Unconventional SEO Tactics That Still Deliver Results — Even When They’re Considered Outdated
As a seasoned SEO professional with over eight years of hands-on experience, I’ve observed some intriguing patterns in the ever-evolving landscape of search engine optimization. Despite the widespread consensus that certain tactics are now obsolete, they continue to yield impressive results. Conversely, some widely recommended best practices often have minimal to no impact on rankings. Here, I’ll share insights drawn from real-world experiences and experiments, highlighting what still works—and what might be worth reconsidering.
Surprising Strategies That Still Seem to Work
1. Exact Match Domains (EMDs):
In 2024, I purchased an exact match domain as a test case. To my surprise, it ranked in the top three search results within just two months. While many SEO experts have moved away from EMDs due to modern algorithm updates, they can still carry weight in certain niches or scenarios.
2. Internal Linking Using Exact Match Anchor Text:
Strategically linking within your site using precise keywords as anchor text appears to benefit internal SEO. Google seems to favor this internally, although doing so externally can sometimes be problematic or even penalized.
3. Emphasizing Content Length for the Sake of It:
Highly detailed content—articles exceeding 3,000 words—continue to perform well, even when shorter content (around 500 words) could sufficiently answer user queries. It seems comprehensive content can still enhance perceived authority and relevance.
Commonly Recommended Practices That Seem to Have Little Impact
1. E-A-T Signals (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness):
Adding author bios, detailed about pages, and credentials are standard recommendations. However, in my experience, they often produce no measurable improvements in rankings.
2. Advanced Schema Markup:
Weeks spent implementing complex schema markups often don’t translate into ranking gains. While schema can enhance visibility in rich snippets, its direct impact on ranking position seems limited.
3. Core Web Vitals Optimization:
After fixing all website performance issues to pass Core Web Vitals, rankings remained static. This suggests that, while user experience signals are important, they aren’t the sole drivers of ranking improvements.
The Contradictions and Frustrations
One of the most puzzling aspects of SEO is that what boosts one website’s rankings might have little to no effect—or even be counterproductive—on another. For instance, I manage two clients within the same niche: one ranks highly despite having thin content and subpar UX, while the other, following all “best practices,” struggles to gain traction. This inconsistency is a reminder that SEO is not a one-size-fits-all science, and results can be unpredictable.
Final Thoughts: Break the Rules, But Do It Thoughtfully
Are you finding that some unconventional tactics still work, even if they’re considered outdated or risky? Have you successfully challenged standard SEO dogmas?
Note: I’m not advocating for neglecting best practices or engaging in black-hat SEO. Instead, I encourage a mindset of experimentation and careful testing. The digital landscape is dynamic, and what matters most is understanding what works for your specific context.
Remember—continuous testing, analysis, and adaptation are your best tools in the ever-changing world of SEO.
Share your experiences! Have you found certain “outdated” tactics that still bring results? What unconventional strategies have worked for you?
