2021's SEO Trends; watch the space!
SEO has been a backbox for many and 2021 is only going to add to the mystery. As the fundamentals of SEO is still being understood by companies of all types, COVID19 has brought about several new drastic changes to the game. Google seems to be desperately introducing several “tweaks” to its algorithm whilst companies like us continue to reverse-engineer every bit of Google’s changes.
However, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is still the best marketing channel. So, to ensure that your business makes the most of it, you need to evolve with the newer trends. Considering what SEO performance means for the growth of profitability in your digital marketing, we have compiled a list of 12 SEO trends to watch out in 2021.
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI)’s role in SEO
Google’s AI algorithm is a prime example of one such AI that plays an essential part in providing Search Engine Results Pages (SERP) results. With the increasing role of AI, you need engaging content that readers are interested in reading.
2. Voice Search
Thanks to popular voice-assistants such as Apple Siri and Amazon Alexa, customers search the internet through voice searchers. Identify longer phrases people use during conversations and fine-tune your content accordingly.
3. Mobile-Friendliness affecting Search Rankings
In 2019, Google rolled out the trend of considering mobile as the primary version for website indexing. Since most internet users today use mobile to search, this year will see in the rise of mobile usability as a prime factor to judge the website performance.
4. Google EAT
Google’s EAT principle: expertise, authoritativeness and trustworthiness is the basis for judging your content’s quality. And these factors will play an important role in determining if your webpage has quality content.
5. Long-Form Content
A State of Content Marketing report states that long-form content of at least 3000 words or more will get your website more traffic and four times more shares. It also provides 3.5x more backlinks compared to 800 to 1200 words articles.
6. Featured Snippets
Google offers brief snippets of your website in the search engine listing. Focus on writing snippets with rich information and even use Google search function “people also ask” for inspiration feature.
7. Improved Predictive Search
Predictive search using Google’s AI-Driven Discover tool will help your website show up as recommendations for potential customers searching for businesses such as yours.
8. Use of Video
Online videos are now the preferred content form for users, and its effectiveness will only increase in 2021. Make sure your videos on YouTube have optimised channel name and the relevant description.
9. Image Optimisation
Images have always worked for supporting content marketing and SEO. Ensure your relevant images are optimised, named and labelled correctly. Add images to your sitemap as well to make it easier for Google to crawl through them.
10. Semantically Related Keywords
Semantic search and intent optimisation apart from focusing on primary keywords will be the key to get better traffic in 2021. Google looks not just for strings of words but also logical relation between them to offer a page rank.
11. Local Search Listing
Optimising your content for your location and area of service is a great way to reach potential customers. Create a Google My Business page with a strong backlink profile to ensure you list on top for related local searches.
12. Data and Analytics
Make use of data and analytics to identify the source of traffic, page load time, indexing, redirects, response errors, etc. This information helps you adjust your SEO strategy and improve your website’s overall performance.
