Most SEO experts are lying to you.
They’ll tell you that longer content ranks better. That you need 1,000+ words to please the Google gods.
It’s (mostly) BS.
The real hack is giving visitors what they want before they even start scrolling.
The Above-the-Fold SEO Formula
Above-the-fold content is what appears on your screen without scrolling. It’s your digital storefront.
And it’s where the SEO magic happens.
Here’s why:
Google measures user satisfaction signals
Bounce rate matters (when users leave without engaging)
Time-on-page matters (when users stick around)
When visitors find what they need immediately, they engage and potentially convert.
Google notices stuff like this.
A SaaS company targeting “AI chatbot development services” put everything important above the fold:
- Clear headline with target keyword
- Brief explanation of services
- CTA button for consultation
Users don’t need to scroll, everything they want to see is readily available – thus they are more likely to convert which means this particular service now ranks much higher.
A photography service targeting “photoshoot NYC” shows:
- Booking calendar
- Map with locations
- Pricing at a glance
All visible before the first scroll. Now ranks #1 for “photoshoot NYC” and similar terms across multiple cities.
Why Long-Form Content Can Actually Hurt You
When visitors have to wade through paragraphs of fluff, they leave.
I’m sure you know how much the average attention span has shrunk.
If what you’re offering isn’t clear right away, you’ve lost your prospect.
Google knows if visitors are unsatisfied with what they see.
The Three-Step Above-the-Fold Formula
- Have your target keyword in the headline
- Give people immediate value
- Have an obvious & easy next step (Book a call CTA)
That’s it. No other gimmicks.
Just give visitors exactly what they’re searching for before they have to scroll.
Backlinks?
Backlinks still matter. But they’re a natural byproduct of good marketing.
If you’re consistently marketing your business, you’ll naturally acquire enough backlinks to rank for most keywords.
Aggressive backlink campaigns are only necessary for:
- Brand new websites
- Sites targeting highly competitive keywords
- Sites switching to entirely new topics
Google Is Just Like TikTok Now
Think about it.
Not bouncing on a webpage is like watching a TikTok video all the way through.
And Google’s algorithm rewards content if it keeps people engaged
The Bottom Line
Stop overcomplicating SEO.
Give searchers what they want before they start scrolling.
They’ll reward you with conversions.
And Google will reward you with rankings.
