Keeping Up With the Evolution of SEO
Is search engine optimization (SEO) still relevant in 2019? Of course!
If done correctly, SEO makes it easier for search engines to find your content, improving your search ranking and driving more traffic to your website.
But as search algorithms change over time, so must your strategy. Refresh your SEO with these four tips.
1. Create useful content.
In the past, keyword stuffing and link schemes were enough to improve your search rankings. Fortunately for consumers, that’s changed.
Thanks to Google’s 2011 Panda update, spammy content is now penalized, and relevant content that provides value to readers is rewarded.
Tip: Instead of counting every keyword, focus on providing helpful content.
2. Optimize around semantic keywords.
If the Panda update didn’t kill keyword stuffing, the 2013 Hummingbird update certainly made the practice obsolete.
This update gave more weight to the meaning and intent of query language, rather than the mere appearance of key terms and phrases. Content that uses key terms and phrases to provide actual value now has a competitive edge.
Tip: Consider the intention behind searches. For example, if a user searches “computer,” are they hoping to buy a new one or get their current computer fixed?
3. Think local.
The 2014 Pigeon update aligned Google’s web and local search algorithms, improving distance- and location-based ranking parameters. It also made it important for businesses to show local intent with their content with conversational, location-based keywords and phrases.
Tip: If it’s applicable for your business, create some content for your website that reflects the area you serve.
4. Make mobile optimization a top priority.
In 2015, mobile search queries surpassed desktop search queries on Google. Today, Google uses mobile-first indexing to index and rank web content.
That means Google looks at the mobile version of your website first when determining the most relevant search results for a query. If your site isn’t properly optimized for mobile, your rankings will suffer.
Tip: Make sure your website is mobile-ready.
Need help updating your SEO? Contact us to discuss how we can help.
