The digital marketing industry is currently rife with complaints that high-quality, authoritative content is frequently being overshadowed in Google’s SERPs by superficial, low-effort filler for too many search terms. Opinions vary on the severity of this issue, and some argue that our expectations of Google might simply be unrealistic.
It’s a fact that the majority of clicks typically go to whatever ranks first in Google’s results. Additionally, there’s increasing scrutiny over Google favoring large brands that produce vast amounts of content on a wide array of topics, regardless of their relevance to the brand. Some SEOs label this as content farming, while others defend it. Another reality is that some search intents (like checking the weather) can be satisfied by quick, feature-rich snippets in the SERPs. Even AI-generated content, despite often being inaccurate, can attract searchers who either don’t notice or don’t mind the lack of quality, thereby bypassing better content.
Given the current state of SERPs, it’s crucial to understand that searchers with low expectations aren’t your main audience unless you’re promoting a well-established big brand. Your core audience shouldn’t consist of individuals who are easily satisfied.
Instead, you should:
Strengthen your SEO and marketing for content where you already have some visibility.
Identify your unique goods, services, or information that meet the highest expectations.
Conduct a thorough competitive analysis of your true competitors to discover every possible SEO advantage.
Recognize when you can’t outdo an entrenched competitor and find gaps in their offerings to better cater to discerning consumers.
Enhance your content based on identified gaps and hope for improved Google rankings, even if you can’t surpass a dominant site.
Boost user engagement by marketing beyond Google through social media, paid ads, and offline efforts, aiming to earn recognition and loyalty from visitors who realize the superiority of your offerings.
Monitor if improved user behavior metrics lead to better SERP visibility for high-expectation searches, even if you don’t overtake an entrenched brand.
Hope for future Google updates that prioritize quality over mere quantity.
I can’t guarantee easy solutions here, but I can guide you on analyzing your competition’s content to become the best at meeting the highest customer expectations.
1. Identify High-Value, Discerning Customers by Their Search Terms
As a tough consumer, I’m often disappointed by the abundance of synthetic clothing and the lack of 100% natural fiber options. This sentiment is common, as seen in forum threads and People Also Ask features filled with similar frustrations. For example, a search for "organic cotton knit maxi dress" shows only one relevant ad among many irrelevant ones.
Despite the specificity of my search, irrelevant products dominate the results, failing to meet my criteria for organic, cotton, knit, or maxi. This scenario highlights the importance of targeting long-tail, specific search phrases that indicate a choosy searcher. Such searchers are not easily satisfied and are willing to dig deeper to find exactly what they want, making them valuable targets for businesses with high-quality, specific offerings.
2. Identify Your Competitors
Imagine you’re marketing an organic women’s clothing business. By using tools like Moz Keyword Explorer and entering a specific phrase like “organic cotton knit maxi dress,” you can identify top competitors such as HopeandHenry.com. Analyze their SEO metrics and the content of their top-ranking pages.
3. Visit Competitor Pages
Examine competitor pages to identify their strengths and weaknesses. For instance, a competitor's page might feature a desirable garment but lack multiple sizes, clear information about the fabric, or detailed descriptions. This lack of comprehensive content can lead potential customers to leave in search of better options.
4. Differentiate Your Offering
Enhance your own pages by including comprehensive content that your competitors lack, such as:
Optimized URL, title tags, and alt text for the target search phrase
Detailed product descriptions with all relevant specifications
Rich imagery, video content, customer quotes, reviews, and technical data
Product comparisons, FAQs, case studies, and more
Whether or not Google immediately rewards these improvements with higher rankings, these elements can help attract discerning customers through any channel.
5. Highlight Why Your Offering is the Best
To win over choosy customers, clearly articulate why your product or service is the best choice. Focus on unique aspects such as:
Storytelling: Share compelling stories about your brand or how your offering improves customers’ lives.
Price Justification: Explain why a higher price is justified, such as ethical production or superior quality.
Ethical Practices: Emphasize your commitment to ethical standards and sustainability.
Philanthropy: Highlight any charitable contributions associated with your business.
Unique Perks: Mention any additional benefits, like loyalty programs or fast delivery.
Authenticity: Ensure your messaging is honest and reflects the true value of your offering.
6. Expand Beyond Google
Don’t rely solely on Google rankings. Explore platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and forums where you can share your story and engage with potential customers. Conduct comprehensive SEO and competitive analyses to capture every possible opportunity. When high-ranking competitors seem insurmountable, focus on creative ways to tell your story beyond Google.
By implementing these strategies, you can attract discerning customers and reduce your dependency on Google rankings, ultimately achieving greater success and customer satisfaction.
Comments