Did you know that Google uses more than 250 ranking factors in their algorithm? Do you also believe that Google would affect the natural search landscape?
SEO is changing now and then. It is a challenge to implement and keep up with all the changes. I believe that a change is inevitable. To survive, gain an edge.
What can we expect out of SEO in 2021? Which changes will impact the industry? Which trends are emerging?
Search Engine Optimization services must be managed creatively to get a higher ranking. Some say there are many factors to consider. What if we told you that adopting only a few factors can ensure the SEO of your website?
Top Factors for Search Engine Optimization (SEO) in 2021
Search engine optimization effectively attracts consumers to your online platform – if used in the right manner. SEO is c. So, to remain on the top is a challenge.
To find out the top 6 factors for search engine optimization in 2021, dive right in.
Page Experience
As of May 2021, expect that Google labels the page experience signals as a ranking factor.
SEO leaders have stated that what’s good for the user is good for SEO. This phrase is still true today.
Page experience is the way how users feel when they visit your page. A multitude of attributes affects their experience. Safe browsing, mobile-friendliness, and HTTPS are some of these.
It works within the page experience framework and has existed for decades. But, it has been more institutionalized as a factor for SEO optimization.
Google is also introducing Core Web Vitals by the mid of 2021. These are user-centric metrics to examine the quality of the user experience. Some metrics include visual stability, interactivity, and loading speed.
Earn Featured Snippets
Landing a featured snippet can help in gaining an advantage over other websites.
It can enhance the visibility of the website.
Featured snippets appear at the top of search engine result pages. It’s the rectangular box that appears when searching on Google.
It not only grabs attention and benefits users but also aids websites in attracting traffic.
Featured snippets are the future of SEO optimization. To get in the featured results, answer specifically in bullet points. Well-structured content can be beneficial.
Artificial Intelligence
AI is influencing most industries. Similarly, it is affecting SEO optimization and marketing too.
AI offers personalization. Google is also utilizing AI to provide its users with better results for their searches.
But how can artificial intelligence help in search engine optimization services?
Understanding the algorithms of search engines is highly challenging. Web designers would take years to understand these. Besides, the strategies rely on these algorithms. SEO experts highlight the importance of AI utilization.
It can be a game-changer for SEO in the coming years.
AI can aid in decoding the algorithms. It can also facilitate the development of favorable strategies and tactics. HubSpot is one of the companies offering AI-based solutions. They help companies with their SEO efforts.
Influencer SEO
Influencers have followers who may become customers if they promote any product or service.
Influencers earn the trust of their audience over the years. If they come forward to support or promote any brand, it supports the ROI growth. 90% of the marketers globally have advocated that returns from influencer marketing are better than any other marketing method.
To supplement your SEO strategy choose the right influencers. Every influencer cannot help your brand. So, choose wisely. Consider the audience you want to target.
Influencer marketing facilitates SEO in the following ways:
Link building – Back-links are crucial for rankings; quality back-links can be created by taking help from influencers.
Brand engagement and visibility – Influencers are aware of what their followers like and dislike. So, they create content accordingly. Its unique, helpful, and valuable.
Voice Search
Google reports that 27% of the global population is using voice search on their phones. Also, ComScore stated that more than 50% of smartphone users are taking advantage of voice search technology in 2020.
Most voice search queries are very specified but long-tail. Web users look for specific answers to their queries using voice search. Such users are in the consideration phase of the funnel process. They are more likely to convert.
So, help them out.
More people are opting for voice search, so voice search optimization is growing with time. It is expected to trend in the future.
Website Structure
The importance of website structure can never go outdated.
Your website structure demonstrates the most important pages of your website to the search engines.
It clearly means that you can priorities your content rankings based on your site structure.
Bad and complex site structure simply drags your visitors away from your website without taking any further action hence increasing the bounce rate and decreasing your chances of ranking higher.
As Google is continuously updating its algorithm, they are placing more importance on user experience.
So, an effective site structure contributes to both a better user experience and higher search engine rankings.
Make your site structure as simple as possible also make sure your main pages or content in the navigation header.
Keyword Search
For decades, keyword search has grabbed attention. In 2021 and the coming years, keyword research is expected to become more essential.
More than 50% of searches, approximately 175 billion searches per month end without any click. These are zero-click searches.
The featured snippets, Google business listings, and related questions and answers have made it easier for consumers to get answers without clicking on any webpage.
All this relies on the fact that your website content consists the keywords based on the searcher’s intent. SERP advancements and augmenting competition have highlighted the need to invest in keyword research.
It can drive traffic and improve ROI. To achieve this, focus on the following strategies:
Find long-tail and targeted keywords for your business
Focus on the intent – analyze SERP for the keywords.
Be patient when finding keywords that manage and improve your ranking. It would generate revenue for you.
Trends to Look Out For
Some of the trends to look out for in 2021 are presented below:
- Long-term content aids in improving search engine rankings.
- Predictive search is improving.
- Mobile-friendliness is influencing search rankings.
- Effective SEO strategy must include videos.
- Featured snippets are gaining attention.
- Image optimization is crucial.
- SEO strategies are influenced by local search listings.
To drive traffic in 2021, the following SEO trends can be leveraged:
- Google’s BERT
- Video marketing
- EAT and branded SEO
- Originality of content
Final Thoughts
2021 should be the year to build reputation, increase engagement, manage reputation, and build scalability.
Every year, Google introduces changes in its algorithms. New trends emerge that had not been predicted before.
So, keep up with the news to stay on top of the game. Identify the emerging trends in the upcoming years, and stay prepared accordingly.
Get creative with your search engine optimization services. Focus on changing. SEO is rapidly evolving. What worked a few years ago will not work today. For example, content syndication was a profitable SEO tactic in the past. Now, archaic tactics bring Google penalties.
It is imperative to keep up with the emerging trends. Experiment with new strategies. Take risks, and do not be scared of testing new tactics. Prove that your experiments work.
