When it comes to SEO or search engine optimization, it is really all about staying one step ahead of everyone else. Being aware of the changes that are happening is one of the best ways to do this. Before the competition has a chance to take a breath, adjust your strategy for SEO and content. Know what changes are coming up in 2017. This way, you will stay ahead of the game no matter what.
Blurred SEO Lines
To a certain degree, it has always been important to generate good user experience. Sites that load quickly and are able to load into mobile devices are already favoured by Google. When users spend more time on a page, it is clear that the experience is enjoyed by users. This is important to Google and may take over SEO or at the very least, blur the lines in the coming years.
The Secret Weapon of Personal Branding
For many years now, an SEO core strategy has been personal branding. When you have a personal brand, it is easier to drive traffic to your site, build trust with users and secure guest posts. On the other hand, there have been very little brands that have used this in their optimizing efforts. Now that individual posts are being favoured over brand posts with algorithm refinements by Facebook, you will soon see how personal branding will take over. More competition and more opportunities will arise so don’t forget to get on that same bandwagon to get ahead.
Algorithm Changes
Late last year Google RankBrain was released and this opened the door to algorithmic learning of the machine. This functions as an extension of Google Hummingbird and learns how conversational queries are phrased by users. There is then an automatic update that happens on the algorithm. As the years speed by, Google will most likely release more updates for learning and we may even begin seeing marketing automation and data interpretation along with machine learning in all areas soon.
Dense Content will Dominate
Comprehensive coverage of a topic is soon going to replace all the fluff you see online. The market is of course flooded with all types of content, including both these kinds. The coming years are sure to bring with them the rise of dense content that have very little fluff and longer, more epic information.
AMP’s or Accelerated Mobile Pages are on the Rise
AMP stands for Accelerated Mobile Pages and these are protocol open sources allowing webmasters to create instant mobile loading capability on any device. In other words, your site will be able to load using 8x less data and 4x faster with just a few structural changes. Sites that have AMP activated are starting to be favoured by Google. More and more brands will be sure to use this option in 2017, and you should too.
Knowing the different trends that are coming up in 2017 and in the coming years can only keep you ahead of the SEO game.
