Google is becoming more intelligent with every passing year and the world of SEO is constantly evolving as new algorithms are put into place.
Google likes to keep ranking factors a secret so that people won’t try to manipulate the search results. But every now and then, they let us know what’s happening.
The head of Google Brain of Canada has confirmed that dwell time is now used as a ranking factor.
If you want to rank at the top of the search engines, it’s important to understand and implement the top SEO practices that are trending in 2019.
Top Trending SEO Practices
In 2015, Google announced that it was implementing its machine learning system, RankBrain to help filter results. To put it simply, RankBrain measures user interaction on the search results.
Google has confirmed that RankBrain is now the third most important factor for ranking keywords in the search results.
It can measure how many people click on your link when it shows up in the search results and how long a reader stays on your page after clicking through.
RankBrain will continue to learn and get better at understanding search phrases that the user inputs. You need to make sure that your SEO strategy evolves as well.
We will go over four strategies that you need to put into action if you haven’t already.
1. Great Content
Right at the top of the list is producing great content to keep readers on your site. This means that you need to write content for your readers and NOT the search engines.
Be sure that you research your target audience, so you are producing content that keeps them interested and engaged.
You need to know your audience and understand what kind of content they prefer to consume. If your audience likes video but your site consists of all written text, they won’t stick around long.
2. Site Speed
If your site takes too long to load, users will click right off. This is going to hurt your rankings. Make sure you have good hosting and that your images are optimised properly.
Google announced in July, 2018 that page speed is now a major ranking factor when it comes to mobile searches.
3. Voice Search
As more homes are equipped with voice-activated speakers, such as Alexa and Google Assistant, more attention needs to be focused on optimising your site for voice search. To start, make sure that you anticipate user questions so that your content will be the answer.
4. Mobile First Index
As more people access the internet through a mobile device, Google has turned its focus to mobile indexing. If your site isn’t optimised for mobile in 2019, you are going to suffer in the search results.
Make sure that your site displays correctly on mobile and that all your fonts and buttons are easy to read. Get rid of clunky pop-ups that get in the way of your content.
5. Measure and Read Your SEO Data
If you don’t monitor and check your data, you could be missing out of opportunities. Make sure that your site is connected to Google Analytics and Google Search Console.
You can also use keyword tracking tools to see what keywords are ranking on Google.
Expect Only the Best
It’s important to keep abreast of the best SEO practices and techniques to stay relevant in the ever-changing world of internet marketing and SEO.
If you need a website that uses the most up-to-date optimisation and design techniques, contact us today to learn how we can help. If you already have a website, we can help you to rank higher, increase traffic and get more customers.