The State of SEO in 2017 Revisited
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a form of digital marketing that utilizes online tactics such as content marketing, keyword optimization, and link building to improve a website’s ranking in search engine results. The science of SEO is constantly evolving as algorithms become more sophisticated and web users’ behaviors change. 2017 marks a new turning point for the SEO industry, as the search engine landscape continues to develop and as the need to offer more personalized content grows.
In 2017, SEO is no longer about finding the right key phrase or link; it’s about creating an engaging experience for the user that meets their specific needs. This means understanding the intent behind each search query and providing the user with content that they’ll find helpful and relevant. To that end, search engine algorithms are now focusing heavily on quality content and the user experience. Content that is written for users – not search engines – and is optimized for mobile devices is also being heavily favored.
In addition to creating quality content, the importance of link building can’t be overlooked. Quality links from authoritative sources are a key factor in improving SEO rankings. However, this year marks a shift from the traditional link building tactics to more innovative approaches. Link building is now about earning authority and trust in the eyes of the search engines, which is why it’s important to focus on building relationships with influencers and other authorities in your industry.
Voice search is also having a major impact on SEO in 2017. As voice search becomes more popular, it’s important to optimize content and websites for this type of search. This means content should be written in a conversational tone and focus on long-tail keywords that match natural language. Additionally, optimizing content for local SEO is becoming increasingly important, as more web users turn to voice search to find local businesses and services.
Finally, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in SEO is growing rapidly. SEO algorithms are now able to better understand the intent behind search queries and provide more relevant results. AI-powered tools, such as Google’s RankBrain, are also becoming increasingly popular in helping to optimize content for SEO.
The state of SEO in 2017 is one of constant evolution and adaptation. As algorithms become more sophisticated and users’ needs become more complex, SEO professionals must remain agile and keep up with the changing landscape. The focus should be on creating quality content that is optimized for voice search, leveraging relationships with influencers, and leveraging the power of AI to optimize content for SEO.