WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SEO IN 2021
It's a new year, and that means its time for new SEO strategies and tactics.
So, you probably already know how important SEO is, but a friendly reminder won't hurt.
SEO is forever changing, so staying on top of the game can be challenging.
Listen competition is getting fierce, so you need to set the bar higher.
But don't worry.
Because this post is going to cover everything you need to know regarding SEO in 2021.
From backlinks to user engagement to the most recent Google's Core Web Vitals.
Now, let's dig in.
GOOGLE'S NEW PLAYER IN TOWN - CORE WEB VITALS
Did you know that most of the internet traffic is generated through search engines?
Google changes its algorithm every week, by the time you get used to the change, it already moved on to the next one.
What's more, it doesn't announce these changes. But, this time, Google decided to announce the launch of Core Web Vitals.
Although they haven't stated exactly when (largely due to the pandemic), you can still be ready for when it eventually launches.
As clever as ever, Google isn't wrong when they say vital.
So, what exactly is Google's Core Web Vitals?
Google Core Web Vitals is going to look at three, well, core aspects, they include:
Loading
Interactivity
Visual Stability
Ok, But What Do These Mean?
Loading
Basically, loading is all about how fast your websites loads.
Vistors are ruthless, so ruthless that web developers have come up with "the 3-second rule."
If you don't catch the users attention within 3 seconds, they're gone, maybe forever.
Sure some argue, its 2 seconds some say its 4, regardless that's hardly any time at all! So imagine if your page doesn't load within that time?
Users won't come back, and Google won't like you.
Because, heck, who loves Google more than Google?
Interactivity
How interactive is your website? Both for desktop and mobile.
How easily can visitors navigate through it? These aspects are vital for your search engine rankings.
That's why you need to audit your website constantly.
Using a Core Web Vitals report will give a deep analysis of how your website performs, what's working and what isn't.
Not only that, Google recommends you use PageSpeed Insights. It provides an overview of how real-world users experience your page.
Even better, it will help you with any issues you have.
(https://developers.google.com/... users interact with your website is crucial, and you will be sinning if you ignore it.
Visual Stability
This one is pretty straight-forward. But it's all about your pages being less and less intrusive.
Is it easily clickable, can it easily be navigated through without losing other pages?
The future of the internet is all about visuals and voice recognition (more on that later).
USER ENGAGEMENT AND SEARCH INTENT
If you haven't been focusing on search intent and user engagement, you need to start ASAP.
It's going to be one of the main trends in SEO in 2021.
Look user engagement is nothing new, neither is search intent. However, the difference is the change in user behaviour.
In fact, it changes all the time, 2020 was a big lesson for that.
The pandemic changed consumer and search behaviour rapidly.
Search engines like Google and Bing are where people go when they want to look for something, want a question answered, or learn something.
While you might be providing something of value if it's not what they're looking for its no use.
Please do your research, and be ready to cater to what they need.
Users will love you, and so will Google and Bing.
BUILD YOUR REPUTATION
Reputation is everything when it comes to online businesses.
Bad reviews can damage your reputation for a very long time.
That's why you need to demonstrate expertise, trustworthiness and authority.
Like I said, competition is fierce, and it's only getting fiercer.
You have content, and that's great. But the real question is it providing value?
Can users find the same value elsewhere? If so, you need to up your game.
AUTOMATION IS NO LONGER A THING OF THE FUTURE
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to make a huge impact on how people interact online.
According to research done by DataProt, 37% are already implementing AI. https://dataprot.net/statistic... used correctly, AI can be a powerhouse for your SEO. There are so many benefits to using AI; it can help optimize your digital platforms, enhance your keyword search, and improve your link building opportunities.
It is projected that by 2025, the AI industry will be worth $118 billion.
That's massive! The earlier you get in the game the better.
ITS ALL ABOUT VIDEO AND VOICE RECOGNITION
Staying on the subject of AI, voice recognition is set to be a big trend for SEO in 2021 and beyond.
Here's a little fun fact...
Did you know that today, there are 3 billion voice assistants in use?
https://dataprot.net/statistic... assistants have long advanced since Apple introduced us to Siri.
With Alexa Amazon's Alexa and Google Home, millions of people are already engaging in voice search technology.
And their popularity is only estimated to grow.
Speaking of popularity, video content is booming, and there is no end in sight for the boom. The rise of TikTok is proof that video content is the way forward.
Fun, light-hearted videos that represent your brand is all you need, people love it, and it won't cost you an arm and a leg to do it.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Implementing these trends doesn't mean you should abandon your other SEO strategies.
No, no-no.
Sure backlinks are still important, and you definitely shouldn't abandon them. Keywords also, in fact, anything strategy that is working for you, you should keep. But, it would be best if you also shifted your attention to these new trends.
Because boy oh boy, will they make a difference to your SEO strategy.
Jump on the bandwagon, stay on top of the trends, do your research, cash-in, and get the rankings your business deserves.
