To make the most of your SEO and stay ahead of the game, keep an eye out for the newest trends and advances coming from the SEO industry. The world of business is a game, and any entrepreneur that wants to last and be successful has to take advantage of every tool at their disposal. SEO just happens to be one of the most valuable tools around.
Search engine optimization or SEO is the lifeline of every online business, so it can either keep you strong or kill you. At first glance, it seems moderately easy to master. However, the involved algorithms and search patterns fluctuate constantly which means optimizing your site becomes an ever-changing and increasingly complex vortex that you need to stay in control of.
One of the best ways to gain and subsequently keep your competitive advantage is to watch these changes and keep an eye out for new trends in the SEO world. The more you know, the better you can switch up your campaigns to match the latest reality in the online world. 2018 is almost here, and there are a few trends and changes that are already highly anticipated and likely to change optimization for you.
1. Increased quality content and density
You are not the only one who has noticed that different websites display similar content with slightly altered wording; the search engines have noticed this trend too, and they are not too happy. The long-form detailed guides covering topics extensively addressed this issue; however, it seemed, there was no happy medium. People either have to read the same regurgitated content that has been shown on countless different sites over and over, or they have to endure long, tedious and drawn out content that makes epic novels seem like a short story.
The happy place, therefore, lies in density. Content density refers to the quality not quantity and the text contains excellent “per word value.” A 3,000-word article on the intricate details of online marketing can still hold very little value per word. Smaller content with high value per word can deliver more precise and more usable content. Denser content that is more focused on the topic is of higher value to a reader and does not waste their time. The same points and ideas can be delivered in 300 words and will not scare readers away.
2018 is going to be a year where denser content becomes the priority, and this is beneficial for users and website designers. Denser content will attract more readers, so your site can gain popularity by supplying more density. Content has to change to meet the needs of the population, and with their attention spans decreasing with every year, content needs to get shorter and more to the point.
2. Increased use of personal branding
Personal branding is a very useful tool that has helped many of the multi-million entrepreneurs out there to reach their success. Think of all the big YouTubers out there. Without personal branding, they would not be names that you know so well, and they did it without selling an actual product. Personal branding benefits more than just YouTubers.
“An established personal brand allows you to grow your business and gain success. You can simplify the process of securing guest posts, boost user trust and engagement and additionally bring more traffic to your site.” states Michael Stringer, an online marketing consultant at Edmonton SEO Guy.
Given the proven success of personal branding, it is s shock to see that so few companies employ this tactic. That being said, it is not likely to continue this way as organizations begin to realize the power behind personal branding.
3. User experience will become integral
Over the years, the expectations of internet users have increased, and people are becoming less and less satisfied with the speed and reasonably simple to navigate sites. They are demanding almost instant loading of information and navigation you can quickly do with your eyes closed. Because of this, SEO is now integrating UEO or user experience optimization.
Search engines like Google, show a strong preference for sites with fast loading times, mobile optimization and indicators that users are enjoying their overall experience. Enjoyment is typically measured through low bounce rates and higher averages of time spent on a page. And these are now as important as standard SEO indicators.
To reach and maintain a high search engine ranking in the upcoming years, you need to invest in your users’ experience. Look into making the necessary tweaks to improve your site’s speed and navigation and add mobile optimization. If you need to perform a complete overhaul to implement responsive design and new hosting, consider it a necessary investment. You will see a high return.
Being an entrepreneur requires paying attention to the market and industry you are in. You have to be aware of changing trends and tailor your company to fit in, or else you get left behind. With the reliance on the Internet these days, SEO is critical to the success of any business, so entrepreneurs must pay close attention to trends and advancements in this field. Failure to do so will result in decreased rankings, which means nobody finds your page. Start with the three upcoming trends discussed to get you back in the game and then do what is necessary to keep your place in the entrepreneurial race.
