SEO is in a continual state of transformation. Searchers’ habits, search engine algorithms, search optimization techniques — they change all the time. SEO is dynamic and those who understand this and keep working on optimizing their websites will claim the top search engine rankings.
This week, we’ll be focusing on the key SEO trends for next year based on the developments we’ve seen this year on the web.
• Google+ Integration Will Become More Important
Google+ has already been integrated into search results: Google+ posts are quickly picked up and pluses are also promoted by search engines (Google at least). In 2013, Google’s social media platform is set to become even more important. So much so that even those search engine marketers who until now focused exclusively on Facebook and Twitter cannot afford not to use it.
• Press Releases Will Boost Credibility More than Other Types of Content
In terms of value, genuine press releases have surpassed content published on article directories. But for many websites, press releases are just as important as blog posts. That’s because they serve two purposes at the same time.
First, they feed media channels fresh information, which search engines pick up easily. Second, they convert targeted traffic, directing prospective customers to product pages.
• Video Optimization Will Become Necessary
More and more companies use YouTube videos. They do it to provide insights into their operations, introduce their staff to customers, provide practical how to guides, and promote their hottest products and services.
YouTube has become one of the world’s leading search engines. You cannot ignore that. To do effective video marketing next year, pay attention to the titles, descriptions, categories, and channels you use for your videos.
• Pinterest and Other Visual Social Networks Will Become Increasingly Valuable
Users and search engines just love them. They feature loads of high-quality, fresh content. They are also well designed and well optimized for search engines. Pinterest is different from Facebook or Google+, which means that even if you use the latter two effectively you should not ignore it.
• The Focus Will be on Organic Search Marketing
PPC campaigns will still bring in many customers to many websites, but organic SEO will likely have higher conversion rates. It will be the most effective long-term strategy in terms of both sales and price, as Google algorithm updates will continue to push fresh websites packed with original, useful content to the top of the rankings.
In conclusion, if you want Google, Bing, and other search engines to rank your website well next year, invest in onsite SEO and social media marketing through Pinterest and Google+ (alongside the social networks you’re already using). Also, don’t forget to optimize your videos and create press releases that are worth reading.
That’s about it for now. See you soon with more tips and trends!