page SEO tips for 2024.

The future of your website is in your hands—make sure it’s one of the 10% that succeeds.


Additional Resources

To help you dive deeper into the strategies discussed in this article and to ensure your website's success in 2024, here are some essential resources:

  1. Google Search Central
    Source: Google
    Google Search Central offers official guidelines and documentation directly from Google on how to optimize your website for search engines. It covers essential topics such as crawling, indexing, and ranking, which are the foundation of any effective SEO strategy.
  2. Moz's SEO Learning Center
    Source: Moz
    Moz’s SEO Learning Center provides comprehensive guides on various aspects of SEO, from technical optimization to content strategy. It's an invaluable resource for understanding current best practices and emerging trends in SEO.
  3. Ahrefs Blog
    Source: Ahrefs
    The Ahrefs Blog is known for its data-driven approach to SEO. It regularly publishes in-depth studies and analyses of search engine algorithms and ranking factors, offering concrete data and insights that can support your SEO efforts.
  4. Search Engine Journal
    Source: Search Engine Journal
    Search Engine Journal is a leading industry publication that covers the latest news, trends, and strategies in SEO. It's an excellent resource for staying up-to-date with the rapidly evolving SEO landscape and understanding what might be crucial for success in 2024.
  5. Web.dev
    Source: Google
    Web.dev, run by Google, focuses on web performance and user experience—key factors in SEO. It provides tools and guidance for optimizing core web vitals and other technical aspects critical for SEO success in 2024.


If you're serious about ensuring your website doesn't become part of the 90% that will fail in 2024, reach out to BlueTone Media for expert assistance.


Our team specializes in cutting-edge SEO strategies and can help you implement the blueprint necessary to make your website thrive in the competitive digital landscape.

Contact us today to get started!
 


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