5 Cornerstones of SEO in 2019 you can Use to Stay on Top of Search Engines
Adapting to changes in Google’s algorithm is an art search engine optimizers are highly skilled at. As we look ahead to 2019, the following trends are something you’ll want to use in staying above the waves of the marketplace. In the meantime, Google continues to shake things up via algorithm updates. The best move any brand can make is to embrace what comes and adapt!
Mobile-first indexing to rank your site
Google is now using the mobile version of websites to index and rank, on behalf of consumers using smartphones in increasing numbers. Since March 2018, rankings have gradually been modified according to a mobile-first approach. Ensure your site is mobile responsive and adaptable to smartphone screens. It’ll count for a lot on SEO!
Page speed to deliver information fast
Desktop page loading time and mobile page loading time are key ranking features. Evaluate technical code optimization and see it for yourself how long it takes for a page to populate. Fix any issues you discover and reduce the presence of anything that could negatively impact loading speed. We expect to see Google prioritize page speed higher than ever in 2019 as its algorithms continue to seek to deliver the highest quality user experience.
Online brand reputation actually counts
Brand authority is something you should monitor. Unlinked brand mentions on your website and others is a positive strategy. The way the algorithm interprets the context and sentiments surrounding your brand also count. As an action plan moving forward, build a steady stream of backlinks slowly over time to help with brand mentions. Also, engage happy customers, resolve complaints, and utilize influencers to make mention of your brand.
General Data Protection Regulation
GDPR was passed in the EU which was designed to regulate who owns the data created in interactions online. According to GDPR, corporations no longer own this data – it’s the user who does. Thereby, every website must comply with this regulation if they’re international. Accordingly, any personal data collected expires twenty-six months after it was collected. If you have European customers or plan to expand to Europe, you must update your privacy policy.
Amazon Search for eCommerce search
Amazon’s internal search is the first place 56 percent of online shoppers go when they shop eCommerce. Among those who don’t shop Amazon first, over half of them will do some comparison shopping after the fact. What this tells us is that Amazon search is a powerhouse in eCommerce. If you’re selling product on Amazon, optimizing for their search is pretty important. If you’re not already selling on Amazon, you may be missing out on a significant amount of sales. Remember to do your keyword research, optimize title and description, use high quality images, and monitor customer reviews, addressing any complaints as they present.
2019 is going to be another yet filled with new consumer behaviour and changes to the Google algorithm. If you want to be successful with SEO, you’ll now need to keep an eye not only on Google but also the chat happening around Amazon’s search and GDPR. As experts, we know how to maximize your SEO. For more information on how to launch an SEO campaign for small business, speak with a representative at Unlimited Exposure!
