Photo via Tom.Bricker
Search Engine Optimization (or as the hipsters are calling it, “SEO”) is an unending process. It is constantly changing its course and re-defining itself to fit the demands of the Internet users. What we use now in the present is sure to change as the 2013 approaches.
Any and every small business owner today knows or should know that they can compete with larger companies by means of improving online business and selecting the proper strategies through SEO. Since the boom of the internet, it is clearly the most significant strategy to compete in today’s modern world. In order to compete, one must be as prepared as possible for what they may encounter.
One of my favorite quotes: “The best preparation for good work tomorrow is to do good work today”- Elbert Hubbard
With that being said, my goal is to prepare you for what is coming. This is dependent on whether the Mayans were correct or not. All jokes aside, let’s see what SEO can expect in the year 2013.
Search will yield quality
Unlike the past times, search engines will now produce answers to the Internet user’s query, based on the quality of the web pages. The quantity might be less, but the quality of the search as well as the web pages found, would not be compromised.
The search will be instantaneous
The web users are already familiar with Google instant search, which sometimes yields results even before a user even finishes typing in their query. The search procedures through the search engines will be faster, almost as if the engines have developed a sixth sense.
Page ranking will lose its significance
The page rankings and referrer keywords will lose their significance, slowly but steadily. The updated web pages, those focusing on the recent events, and paying attention to the social demands, will draw more Internet users.
Changes In Algorithms
According to my research and talk in the Internet marketing community, many noticed that the SEO commenting system took a big hit with the Google updates that started in early 2012. This shut the door on a lot of opportunities but also opened the door for as well, it really all depends on how you look at it. Since comments no longer carry weight like they used to in Pre Panda & Penguin the idea of spamming comments to boost your internet presence is no longer viable. This is good and opens the door for some because no longer are you competing with those who use this method (the silver lining).
HTML 5 And Responsive Design
Smart phones, tablets and phablets have kicked the doors down on mobile search. Thus meaning if you are not showing mobile browsers a mobile version of your site or have a site that has responsive design you are losing out on this market. I hate to say it, but eventually mobile web browsing and searching will overtake desktop searches one day.
The Use Of Display Ads
Did you know that display ads grew15% over the course of the last year? This suggests that display advertisements should be something worth looking into especially as digital video is being watched online more and more. In 2013 you will find that more television shows and movies will use the Internet as a distribution method, which will in turn expand the number of advertisement spots available for businesses.
That’s my 2 cents on the trends of SEO in the near future. Remember, it’s better to be prepared, because I don’t believe in the word “luck”- especially when it comes to internet marketing. Good luck and get prepared for the New Year so that your 2013 is profitable and successful.
