How SEO algorithms are changing in 2021
As an individual embarking on a journey of SEO exploration, the outlook ahead may seem quite daunting due to thousands of Google algorithm updates released every year.
In this video, Neil Patel talks about the changing nature of SEO in 2021 and what you can do about it to stay on top of things.
The Old Days of SEO When Things Were So Much More Simple
He starts off reminiscing about the old days of SEO. Favourably, reflecting on a time when you could easily add your keywords to the title tag and the main heading of your article. And the results meant you could rank number one in Google. It was so much simpler in those days. Now everything has changed.
However, do not be disheartened. The future of SEO is not dead. It is just changing, so you need to be prepared. It seems commonly observable that your rankings will move up and down with the constant algorithm changes.
Although, if you are doing the right thing, over time, the general trend of your SEO efforts should see your website move upwards. You may have to get used to seeing the seesaw effect with your ranking results. It’s the new normal.
Strive For the Number 1 Results Position, Page One Alone May Not Be Enough
Neil then explains that it is increasingly important to target the number one position in the search results. Why? It is because of the way that results are displayed these days.
But do not fret as it is not the end of SEO as more and more people are coming online, and more and more search queries are being entered. It’s just that achieving the number one position removes the distractions that are currently encroaching on the search results page.
Pay Attention To the User Experience, Think Mobile
The next trend that has been put forward for discussion in this video is the user experience.
Give your consideration particularly to mobile.
Can visitors to your website easily experience your content and get to what they want quickly. Or are they getting frustrated and having to turn to a desktop computer because it’s a better experience for them.
So Neil’s advice is to optimise for experience to win out in the long run.
Target a Niche and Become an Authority on the Topic
Let’s move on to the next trend titled simply “riches in the niches”. Sometimes businesses have large websites covering multiple topics under one umbrella. It can be more effective to break up large websites into smaller, more targeted niches to get better rankings.
It would appear by becoming more specialised in a given area, your efforts, in turn, make you more of an authority on that topic.
You are more likely to go more in-depth into topics in your niche and establishing greater authority.
It’s Not All About Content-Length, Aim For Quality
The next word of advice is to get to the point with your content. The future of SEO is not all about content length. It’s more about whether you can provide the solution to your visitor’s query quickly and effectively.
Don’t obsess about the page length of your content or the keyword intensity. Be more focused on the quality of your content.
Quite surprising for many up-and-coming SEO consultants would be the finding that you don’t need as many backlinks as you may think.
It’s Time To Reconsider Your Backlink Strategies to Master the Future of SEO
Building backlinks could be more detrimental to the growth of your website.
Neil’s advice is to not bother with building backlinks and let it happen organically. Well, at least for the first three to four months since your page has gone active. From there, maybe try some outreach.
Trying this approach can push your pages up in the rankings quicker than link building from day one.
A word of warning never buy backlinks and go against Google’s policy. It’s better to take the slow and steady path to the top.
Having a Successful Brand is Not Everything
Having a successful brand is not enough. Strive to be an authority within your niche.
Spend time on developing your given topic and becoming the expert.
Think Global and Make Time For Language Translations
A final trend is to consider Global SEO. Start having a look at translations and repurposing content for different regions of the world. There is an abundance of markets to tap into that will help your growth. It’s all about being translation proactive and aware.
Some further reading from the Website Library…
So how to go about choosing keywords to rank better in the search engines? See this SEO tutorial video How to Select Keywords for SEO so You Can Rank in the Search Engines.