3 Biggest SEO Trends in 2017
Search engine optimisation (SEO) is essential to B2B Inbound Marketing. However, SEO practitioners are unfairly saddled with a burden that many other marketers are not: the need to constantly adapt to Google’s ever-changing algorithms. Although we might not always predict algorithm changes, we must be able to adapt to them when they occur. Never fear! You can prepare your SEO strategy for all that’s to come by understanding the three biggest SEO trends in 2017.
1. Mobile Continues to Dominate:
When SEO was first implemented in marketing strategies, companies focused primarily on desktop search options. Then, a dramatic shift in SEO needs occurred as more people purchased smartphones and used them for their search functions. Desktop and mobile results used to be considered one and the same - if you were optimising for one, you figured you were covered. However, in May 2015, Google announced that while they would have a desktop index, it would not be as up-to-date or relevant as their new and improved mobile index. Nowadays, if companies are not optimising for a mobile-first world, they should consider themselves out of the race entirely.
2. Voice Search Is On the Rise:
As our first point would suggest, Google users are more on the go than ever before. This new demographic of mobile-first searchers has also come to rely heavily on voice search. Apple’s applications like Siri and the creation of the Apple Watch have made it easier than ever to make vocal inquiries. More recently, Amazon has developed its in-home tool, Alexa, which responds to vocal inquiries. What does this mean for SEO? Practitioners need to be more diligent in creating natural sounding keywords. As people continue to become more reliant on vocal commands, they will expect search results that accurately reflect natural, colloquial enquiries - the type more likely to come up during a voice search.
3. Local Results Are More Important Than Ever:
Discussion of search results brings us to our final point, that local search is more important than ever. When users implement voice commands, they are usually asking for directions, or to find a business near them. “Okay Google, who are my local web designers?” No matter the size or market of your company, it’s considerably easier to build your SEO strategy on trying to receive local hits than it is to try to rank nationally. Hone in on your city and tie your SEO strategy to it. Ranking well for your locality will help you build strong national rankings.
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