3 Big Changes Coming To SEO This Year

Search Engine Optimization (or “SEO”) is in constant flux. Google, Bing, Yahoo! and the other search engines are constantly tweaking their formulas and spider bots to optimize results and listings. This constant updating means that you must remain alert to stay ahead of the trends. Keep the following three big changes in mind when looking at your SEO this year.

Mobile-first websites

You cannot escape the inevitable deluge of “mobile-first” marketing tips. Studies say that mobile search is growing and has or will soon overtake desktop searches. A study commissioned by Google found that people spend over 15 hours a week researching on their smartphones with search being the primary starting point. The study found that 73 percent of mobile searches triggered a follow-up action. These actions included opening an application, browsing the products and purchasing a service.

In response to these findings, in April 2015, Google tweaked its algorithms to give priority to mobile-friendly websites. The mobile-first movement is still in its infancy, which gives you the opportunity to define your company’s place and website within it. There may come a time when marketers may not even purchase advertising space on a website that isn’t mobile-first.

Google will further boost the preference for mobile-friendly sites starting this month, May 2016. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a rough and tumble business arena. However, it is absolutely critical that your company does not get left behind. Hopefully, you have already optimized your website for mobile search, but if you haven’t, now is the time.

The growing importance of conversational tone

It may come off as less professional, but conversational language is set to dominate the search landscape thanks to voice search. Siri, Google Now, Cortana and the other voice assistants have created an entirely new way to search the internet. In concert with the growing importance of mobile, voice search is also increasing. People are using their voice assistants to find everything from cooking ideas to directions and movie times.

As voice search becomes more popular, so do Search Engine Optimization (SEO) preferences. Voice search lends itself to a more conversational tone, which means that these searches tend to prioritize conversationally-toned content. You can take advantage of this by optimizing your websites around clear definition statements like concise explanations and questions.

People do not voice search a list of key terms, they typically type out a question or phrase. Take this into consideration as you tweak your website to boost your Search Engine Optimization (SEO).

Content, content, content

The debate is over, good content is good SEO. Google is continually tweaking its algorithms to prioritize good content over black-hat strategies and loopholes. You can’t rely on the placement of a few keywords or phrases to reach the top of the search listings. The only way to truly get to the top is through a comprehensive content marketing strategy.

According to the Content Marketing Institute, 85 percent of business to business marketers use content marketing to generate leads. Moreover, 83 percent of consumers use content marketing to make purchasing decisions. Google algorithms are becoming more sophisticated every day; Don’t rely on old tricks to drive your marketing strategy.

Does your website need Search Engine Optimization (SEO)?

UCI Digital offers a variety of services including content marketing, SEO, email campaigns and more. Give us a call today at (806) 553-5332 or Contact Us by email for more information. You can also visit us in person at 1000 S. Adams St. in Amarillo, Texas. Be sure to check out the other various services we offer to help push your business to the top!