It’s already June, and you’ve heard a lot of Google and SEO predictions out there. However, there’s so much noise that you may have missed out on some substantial changes, changes that are expected to have a major impact on website traffic.
So let’s revisit some of the key search engine optimization trends that you can’t afford to neglect moving forward. Here are the top 4 SEO actions you should keep your web marketing strategy current.
- Importance of Mobile
Mobile-friendly websites were the result of a search engine algorithm that gave importance to mobile device owners, and since then, it has shown no signs of slowing down. In fact, Google’s Mobile First Index reveals that top priority will be given to the mobile variants of every web page and then desktop browser versions of sites will be considered. Hence, site owners should ensure their mobile site is equal to their desktop version. Even better, your site should have a responsive theme so that your SEO footprint isn’t in danger no matter what device people use to access your site. Still, even with a responsive theme, you should verify that your mobile load times, page speed, and visuals consistently deliver an excellent mobile experience.
- Reshaping of Search Results with Rich Snippets
With Google revamping search engine listings using quick answer boxes and rich snippets (which contain images, videos, etc.), you’ll have to fight for your place by offering relevant, descriptive and visually-rich content above-the-fold. The ideal place to begin optimization is with your schema markup, which tells search engines what your data means (not just what it says). Instead of only placing focus keywords in your HTML tags, be creative and start marking up different forms of content using the instructions posted on schema.org or by making use of schema data markup automation. Tools like Structured Data Markup Helper and the Schema App tool will enable you to get the job done effectively.
- Focus On Long-From Rather Than Keyword-Rich Content
Keyword-rich content has always been an integral part of SEO, but 2017 saw a change in user interaction with this type of content. Those seeking detailed information around a topic of interest have become the key to ending the reign of keyword filled content. This has lead to the rise of long-form blog posts, which are enabling conversations more than ever. While private blog networks are still enough to rank for many of the smaller niches – in 2018, expect the trend to continue as people look for in-depth resources before taking out their credit cards. Sites that recognize the rising demand and engage their users by posting longer content pieces will win big in the end.
- Spotlight On Local Optimization
With the rise of mobile searches, local SEO has naturally become important. Smartphone users, whether on the go or at home, use local queries to discover results related to local businesses, such as office addresses, hours of operation, and more. Also, half of the consumers who performed a local search on a mobile device visited a store within a day, which is much better than the 1 in 3 who searched with tablets/desktops. That means smartphone users with local search intent are already close to making a buying decision – something website owners should anticipate by claiming their local business listings and posting addresses.
SEO is always evolving and requires site owners to stay on their toes. By focusing on these changes, you can put your website in the best position to climb high in the search engine results.
