Old ways may no longer work, comments link connected to auto link email (paid AWeber), connecting sites with back links, used Google SEO free tool through Google Alerts and Analytics (not sure if that is still free), clubs and forums.
Idea then was working like a spider building a web on the web. Used WordPress.org some free not all, sourced information from the forum for many plugins or sites then researched. Added a WordPress.com to bounce off as well.
Changes as you indicate above is exactly why I decided enough was enough, started chasing square circles.... Now stick with Web3, happy, I simply don't have the time or mind to fiddle with my code to keep a site together.