The multi-layered world of search engine optimization is constantly evolving. As web developers and SEO experts try to work towards getting a particular website to number one for their favored search terms, the almighty Google decides to change the goalposts and kick out the spammers and bad content. To get your website number one on the search engines, it’s essential you keep up-to-date with the latest changes to Google’s algorithms and the trends of end-users. Here are our top 3 predictions for 2016 that are floating around the SEO sphere at the moment.
1. Mobile, Mobile, Mobile.
If you’ve been keeping an eye on trends in user searches, you’ll have noticed that mobile searches have skyrocketed over the last 18 months. Well, 2016 is the year that mobile searches finally outnumber desktop/laptop searches. Smartphones and tablets will dominate organic, paid clicks and spend traffic. To prepare for this, make sure your entire site is mobile-friendly – every single page. You need your site to work perfectly on mobile as well as on traditional devices. This is relevant for every kind of business out there, especially retail stores and those in the hospitality sector. Make sure you review every aspect of Google Maps, various local reviewing sites, and TripAdvisor to ensure you’re getting the best coverage and correct details for your company.
2. The Rise of Siri, Cortana, and Google Now.
People are using voice searches over the traditional text searches more and more. With people living on their mobiles, everything has to be easily accessible via their tablet or phone. The change from traditional search phrases to questions revolving around ‘Where, Who, What, Why, and How’ means your entire SEO approach is most likely going to have to change. The main aim for those enabling voice searches is speed and simplicity for end-users. How does this affect your SEO? Stay local with it. Complete full listings for all your services and prices and details on your precise location – you’d be surprised how many companies forget such basic info.
3. Google’s Answering Users’ Questions For You.
So you want to know the answer to a question, you type it into Google. Have you noticed how Google has direct answers under the search box? Those aren’t getting anywhere and Google is planning to roll out even more of these to more users’ questions. The rise of mobile searchers means Google’s direct answers suit users’ needs for quick and simple results. What does this mean for you? Well if your business strategy involves presenting openly available data as the main attraction to your site, then Google is now your main competitor. Pretty bad news for weather directories, shopping comparison sites, and phone number/address directories. However, there are some good points to this new phase of Google world – if you’re the answer to the user’s question congratulations! Free promotion from Google. Good old Google also provides direct links to around 3/4 of their sources.
