The way people engage with media is constantly evolving because of innovative technology and creative marketing. This evolution filters through to SEO.

The way people search for content online has radically changed since the inception of the internet. Understanding these trends not only helps you stay ahead, it also protects you from shifting regulations.

At SEO Consulting, we tracked the SEO landscape over this past year. Here is a look at what we found so far.

2. Google’s SMITH Algorithm Changed The Shape Of Landing Pages

Remember your local search listings more than ever before. Zero-click searches are on the rise and show no signs of slowing down. Top answers now give users the answers they’re looking for directly in the SERP. Fortunately, the data indicates that most of these zero-click searches are local. Set up a Google My Business account and build a strong backlink profile. Local is better these days, so be sure to up your zero-click SEO game

3. Mobile SEO Is Getting Bigger

The switch to mobile is impacting the SEO landscape in a massive way. You want your mobile rankings to match, if not outperform, your desktop rankings. The only way to make that happen is to ensure you include it in your marketing plan. While desktop isn’t obsolete as yet, the shift to mobile is ongoing and significant enough to warrant a separate SEO strategy.

4. SEO Strategies Must Include Image and Video Components

YouTube is having a huge influence on the way people search for content. If someone wants to know how to make something, they might head straight to YouTube without even asking Google first. Adding a video component to your SEO strategy is crucial if you want to boost your rankings and conversions. Make sure the videos you create use your target keywords and embed that video on your website. Use compelling images to keep engaging users for longer.

5. The User Is Number One And Core Web Vitals Matter

Remember that there is more to SEO than word counts and keywords. The context matters. The users matter the most. Give users interesting graphics and videos to draw in their fractured attention. SEO is where it all starts, but you must create content that keeps users there once they land on your website. Do intelligent research for keywords that people are using. Learn from your competitors and then create content that’s one step ahead.

From May of this year, Core Web Vitals became a crucial consideration. Your website must provide an excellent user experience to boost your search engine rankings. This means your pages must load quickly, and you should definitely have a mobile-friendly site. Simple mobile navigation is particularly crucial if you want a spot in the SERP Top 10. Making your users feel like they are number one is a surefire way to boost your rankings.

6. Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS) Is A Vital Consideration For SEO Advertisers

Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS) brought one of the most significant changes to the SEO landscape in 2021. This happens when the content on websites almost glitches and results in random clicks. Google started including CLS in ranking data, so marketers must keep an eye out for this. It will impact search results.

7. Focus On Creating Buyer-Centric Content

It’s clear from this list that there are a lot of algorithm shifts taking place within Google. While you must stay up-to-date with these trends, it’s important to always consider the user and keep content buyer-centric. You want to move away from “Pick Me!” sales content and start generating content that’s informative and makes users want to read your other copy. Solve their problems rather than create more confusion. Many SEO consultants spend too much time focusing on the rankings and less time creating content that people want to read.

8. Trends In Voice Search Are Worth Following

As AI like Alexa and Siri continues to grow, so will the trends in voice search. Researchers are already using conversation sampling to develop AI that can answer our questions before we even knew we wanted an answer. It’s going to drastically change the way SEO operates. Efficiency is the goal of technology, which is exactly why voice search is worth watching.

Wrapping Up

The SEO landscape is continually evolving and staying ahead of the changes is crucial for any business. SEO Consulting found these nine trends had the most impact on the marketing world thus far. Users want content that focuses on their needs and not on ranking boosts. Video and image content, particularly when it comes to searches, will significantly increase your rankings as more people search straight through YouTube or Google Images.

SEO Consulting has years of experience in helping companies build their online presence to reach the top search engine rankings. Contact us today, we’re happy to answer your calls and get that traffic to your site.