SEO in 2021-2022: A Few Important Reminders to Keep You on Top

Sometimes, working in the SEO and web content industry may seem like a cycle of appeasing the algorithm gods of Google. Many of the SEO-related work online might end up moot in just a few months. It seems that everything we make has to adjust through the Google quality lens. However, it is important to remember that Google’s systems dictate these changes based on the experiences of the user. 

Search rankings now carry even more factors to be considered because of customer search activities. Today’s SEO best practices will be different by next month or in two weeks, depending on Google search-related trends. When you stay close to the SEO information loop, you’ll get used to the ever-adjusting dynamic.

We’re here to remind you what still works and what changes you need to make.

Optimize the SEO Approach

SEO will be a confusing process for those who don’t follow the industry closely. It requires being updated on the latest online search protocols. You’d think it’s all about the right keywords, but that’s no longer the case. Keyword use now needs optimizing. That, and your SEO approach will need updating.

It now involves learning more about who your customers are and what they are searching for.
The more popular your product or service is, the more you need to stand out in their searches. You need to ask yourself what other specific conditions, elements, and variations are at play.

By being more specific and adding other search terms, you can hit your target markets better. Longer search strings that carry other related keywords work better. More keywords with relevant additions in the string are now the norm on many searches, so capitalize on these.

Use the Right Keywords

Use other keywords related to your niche or business. You have to do some keyword research and be more specific. Unless aliens abduct all online competition, you have to remember that your keywords may lead you to your competition if you are not specific.

Seventy percent of searches today are comprised of at least four or more keywords. People are being more specific and including more custom info. Longer search strings help your presence get better rankings online.

For example, let’s consider the keyword “dog food.” You can get a hundred thousand results from the bigger brands and the popular sites. You don’t stand a chance among these bigger players.

But let’s say we hack the keywords more to fit the narrow terms. Dog food for bulldogs in X city or organic dog food for bulldogs in X city. These additions are now very specific keywords, including location and variations that can all match your business or brand.

This is where local SEO is involved. Use it to tie in your location to specific user searches.

Maximize Your Business Location

Businesses that own a physical store and have an optimized site perform better using their location and local SEO strategies. About 76 percent of online searchers that used a location keyword went to the store that same day.  28 percent made an actual purchase. Their searches are not only more specific, but they have to be the nearest location.

You’ll often find search strings with specific towns and cities added or the word combinations “nearby” or “near me.” Location is key in real estate and SEO real estate. Use this key addition to SEO and make it work for your physical store as well.

In addition, update your Google My Business data with up-to-date location and contact details. Searches that put specific and general locations in their search will help connect you to customers in your area. If you have any Google ads, you can use this same tactic to show up on location-related searches.

Prioritize Site and Search Rankings

Yes, we have to remember Google site rankings and site performance metrics. But don’t forget that getting the top spots in searches is still a priority. That’s the goal of a website, and these other reminders can help you achieve this.

In addition to using SEO, you can use Google ads for products and Google local services ads to promote your businesses. Both services will place your direct ads on the top search spots. You can even track customer behavior since these ads are PPC or pay-per-click or pay-per-lead.

The better your ranking, the more organic clicks you receive from online searchers. Google’s number one spot gets around 32 percent of the clicks, which is everyone’s goal. As always, your optimization work has to include the mobile crowd. They still dominate the share of customers who check out your sites.

Always Consider the Mobile Crowd

If you haven’t pursued mobile site optimization, now is the perfect time. Over 52 percent of online traffic comes from mobile users. Google will even test you for mobile site presentation. Even if your content is well done, your quality scores will still drop if mobile users do not have a decent user experience on your website.

You need to use a responsive website design that allows users to access the site from any device. This ensures your ability to capture more of your audience.

Adapting to the Future of SEO

Mobile phones are driving some of the changes in SEO. New developments in existing technology are allowing users to do more and more things. Voice searches on smart devices are now also connected to SEO. 

To date, 75 percent of voice search results will appear in the top three Google search results for the same keywords. Like other SEO tactics, adjustment and adaptability are key factors. Whatever development voice searches have in the future will involve SEO for voice search keywords.

To hit voice searches, you’ll need to tweak your site a little. On top of site loading speed and website optimization, you need to make your site secure with an SSL certificate. It will allow your site to use HTTPS format, making it easier to process secure voice searches.

Sites are already starting to engineer content for voice SEO. It involves different standards for keywords that are not somewhat different from current keyword-building techniques.

Conclusion

SEO is constantly growing. It comes with dynamic changes and many new things to explore. The customer’s search is always the root of these results. And you will get better results when you always adapt to changes in the field. The main idea is to continue ranking high using and capitalizing on the system to your benefit. 

The internet is an ever-changing space. The technology behind it is evolving at a faster rate than ever before. Your business can remain competitive if it stays on top of these trends and adapts.

We at The Stack Group continue to evolve with every advancement in SEO. It is an important commitment. We create websites that adapt and stay dynamic. If you want better online success, call us today to get affordable SEO services for small businesses.