SEO Trends Are Always Changing
Search engine optimization is in a constant state of flux. SEO rules from a few years ago now no longer apply and can even harm your website ranking. Search engines like Google, Yahoo, and Bing are demanding authentic, well-written content that appeals to the increasingly picky user. So if you're worried that your website is using outdated or unpopular SEO strategies, check out these top 5 SEO trends for 2017.
#1: Quality Content is Key
Who would have thought that decent writing makes a user appreciate a website? But seriously, we're so focused on getting our message across, on selling our product, on convincing potential customers that we're the best company out there with the best product that we sometimes forget what the
user wants.
Google and other search engines have been enforcing the golden rule of "content is King" for years now, but in 2017, it's going to be even more important. If you're not already producing stellar content then you need to reconsider your SEO strategy.
But wait, there's more! While quality content is one of the main priorities, so is quantity. Search engines favour those who are constantly updating and changing their website, i.e. adding new, fresh content.
In short: Produce well-written content and produce it often
[caption id="attachment_975" align="aligncenter" width="500"]
Just like that[/caption]
#2: Mobile Optimization
Don't get us wrong, this SEO trend has been around for some time. But if you haven't made your website mobile-friendly by now, you should:
- Wake up and smell the 21st century
- Definitely do it.
According to Google, mobile searches have surpassed desktop searches. So if your website isn't mobile-friendly, users and potential clients will be put off by your difficult-to-read site and likely won't return. If you need an even more important reason to make your site mobile-friendly, consider the fact that Google will penalize you and your search engine result page (SERP) ranking will be affected.
In short: Bring your website to mobile
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If the user is doing this, you're not mobile-friendly[/caption]
#3: Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMPs)
Following close in the footsteps of the last point is the use of AMPs. So you've finally faced the music and optimized your site for mobile. But, in 2017 try taking it one step further. An AMP is a stripped down HTML webpage that loads on your mobile device much faster than a normal page and using less data.
Google has already started rewarding sites that are using AMPs by giving them higher SERP rankings. For more information about the AMP project, click here.
In Short: Consult with your web team to discuss implementing AMPs for your site.
#4: Semantic Searching Is a Real Thing
This ain't no science fiction novel. This is Google. And Google is constantly bettering itself to understand how users think, feel and act. Google doesn't just want to respond to your search, it wants to know what it is that you are
really looking for. In other words, it's not simply pulling up search results based on the words and letters of your search. It's responding to the
meaning of your search.
How should we adapt our website content for semantic search engines? The idea is to focus not just on a simple, single phrase you think a user will type into a search box, but expand your focus on a topic instead. Using related or similar phrases and broadening the topic better reflects how users conduct searches. You'll be handsomely rewarded, of course, with better SERPs.
In Short: Expand your keywords to larger topics that are relevant to the user's search
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Target topics, you will[/caption]
#5: Voice Search Optimization
Siri and other sexy voices that speak to us through our devices are only becoming more intelligent and more interactive. Voice recognition algorithms are becoming essential to SEO, as we do a lot of our searches on the go or in situations where hands-free is necessary.
How can we optimize our website for better voice searches? More and more websites are starting to write content that responds to the way users ask questions with voice search. For instance, users aren't saying "winter tires change time," but rather "when should I change my tires for winter?"
In short: Adapt your website content to contain key phrases that respond to potential user questions.
SEO Trends for the New Year
There are much more SEO trends coming our way for 2017. The key to successful SERP rankings is to have a dynamic website that constantly offers users improved, meaningful and impactful experiences. Want to give your website and SEO a boost for the new year? If you want kick-ass content that's ahead of the game,
contact us to discuss how we can help you take over the world.
