Modern SEO without ADS: strategies and the future with GEO

Search Engine Optimization, better known as SEO, is one of the most powerful tools for achieving organic visibility without relying on paid campaigns. At Volcanic Minds, we follow solid strategies, focusing on current best practices. In this article, we explore the key factors that have helped us achieve consistent results. Finally, we will take a brief look at GEO – Generative Engine Optimization, the new frontier of search engine optimization for AI-based engines.

On-page optimization

A well-optimized website must be clear and accessible for users, but also for search engines. This means working on various aspects that enhance readability, structure, and relevance. Search engines reward well-organized, relevant content that effectively answers user queries. To achieve this, we focus on the following key elements:

• optimized titles and meta descriptions: clear, concise, and incorporating trending keywords without being forced. They must provide an effective preview of the content and encourage clicks;
• well-structured text layout: we use headers (H1, H2, H3) to divide content into easily understandable sections, improving both readability and indexing;
• avoiding keyword stuffing: we prioritize clear and readable texts, avoiding unnecessary keyword overload. Modern algorithms favor natural language and semantic relevance over simple keyword repetition.

Technical structure of the website

Beyond content, a website's technical structure plays a crucial role in SEO. A well-built site not only improves rankings but also enhances user experience. To achieve this, we implement:

• Open Graph data: ensures optimized previews when content is shared on social media, improving visibility and engagement;
• Schema.org structured data: we use the most appropriate structured data for each type of content—articles, blogs, and more—helping search engines better understand the meaning of our pages and improving their visibility in search results;
• performance optimization: we leverage Nuxt, a lightweight, modern, and SEO-friendly framework, to generate static pages that are fast and efficient. This reduces load times and improves Core Web Vitals, key metrics for search rankings;
• structured sitemap with language localizations: a clear XML sitemap helps search engines crawl the site efficiently. Proper use of hreflang tags ensures that the right version of the site is served based on the user's language and region, improving local rankings and preventing duplicate content issues.
• cookieless approach: browsers are increasingly limiting third-party cookies. Adopting an architecture that does not rely on them for tracking can be advantageous. A website that functions seamlessly without cookies enhances loading speed and reduces compliance issues (e.g., GDPR).

SEO for images

Images are often underestimated in SEO, yet they play a crucial role in both ranking and website accessibility. Proper image optimization enhances not only the user experience but also visibility in image search results. Here’s how we optimize images across our products:

• descriptive alt text: every image is accompanied by contextualized alternative text, useful both for users who rely on assistive technologies and for search engine crawlers. A good alt text does not merely provide a generic description but offers relevant and natural information that aligns with the page content;
• optimized formats: the headless CMS platforms we use automatically select the most suitable format for each browser, delivering WebP images whenever possible for the best balance between quality and performance. For older browsers or those with limited compatibility, fallback formats are also provided.

Accessibility and best practices

Accessibility and SEO best practices should never be overlooked. An accessible website not only reaches a wider audience but is also favored by search engines. We continuously improve these aspects through:

• ongoing monitoring with Google Lighthouse: We analyze website performance to detect issues and optimize code accordingly;
• user experience optimization: We ensure smooth and intuitive navigation across all devices, improving usability and increasing time spent on pages;
• error-free Inspector DevTools: Critical JavaScript errors - such as rendering issues or improperly loaded resources - can prevent Google from correctly indexing parts of the site. Keeping the DevTools console free of errors is crucial for optimal SEO performance.