As digital marketing evolves, algorithms change, more tools become available, and some tools even become obsolete, the question “Is SEO dead?” is sure to come up. Therefore, in this post we’ll dig into this discussion and discuss the evolution of SEO, review the latest trends, and attempt to debunk common myths to give you a more informed view of the current status of SEO.
The Evolution of SEO
SEO has come a long way since its humble beginnings. Originally it was all about keyword stuffing and basic link building. However, as search engines like Google have evolved, so have the algorithms that power them. Now search engines mostly prioritize user experience, content quality, and relevance. What this means for SEO experts is that they must drive more advanced SEO strategies that focus on creating value for users. They must be able to generate content that addresses “user intent” instead of just filling their pages with strategic keywords.
Link quality is also now judged. The goal must be to obtain relevant links from reputable sources. This lets search engines know the source can be trusted and is more likely to provide high quality content that will meet user’s needs and expectations.
There are other elements as well that Google values when ranking its sites:
- Technical:
- Aspects like page speed, security, loading, and user experience also factor into rankings
- Proximity:
- Local presence where visitors can look at reviews are critical (i.e. a strong Google My Business profile)
- Relevance & Value:
- You must be able to answer questions visitors are asking as the time visitors spend on a website or the speed with which they leave can help or hurt you
Current Trends in SEO
A
nother reason SEO is far from dead is that it has, and will continue to, evolve with the current trends of online visitors. Below are some of the current trends in play:
- Voice Search Optimization:
- With the rise of smart speakers and voice assistants, voice search optimization is a must. This means understanding natural language, search queries, and content relevance
- Mobile-first Indexing:
- As mobile internet usage has now surpassed desktop usage, Google now considers the mobile version the primary version of the site, and thus more heavily values the mobile version
- Artificial Intelligence (AI):
- AI is changing SEO by making data analysis and predictive insights more powerful so marketers can fine tune their strategies with more precision
Use your questions as your hook or your video headline or both.
Myths About SEO
There are many myths surrounding SEO and its value in getting your website ranked. Below are some of those myths which you can utilize to get a heads up on the competition.
- Keyword Stuffing
- More keywords don’t equate to better rankings. Simply putting your target keywords over and over, without relevance, can lead to a poor user experience
- Quality vs. Quantity of Backlinks
- A few quality backlinks is more valuable in the Google’s eyes than a large volume of low relevance backlinks from low relevance sites
- SEO is a One-off
- In reality SEO requires ongoing updates and adjustments to keep up with algorithm changes and trends
- Being #1 or Nothing
- Being ranked lower, but for a large volume keyword can be more valuable
- Google is King
- While Google gets the most traffic, platforms like Bing, Yahoo, and YouTube have large number of users that should also be accounted for
- Performance Isn’t That Important
- Page speed has actually been confirmed as a known factor and is really important on how a page ranks, so it’s definitely worth the time to make your site faster and more efficient
Closing Thoughts
As mentioned in the movie “Moneyball”, the famous line “Adapt or die”, says it all. SEO has adapted to reflect the changing needs of its users, so it’s safe to say, SEO is far from dead. Admittedly, it’s not the SEO of old and is much more dynamic than before. It takes the end user’s needs much more heavily into consideration and what they are looking for in a user experience or wanting to discover (in terms of a question they need answered or subject they need clarity on).
Also important to keep in mind is that SEO is a key part of a successful digital marketing strategy and continues to evolve with new technology and consumer behavior. If you want to tap into the power of SEO, partner with the experts. The SEO experts at nHance Solutions can help you navigate the complexities of modern SEO so your business stays visible and competitive online.
About the Author
Imran Akhtar is the owner of nHance solutions, a digital agency providing high-end web development services, social media management, digital marketing strategies, and maintenance and security solutions. He has an MBA in Marketing from Rice University in Houston, and has over 20 years of experience in the marketing and information technology space.
